Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Boxcar Cocktail Recipe
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Boxcar Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0 g
Protein:0 g
Carbohydrates:15 g
Alcohol %:20
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Boxcar is a classic cocktail that was popular during the Prohibition era in the United States. It's a sweet and sour cocktail that's a variation of the classic Sidecar cocktail. The Boxcar is typically made with bourbon, lemon juice, and triple sec, with a sugar rim for added sweetness. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors in their cocktails.
How Boxcar Tastes?
The Boxcar cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet and sour. The bourbon provides a strong, robust flavor, while the lemon juice adds a tangy sourness. The triple sec and sugar rim add a sweet counterpoint to the sourness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Interesting facts about Boxcar
- The Boxcar cocktail is a variation of the Sidecar cocktail, which is made with cognac instead of bourbon.
- The name 'Boxcar' is believed to be a reference to the boxcar trains used during the Prohibition era to smuggle alcohol.
- Despite its Prohibition era origins, the Boxcar has remained a popular cocktail choice in modern times.
Ingredients
- Bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Triple sec: 1 oz(30ml)
- Sugar: 1 tsp
Bourbon
A smooth, rich bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel is essential here. It's the heart of the cocktail, offering a warm embrace that delightfully contrasts with the sharp citrus. Too little, you lose the spirit's character; too much, you're partying with a man's best friend — whiskey burn. If you swap it for another whiskey, expect a different personality at the party: Rye brings spice, Scotch adds smokiness.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
Fresh squeezed is the only way to go — it's like the difference between getting a text versus a handwritten letter. It brightens the drink, gives it that zesty zing. Skimp on it? The drink feels flat. Overdo it? Pucker up, buttercup! Swap with lime juice for a tart twist or orange for a sweeter sip.
Alex Green
Triple Sec
This clear, orange-flavored liqueur is like the friend who lights up the room — it adds sweetness, complexity, and that je ne sais quoi. Less triple sec, and the cocktail might lack character; too much, and it's like sweet orange syrup stumbled into your bourbon. Feel adventurous? Sub with Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a classier kick.
Mary Mitkina
Sugar
Just a teaspoon to kiss the rim, reminding you life's sweet even when it's stirred up. It’s the frosty sparkle on a winter morning — subtle, but enchanting. Forget the sugar rim, and the cocktail loses its finishing charm. Want to get zesty? Try rimming with a mix of sugar and finely grated lemon zest for an extra citrus pop.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Boxcar Drink
- Rim the glass with sugar.
- Combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the sugar-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Make sure to chill your glass before serving for the best experience.
- Don't overdo it with the sugar rim, as it can make the cocktail too sweet.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Spicy grilled shrimp or chicken satay can complement the citrus tones in the Boxcar.
- Cheese platters with aged cheddar or gouda balance the sweetness and acidity.
Main Courses
- Barbecue pork or smoked brisket can match the robustness of bourbon.
- Stir-fried vegetables or a tangy citrus salad can mirror the cocktail's fresh lemon notes.
Desserts
- Lemon tart or key lime pie enhances the citrus profile.
- Rich vanilla custard or crème brûlée provide a sweet contrast to the zesty flavors.
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What you could change in Boxcar
If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute it with cognac or brandy. If you don't have triple sec, you can use any other orange liqueur.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Boxcar
- Replace bourbon with mezcal.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sugar rim.
- Recipe: Rim the glass with smoky sugar, mix mezcal with the traditional lemon juice and triple sec, shake, strain, and pour. The smoky sweetness pairs with the tang, making you feel like you're enjoying a sunset by a crackling campfire.
Spiced Boxcar
- Add half an ounce of ginger liqueur.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon mixed with the sugar for the rim.
- Recipe: Combine bourbon, lemon juice, triple sec, and ginger liqueur. Serve in a spicy-sweet rimmed glass for a zesty twist. It’s a warm, spicy hug in a cool, crisp package — fall in a glass.
Floral Boxcar
- Swap triple sec for elderflower liqueur.
- Add a dash of rose water.
- Recipe: Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and elderflower liqueur with ice; add the rose water, strain, and sip from a sugar-rimmed glass. This twist brings a garden party to your taste buds, romance in every sip.
In case you forgot basics how to make Boxcar
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Boxcar
What is the best type of bourbon to use in a Boxcar cocktail?
The cocktail can be made with any bourbon, but high-quality bourbons with strong, full-bodied flavors are usually preferred.
Can I substitute the lemon juice with another type of juice?
Traditionally, lemon juice is used in the Boxcar to provide a sour balance to the sweetness of the bourbon and triple sec. However, lime juice can be used in a pinch but might slightly alter the final taste.
What's the difference between Triple Sec and Cointreau?
Both are types of orange liqueurs but Cointreau is a premium brand of Triple Sec and is often considered to have a smoother, more refined flavor.
What can I do if I don't have a cocktail shaker?
If you don't have a shaker, you can stir the ingredients together in a large glass or mason jar with a lid.
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