Boxcar cocktail

Boxcar

Sour Glass
Classic
Gin
Sour
Prohibition
Egg White
Dinner Party

A delightful Prohibition-era classic often described as the gin-based cousin to the Sidecar. This cocktail balances the botanical notes of gin with the sweetness of Triple Sec and grenadine, while the egg white provides a luxuriously silky texture and a frothy head.

What it tastes like

The nose offers orange zest and botanical juniper. The palate is led by sweet orange and a brief flash of lemon acidity. The whole egg white produces a dense, velvety mouthfeel. The drink concludes with a mild sweetness and a hint of red fruit.

Flavour profile

Sweet
Strength
Bitter
Complexity

Ingredients

  • Gin1.5 oz
  • Triple Sec1 oz
  • Lemon Juice1 tsp
  • Grenadine0.5 tsp
  • Egg White1 whole

Preparation

  1. 1

    Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.

  2. 2

    Add the gin, Triple Sec, lemon juice, grenadine, and egg white into the shaker.

  3. 3

    Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill the drink and emulsify the egg white.

  4. 4

    Strain the mixture into a chilled sour glass.

Substitutions

  • GinVodka — This removes the juniper and herbal notes, highlighting the citrus ingredients.
  • Triple SecDry Curacao — This adds a deeper, toasted orange flavor and a richer body.
  • GrenadineRaspberry Syrup — This provides a sharper, more natural berry flavor than commercial pomegranate syrup.
  • Lemon JuiceLime Juice — This shifts the acidity to a sharper, more tropical profile.

Variations

Smoky Boxcar

Use a split base of gin and mezcal to add an earthy, roasted quality to the finish.

Elderflower Boxcar

Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral aroma and additional sweetness.

Explore

Gin CocktailsTriple Sec CocktailsGrenadine CocktailsLemon CocktailsGin & Lemon Cocktails
Don't have every bottle? Let Mixolog build one from your bar →
Mixolog Logo
Mixolog

Bringing the craft of the bar home — AI-powered recipes and a curated library of classics.

Quick Links

© 2026 Mixolog Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of Service