Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic24.7% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Citrus Based Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusSweetenerDairy / texture
- 1 1/2 ozGinBase
- 1 ozTriple SecModifier
- 1 tspLemon JuiceCitrus
- 1/2 tspGrenadineSweetener
- 1Egg WhiteDairy / texture
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrain
- In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into a sour glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Boxcar?
- The Boxcar is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 24.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 214 calories.
- What does a Boxcar taste like?
- Boxcar has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet, Lemon, Botanical. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Boxcar?
- Boxcar pairs well with Seafood, Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Boxcar?
- The Boxcar has an ABV of approximately 24.7%. That's approximately 1.55 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 214 calories, 9.3g sugar, 11.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Boxcar typically served?
- Boxcar is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Boxcar?
- If you enjoy Boxcar, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Boxcar at home?
- Yes. The Boxcar uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Whiskey Sour Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Boxcar with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.