Railroad Spike
Railroad Spike is a beloved cocktail, traditional to the United States.
About Railroad Spike
Railroad Spike is a beloved cocktail, traditional to the United States. It is poured at celebrations and quiet moments alike.
🏛️ History & Culture
The origins of the "Railroad Spike" are not firmly established in mainstream cocktail history, and its precise creation remains a matter of local lore rather than documented fact. The name evokes the iconic golden spike that completed the first transcontinental railroad in 1869, but there is no widely accepted account of who first mixed this drink or where. Consequently, its history is genuinely uncertain, and it likely emerged as a regional or niche specialty rather than a nationally standardized recipe.
Because it is not a canonical classic, the Railroad Spike does not have a single, codified regional variation; instead, it may differ from bar to bar, often featuring a strong, dark spirit (like whiskey or rum) and a bitter or sweet modifier to reflect the rugged, industrial character of railroading. Its cultural significance lies in its evocation of American railroad heritage—celebrating the grit, mobility, and frontier spirit—making it a fitting toast at gatherings or quiet moments that honor that legacy. However, outside of specific communities or establishments, its recognition is limited, and its story is more about local tradition than broad national history.
🍳 How to make Railroad Spike
AI-assisted, not kitchen-testedRailroad Spike
A classic American cocktail with roots in late-19th/early-20th century saloon culture, traditionally built directly over ice in a small rocks glass and stirred briefly to integrate.
- Prep
- 3 min
- Total
- 3 min
- Serves
- 1
- Difficulty
- Easy
Recipe ingredients
- 60 ml (2 fl oz) rye whiskey, 100-proof rye is closest to the historic pour; bourbon is an acceptable substitute
- 15 ml (½ fl oz) sloe gin, not a sweetened liqueur; look for a traditional dry sloe gin such as Plymouth Sloe Gin
- 1 whole lemon twist, expressed for oils; discard after garnishing
Steps
- 1 Add the rye whiskey and sloe gin to a chilled small rocks (old-fashioned) glass.
- 2 Fill the glass three-quarters full with large, clear ice cubes.
- 3 Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 10 seconds to chill and lightly dilute.
- 4 Express the lemon twist over the surface of the drink by pinching it skin-side down to release the oils, then rub the rim and drop it in (or discard, per preference).
- 5 Serve immediately, without further garnishes.
Report an issue with this recipe
Recipes from travellers
No one has shared their own Railroad Spike recipe yet. Yours would be the first.
Share how you make Railroad Spike
You'll need to be signed in with Google or Facebook so your name can appear on it. Recipes go through an automatic food-safety check before they publish.
Sign in to share your recipe
✅ Before you go to United States
Round out your trip — most travellers book these alongside their trip.
You might also like
Lobster Roll
Sweet lobster meat piled into a buttered, toasted bun.
Pulled Pork
Smoked pork shoulder shredded and sauced in a bun.
Tetrazzini
Tetrazzini is a beloved casserole, traditional to the United States.
Grilled Cheese
Buttered bread griddled with meltable cheese until the crust is golden and the centre is molten — the American diner classic.
Travel guides for United States
All travel guides →Planning a trip where Railroad Spike is on the menu? These guides cover United States and beyond.
City Breaks New York City on a Budget: How to See NYC Without Going Broke in 2026
May 16, 2026 · 6 min read
City Breaks 3 Days in Seville: The Perfect Long-Weekend Itinerary (2026)
Jul 06, 2026 · 6 min read
City Breaks 3 Days in Budapest: The Perfect Long-Weekend Itinerary (2026)
Jun 06, 2026 · 6 min read
Destination Guides Bangkok Travel Guide 2026: Temples, Street Food and Where to Stay
May 16, 2026 · 5 min read
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience with Railroad Spike.
Write a review
Sign in to verify you're a real person, then share your thoughts on Railroad Spike.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to say something about Railroad Spike.