Lynchburg Lemonade

The Lynchburg Lemonade is a popular and exceptionally refreshing cocktail made with Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, triple sec, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda. It is a tall, fizzy drink that perfectly marries sweet and sour citrus flavors with the smooth, mellow notes of the whiskey. Served over ice in a Collins or highball glass, it's an easy-to-make and even easier-to-drink cocktail, especially popular during warmer months.
Lynchburg Lemonade

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Lynchburg Lemonade is firmly categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It functions as a refreshing long drink, often enjoyed as a highball. Its simple composition and widespread popularity since its creation in the 1980s have cemented its status in the cocktail world.

Serving

Serve this cold, refreshing long drink in a tall Collins or highball glass filled with ice. Its alcohol content is relatively moderate, making it a pleasant sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins or Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink was created in 1980 by Alabama restaurant and lounge owner Tony Mason. After Jack Daniel's discovered the recipe and began marketing it, Mason sued the company for $13 million, claiming they had stolen his recipe. He won the case, but the jury awarded him only one dollar in damages, acknowledging his creation but not substantial financial loss.
Origin
The cocktail originated in Alabama, USA, in 1980. It is named after Lynchburg, Tennessee, the home of the Jack Daniel's Distillery, which is the signature ingredient of the drink.

Lynchburg Lemonade

The drink is most famously known as the Lynchburg Lemonade, a name trademarked by Jack Daniel's. It is sometimes referred to more generically as Jack Daniel's Lemonade or Tennessee Lemonade, highlighting its key ingredient and regional association. These alternative names are less common but immediately descriptive of the cocktail's profile.
Original name
Lynchburg Lemonade
Alternative names
  • Jack Daniel's Lemonade
  • Tennessee Lemonade

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a dominant citrusy and sweet-sour flavor profile, balanced by the distinct character of Tennessee whiskey. It has a light, bubbly texture and a refreshing, clean aftertaste, making it an ideal summer drink.
Flavor
Citrusy, sweet, sour, whiskey, oaky, refreshing
Aroma
Lemon, lime, orange, sweet, hint of whiskey
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering citrus, subtle whiskey warmth
Fizziness
Lightly carbonated, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale yellow, cloudy, translucent
Texture
Light, effervescent, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a pleasant balance of sweetness and citrus sourness, with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence. Light carbonation lifts the fruity notes, creating a refreshing and easy-drinking experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires Tennessee whiskey, an orange liqueur like triple sec, sour mix, and lemon-lime soda. Using fresh lemon juice and simple syrup in place of sour mix is highly recommended for a superior taste.
  • Tennessee Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Jack Daniel's is the traditional choice.
  • Triple Sec30 ml / 1 oz
    Any orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be substituted.
  • Sour Mix30 ml / 1 oz
    For a fresher taste, use equal parts fresh lemon juice and simple syrup instead.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Sprite, 7-Up, or a similar soda works well.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

Preparation is simple, requiring only a jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon for a gentle stir. No shaker is needed as the drink is built directly in the serving glass.
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon for stirring

Instructions

This is a "build in glass" cocktail; simply fill a glass with ice, add the spirits and mixer, then top with soda. A quick stir is all that's needed before garnishing and serving.
1. Fill a Collins or highball glass with cubed ice.
2. Add the Tennessee whiskey, triple sec, and sour mix to the glass.
3. Top up the glass with lemon-lime soda.
4. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel and an optional maraschino cherry.

Garnishing

A fresh lemon wedge or wheel is the classic garnish, enhancing the citrus aroma. A maraschino cherry can be added for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
  • Lemon wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass
  • Maraschino cherry (optional), dropped into the drink

Dietary Information

This drink is generally suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences as it is caffeine-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. Most distilled spirits like whiskey are considered gluten-free, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count and a relatively high sugar content, primarily from the sour mix, liqueur, and soda. The carbohydrate content is also significant due to these sugary components.
Calories
Averagely 200-250 kcal / 837-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail's refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, barbecues, and picnics. It is also a fantastic choice for casual get-togethers and a reliable happy hour staple.
  • Summer Parties
  • Barbecues
  • Casual Gatherings
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and sour profile of the Lynchburg Lemonade pairs excellently with classic American fare like barbecue and grilled meats. Its refreshing nature helps cut through rich or spicy foods, making it a versatile companion for many appetizers and casual meals.
  • Grilled chicken or pork
  • Barbecue dishes
  • Spicy appetizers
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or nuts

Lynchburg Lemonade: A Refreshing Tennessee Classic

The Lynchburg Lemonade is a quintessential summer highball, celebrated for its refreshing blend of Tennessee whiskey and citrus. Its simple preparation, requiring no special equipment, makes it an accessible choice for both home bartenders and professionals. Born from a disputed origin story, it has become a modern classic, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirited flavors. It's an ideal drink for casual social events, particularly in warm weather.