A whiskey cocktail for hot summer days, this Whiskey Lemonade is refreshing, sweet and tart with a bit of smoky bite from a warming Tennessee Whiskey.

I first shared my recipe for Lynchburg Lemonade on my friend Amanda’s site.

Whiskey Lemonade Recipe

A couple summers ago, my Strawberry Whiskey Smash was my go-to summer cocktail recipe. It’s basically a strawberry lemonade cocktail and goes down so smooth, you have to actively remind yourself that it has alcohol in it!

I thought it was high time for another whiskey lemonade cocktail – but this one is very different. No mint, no simple syrup and a completely different type of whiskey that brings its own unique character and flavor to the drink. While I usually reach for Irish Whiskey, this lemonade is inspired by the classic Jack Daniel’s Lemonade – and so we’re using a Tennessee Whiskey.

This lemonade cocktail is tart and sweet with a little bit of smokiness from the whiskey. That first sip makes me feel like I’m sitting on a rocking chair in the South and puts me in the mood for some Dolly and Johnny.

As with any cocktail recipe, use a liquor that you enjoy the straight taste of. The smoky sweetness of a Tennessee Whiskey is a main feature of this cocktail, but there are many brands and variations available. I found my favorite whiskeys by attending a whiskey tasting and highly recommend it.

To make a full pitcher of this whiskey lemonade, combine 1/2 cup whiskey, 1/2 cup triple sec, 1/2 cup lemon juice and 4 cups lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.

Why is it called a Lynchburg Lemonade? This whiskey lemonade was popularized by Jack Daniels Distillery which is based out of Lynchburg, Tennessee, but like most cocktails it has a bit of controversy behind it. A bar owner in Alabama invented this cocktail and called it “Lynchburg Lemonade” back in 1980. A year after a sales representative from Jack Daniels visited the bar, Jack Daniels ran a nation-wide campaign sharing the drink’s recipe – swapping out the lemon juice called for in the original version for sweet and sour mix. It was the subject of two court cases – the first won by the bar owner, the second by Jack Daniels Distillery. 

What is sweet-and-sour mix? This bar staple is made with equal parts lemon juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Lemon-lime sodas (like 7Up or Sprite) can be used as a substitute, as long as you add it with a bit of extra citrus, like we did.

Do I have to use Jack Daniels for this recipe? Tennessee whiskey is unique from other whiskeys because the freshly distilled whiskey is filtered over charcoal made from sugar maple trees. This is the distinguishing factor that allows a whiskey to be called “Tennessee whiskey” – even if it’s not actually made in Tennessee! It’s lighter than bourbon and lacks the boldness of some other whiskeys, while adding that hint of toasted maple wood.

While you don’t have to use Tennessee whiskey to make a Whiskey Lemonade, note that the flavor of this cocktail will change slightly based on whichever specific whiskey that you use to make it. (Read more about Tennessee Whiskeys here.)

I often order my liquor from Drizly because they have a quick delivery time (sometimes within 40 minutes) and no expensive mark-ups. Purchasing from them supports local retailers, too. They have a great variety of Tennessee Whiskeys which you can check out here.

Ingredients for Lynchburg Lemonade

• Jack Daniel’s
• Triple sec
• Lemon juice
• Lemon-lime soda
• Lemon slices, optional garnish

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Tip: you can swap the lemon juice for sour mix if you prefer.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful:

• Liquid measure
• Citrus juicer <– I love how easy our glass juicer is to clean and it’s also so pretty!
• Pitcher
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Mason jars
• Cute paper straws
• Ice maker

I really loved using my gorgeous Omishome Bartending Kit to make this recipe. The pretty bamboo holder contains all of the tools you need to make perfect cocktails, and those pretty gold tools add a touch of class to your home bar set-up.

How to Make a Whiskey Lemonade

Using a citrus juicer, juice your lemons and strain to remove any seeds or pulp.

Fill your pitcher or mason jars with ice.

Add all ingredients and stir well.

If preparing ahead of time, add all ingredients except the lemon-lime soda and add that just before serving.

Pin this Whiskey Lemonade recipe for your next summer party:

Grab your free printable for our Jack Daniel’s lemonade cocktail recipe:

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Yield: 1 cocktail

Jack Daniel's Lemonade

Print

A refreshing lemonade cocktail with the mellow, toasted maple flavor of Tennessee whiskey.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 oz Jack Daniel's
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 4 oz lemon-lime soda

Instructions

1. Juice your lemons and strain to remove any seeds or pulp.
2. Fill your pitcher or mason jars with ice.
3. Add all ingredients and stir well.
4. If preparing ahead of time, add all ingredients except the lemon-lime soda and add that just before serving.

Notes

For a full pitcher, combine:

• 1/2 cup Jack Daniel's
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 4 cups lemon-lime soda
• Ice
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Organic Lemons, 2 lb
• 
  Grand Marnier Liqueur, 375mL, 80 Proof
• 
  Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, 750 ml, 80 Proof
• 
  Omishome Complete Bartender Mixology Kit - Elegant Gold Finish Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Set with Bamboo Stand and 6 BONUS Sturdy Stainless Steel Straws - A Superb Bartending Set
• 
  Norpro 5207 2 Cup Citrus Juicer, Clear
• 
  Hamilton Beach 86150 Countertop Ice Maker, Compact & Portable Design, Makes 28 Pounds Per Day, Stainless Steel

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 193Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 21gProtein: 0g

Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.

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This whiskey cocktail recipe is a refreshing summer cocktail that goes down smooth and is perfect for summer parties or tailgating.

For more delicious whiskey cocktails, check out our Strawberry Whiskey Smash or our Classic Whiskey Sour recipe.