Whiskey, citrus, and dark cola combine in the tart and tangy Tennessee Tea.
It was a tiny little bar, so small that nobody had bothered to give it a name. It didn’t need one. It was the only place to get a drink for miles… Miles beyond miles, even. The few folks who frequented this place almost felt as if they were just going to another part of their homes, until one day, when a heroic and dashing figure strode in.
He was wearing a leather flight jacket and mirrored aviator sunglasses. Patches adorned his sleeves, suggesting he was some kind of flyer that had served all over the globe. A cocky grin sat sideways on his smacker, and he asked the only young lady in the room for a dance. As they joined together, he kicked the jukebox and the song “The Tennessee Waltz” began to play. They swayed face to face to the romantic and melancholy crooning of Patti Page. The young gal was smitten.
The flyboy whispered he had to go, but nodded to the barkeep to make the little lady a Tennessee Tea so she could remember him as he took to the skies. His plane was right outside, he remarked as he left. Everyone looked at each other, confused. Nobody saw or heard any aircraft landing. Then the sound of coins clinking and calliope music was heard.
Everyone ran to see the young flyer sitting in the little child’s biplane ride outside the pharmacy next door, wiggling his knees in excitement as he almost spilled out of the minuscule amusement. They kept watching for the next few minutes, until the time ran out and the stranger awkwardly climbed out and waddled away, never to be seen again.
What is the best whiskey to use in a Tennessee Tea?
Why, a Tennessee whiskey, of course, what else would we want to use? It’s a rhetorical question, naturally. You can use any rye whiskey or bourbon if you so choose. But I’m kind of a traditional guy, so if we’re making some Tennessee Tea, I’m going to opt for some Jack Daniel’s, Knobel, or maybe even some Daddy Rack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Tennessee whiskey
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce sweet-and-sour mix
- 2 to 3 ounces cola to top
- 1 lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the whiskey, triple sec, and sweet-and-sour mix.
- Shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold and strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
- Top with cola. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon slice.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a rocks or Old Fashioned glass with ice, and once your Tennessee Tea is mixed in, garnish with a fresh lemon wheel on the rim.
What is the best option for sweet & sour mix?
You can always go to the grocery store, hit the mixer section and buy some premade—and very sugary and artificial-tasting—mix. But our Homemade Sweet & Sour mixture is my preferred way to go when making cocktails that require the tart and tangy tastes that come with it.
Similar cocktails to the Tennessee Tea
If winding down after a long week with the Tennessee Tea hit all the right buttons, then you may be in the market for more relaxing and powerful concoctions that are close to it. Let Twist & Toast show you some more inspired and popular recipes that you and your friends can try out the next time an impromptu party begins.
- Lynchburg Lemonade – A taste of Tennessee is provided by some classic Jack.
- Whiskey and Coke – The legendary combo of whiskey and dark cola can’t be beat.
- Texas Tea – A strong mixture of spirits, inspired by another Southern state.
- Long Beach Iced Tea – West Coast vibes are in every sip of this tart and potent potion.
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