Whiskey Lemonade

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

If you ever wanted to taste a pairing made in cocktail heaven, you need to make a Whiskey Lemonade.

What is the most famous alcohol that exists? Yes, maybe rubbing alcohol holds that title, so let me rephrase the question. What is the most famous alcohol that exists that you can drink? Everyone has their favorite, and that favorite would probably be their answer. For my money, whiskey is one of those spirits vying for the top spot.

History tells us that whiskey has its origins in Ireland and Scotland, and the tradition of making this popular alcohol thrives today in both countries, as well as all over the world. Some stories claim that early Irish Christian monks traveled to Arabia in 600 AD, and it was in the Middle East that the secrets to making whiskey were discovered and brought back to the Emerald Isle. Growing up with Irish family members, I learned from a young age that this spirit was revered in Ireland for centuries and inspired poetry, songs and plenty of good craic. It’s grand.

Historians and cocktail enthusiasts have read and written about whiskey for decades, filling up books with stories and anecdotes. But I began to wonder about the other ingredient in tonight’s cocktail: Lemonade. Who invented lemonade? In my imagination I always pictured a rotund Southern gentleman in a white suit and hat, traipsing around the bayou with a tall, icy glass declaring “I say, I have just invented the greatest beverage in the history of mankind,” but it turns out I’m way off. Maybe somebody that matches that description had a few too many and laid claim to lemonade, but we’ll never know. What is known however, is that this classic and refreshing citrusy drink has its origins in 12th-Century Egypt.

During this time, the Egyptians enjoyed a popular drink that was made from fermented barley and flavored with mint, black pepper and other local ingredients. Once lemons began to be introduced to that part of the world, another drink evolved into a mixture of lemon water and sugar… the earliest known version of what we today call lemonade.

Two ancient ingredients, brought together to make us happy today. What’s not to like?

Fresh Lemonade or Store-Bought?

This is up to you and what you like. There are simple homemade recipes that only involve 100% lemon juice, water and sugar. Easy to make and adjust to taste, I find making and using fresh lemonade will give your cocktail a flavor you can’t buy anywhere. And there’s nothing wrong with using a store-bought one. Many top brands sell organic and as close to fresh as you can get with squeezing the lemons yourself. Choosing the right style of lemonade for you is all up to your tastebuds.

What is the Best Whiskey to Use in a Whiskey Lemonade?

Oftentimes I’ll tell our readers to go for a good top shelf spirit when making any cocktail. This ensures a smoother experience and a nice mix when everything is put together. The Whiskey Lemonade is no different. There are a number of famous whiskey brands that are easily attained at your local grocery store, or even a small batch rye-whiskey from your favorite specialty spirit shop… any of these will make a fine version of the beverage we’re making today.

What glass and garnish is used for a Whiskey Lemonade?

You can use a rocks glass, garnished with a bright red and juicy cherry on top, or you can go with a tall and slender highball glass to keep your ice cooler longer, and pop a lime wedge on the edge. Both work beautifully with this drink.

Is this the same as a Lynchburg Lemonade?

No, that cocktail includes triple sec and lemon/lime soda for a different and fizzier experience.

Can you use bourbon in place of whiskey?

If you prefer bourbon, mix up your Lemonade with that. The bourbon will bring a little more of a robust flavor as it is traditionally aged in oak barrels, while whiskey has no such requirements.

Similar Cocktails to the Whiskey Lemonade

If this simple and strong two ingredient tipple is just your speed, Twist & Toast will keep you busy with all of our delicious and easy to make recipes. Want more citrusy and tangy drinks to make for your next party? Check some of these cocktails out below:

• Vodka Lemonade – Easy, crisp and refreshing, the Vodka Lemonade will brighten up any summer gathering.
• Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Lemonade – It ain’t just whiskey and lemons in this fizzy and punchy drink.
• Whiskey Highball – The simplest cocktails are sometimes the best, like the Whiskey Highball.
• Tom Collins – Gin and lemon juice make fine bedfellows in what is currently my favorite beverage.