Stirred Up Stories: The Lynchburg Lemonade – A Southern Classic with a Spirited Story

There’s something timeless about a tall, ice-cold glass of Lynchburg Lemonade. It’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and packs just enough punch to keep things interesting — making it a perfect summer sipper or party pleaser. But there’s more to this drink than meets the eye. Behind the lemony bubbles lies a fascinating story tied to one of America’s most iconic whiskey brands — and even a courtroom battle.

Let’s dive into both the how and the why behind this citrusy classic.

Lynchburg Lemonade?

Named after Lynchburg, Tennessee, the home of Jack Daniel’s, this cocktail is a whiskey-based cooler that blends the caramel smoothness of Tennessee whiskey with the zing of citrus and the fizz of lemon-lime soda.

Think of it as a grown-up lemonade — bold, refreshing, and deceptively easy to drink.

The Story Behind the Cocktail

The Lynchburg Lemonade wasn’t created by the Jack Daniel’s distillery itself — and that’s where things get interesting.

Back in the 1980s, a bartender named Tony Mason in Huntsville, Alabama, came up with the drink and began serving it in his bar. According to Mason, the recipe was his own invention, and he even claimed to have shared it with a Jack Daniel’s sales rep at the time.

Not long after, the distillery began promoting Lynchburg Lemonade in its advertising campaigns — and Tony Mason sued Jack Daniel’s for $13 million, claiming they had stolen his creation. While the case was a bit of a rollercoaster (he eventually received a small settlement after years of legal back-and-forth), the drink itself became a hit — and the name stuck.

So whether it’s a stolen recipe or a shared invention, there’s no doubt the Lynchburg Lemonade has earned its place on cocktail menus across the world.

How to Make a Lynchburg Lemonade

Here’s the classic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 35ml Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

• 15ml Triple Sec (like Cointreau)

• 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice

• 100ml Lemon-Lime Soda (like Sprite or 7Up)

• Ice

• Lemon slice and mint sprig to garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Fill a tall glass (like a highball) with ice.

2. Pour in the Jack Daniel’s, Triple Sec, and lemon juice.

3. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

4. Top up with lemon-lime soda and give it one more gentle stir.

5. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a mint sprig for a little flair.

Serve cold, sip slow, and enjoy the taste of the South.

Variations to Try

• Strawberry Lynchburg Lemonade: Muddle a few fresh strawberries in the glass before building the drink.

• Lynchburg Smash: Add muddled mint and use soda water instead of lemon-lime soda for a less sweet take.

• Frozen Version: Blend everything with ice for a slushie-style summer cooler.

Whether you’re making it to impress guests at a BBQ or just want a refreshing drink after a long day, the Lynchburg Lemonade delivers. It’s a drink with just the right balance of smooth whiskey warmth and tart, bubbly brightness — and a bit of legal drama to spice things up.

So next time you're feeling thirsty for something classic with character, give this Southern staple a pour. Cheers!

Slán go fóill.