If you’re of drinking age in Tennessee, it’s time to start drinking like and adult.
Our state is full of a rich history of liquor, both legal...and not. We were the first state in the nation to have laws of prohibition enacted on it during the Civil War. According to Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s official website, a second prohibition came in 1910, ten years ahead of the federal ban in 1920. But not to worry—we learned our lesson to drink and distill responsibly. In honor of that, here’s a list of drinks using liquors distilled in Tennessee.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery opened shop in 1866, using the water of Lynchburg Lake, the only way to achieve the smooth taste. The distillery in Lynchburg gives free tours. But don’t think about buying big bottles of whiskey there. The county it calls home is dry, meaning you can taste the product but can’t purchase it.
Old Glory Moonshine is wheat-based for a smoother, less intense taste. They explain it as avoiding “Hooch” face, or the face made when drinks are too strong. The goal is for an amazing tasting alcohol rather than what can throw you on your butt the fastest. The distillery is in a large, old brick factory that is open to events and weddings.
Whisper Creek Sipping Cream is the first American verson of Irish cream. This version, however, is Tennessee whiskey-based rather than rum. Whisper Creek gets their whiskey from Pennington Distilling in Nashville. They are open for tours and tastings.
Chattanooga Whiskey single-handedly brought back the whiskey distillery industry to Chattanooga. Like most of Tennessee distilleries, the ones in Chattanooga all were closed. After the National Prohibition Act in 1920 to 1933, Tennessee allowed three counties to distill spirits, not including Chattanooga’s county, Hamilton. It wasn’t until 2013 that the “Whiskey Bill” was passed that allowed Chattanooga Whiskey to be distilled in Chattanooga.
Pickers Vodka comes from Nashville. It is a corn-based vodka and blended with limestone water to create its smoothness. It is distilled at Speakeasy Spirits in Nashville and sources all its grain from Tennessee farms.
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Moonshine Lemonade
The easiest drink on this list can be done in one minute. Just add Blueberry Lemonade Moonshine and Lemonade. A great party drink that’s sure to be enjoyed by guests.- 2oz
- Old Glory Blueberry Lemonade Moonshine
- 4oz
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Lemonade
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Lynchburg Lemonade
Lynchburg Lemonade is a summer survival necessity. This Jack Daniel’s cocktail is refreshing and sweet. Simply add all the ingredients and stir in a chilled glass.- 1 1/2oz
- Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
- 1oz
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Triple Sec
- 1oz
- Lemon Juice
- 4oz
- Lemon-Lime Soda
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Whiskey Sour
This great cocktail came from the boys in red, also known as the British Navy in 1792. To combat scurvy, they began making the drink with gin or brandy until the recipe came to America, where we replaced it with good ol’ whiskey. The original recipe is different, but this is the best version considering you probably aren’t stranded in the ocean while making it.
This drink is very smooth with the frothy element of egg whites. It’s fresh with lemon juice to cool off on a summer day or warm your belly with whiskey on a cold one. This is a great start for those who are unsure about whiskey but want to try something new. It’s just sweet enough with simple syrup to help guide the whiskey down.- 2oz
- Chattanooga Tennesse Bourbon Whisky
- 1
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Egg White
- 3/4oz
- Lemon Juice
- 3/4oz
- Simple Syrup
- Orange Slice
- Maraschino Cherry
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Lovers in the Woods
We Tenessee-ified the classic Sex on the Beach with moonshine. This fruity drink is a sweet sip. This is the perfect mix for those who don’t want the strong alcohol taste but are still looking for something smooth. Put the Moonshine and Peach Schnapps in a glass with ice. Add the orange juice and stir. Garnish with an orange slice and you’re ready to go.- 2oz
- Old Glory Blueberry Lemonade Moonshine
- 3/4oz
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Peach Schnapps
- 1 1/2oz
- Orange Juice
- Orange Slice
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Jack in Black
This is a Jack Daniel’s classic for coffee lovers who want to make a drink quickly. Just add whiskey, liquor and top off with Cola and a maraschino cherry. Perfect for a pick-me-up or a game night with friends.- 1 1/2oz
- Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
- 3/4oz
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Coffee Liquor
- 1oz
- Lemon Juice
- Topped
- Cola
- Maraschino Cherry
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Autumn Delight
This drink is perfect to warm up your belly. This is ideal for any cold day in the Appalachian Mountains. Add the whiskey and apple cider together to either shake or stir. Pour into a chilled glass over fresh ice. Garnish with cinnamon and apple slices.- 2oz
- Old Smokey Cinnamon Whisky
- 6oz
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Apple Cider
- 3/4oz
- Lemon Juice
- Fresh Cinnamon
- Apple Slices
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Tennesse Painkiller
The original painkiller came from the British Virgin Islands. Our version takes away the coconut (who finds those in Tennessee anyway!). In a shaker with ice, put in orange juice, whiskey, sipping cream and pineapple juice. Shake and strain over fresh ice.- 2oz
- Chattanooga Whisky
- 4oz
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Whisper Creek Sipping Cream
- 4oz
- Orange Juice
- 4oz
- Pinnapple Juice
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Snowy Mountians
This is the Tennessee White Russian using Pickers Vodka and Whisper Creek Sipping Cream. Put the Vodka and Sipping Cream in a shaker, shake and pour in a glass with fresh ice. Top with a splash of heavy cream.- 2oz
- Pickers Vodka
- 1oz
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Whisper Creek Sipping Cream
- Splash of Heavy Cream
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Tennessee Tea
Tennessee Tea is a very easy cocktail for hanging out with friends while tailgating or playing corn hole. Put the whiskey, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup in a glass with ice and stir. Top with your favorite cola.- 2oz
- Old Glory Blueberry Lemonade Moonshine
- 3/4oz
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Peach Schnapps
- 1 1/2oz
- Orange Juice
- Orange Slice
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The Blue Raider
This is a special drink. Now MTSU has a specialty cocktail made by our bartender! Show your True Blue spirit with this fun sweet drink. Add vodka, blue curacao, peach schnapps, lemonade, and a splash of simple syrup. Stir or shake and pour over fresh ice. Now you can eat, breathe, and drink True Blue at your next tailgate.- 1oz
- Pickers Vodka
- 1oz
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Blue Curaçao
- 1/5oz
- Peach Schnapps
- 4oz
- Lemonade