Tennessee whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is made in the state of Tennessee, following strict regulations set forth by the Tennessee government. It is similar to bourbon in that it is made primarily from corn, but it has its own unique flavor profile due to its distinctive production process.
To be classified as Tennessee whiskey, it must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn, and aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Additionally, it must be produced in Tennessee and go through a process called the “Lincoln County Process,” which involves filtering the whiskey through a layer of sugar maple charcoal before aging.
The most well-known brand of Tennessee whiskey is Jack Daniel’s, but there are other brands, such as George Dickel, that also produce Tennessee whiskey.
Tennessee whiskey can be mixed with a variety of other ingredients to create a wide range of cocktails. Some popular options include:
- Coca-Cola: Tennessee whiskey and Coke is a classic combination, often referred to as a “Jack and Coke.”
- Lemonade: Tennessee whiskey can be mixed with fresh lemonade to create a refreshing summer cocktail.
- Ginger ale: A simple mix of Tennessee whiskey and ginger ale can be a tasty and easy-to-make cocktail.
- Apple cider: A warm and cozy cocktail, Tennessee whiskey can be mixed with apple cider and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Sweet Vermouth: Tennessee whiskey can be mixed with sweet vermouth and bitters to create a classic cocktail called the “Manhattan.”
- Sour mix: A mix of Tennessee whiskey and sour mix, which is made with lemon or lime juice and simple syrup, can create a refreshing and tangy cocktail.
As with any cocktail, the options for mixing Tennessee whiskey are endless, and it’s all about finding the combination that you enjoy the most.
15 Tennessee Whiskey Cocktails Recipes
- Tennessee Mule: Mix 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey with 4 oz. of ginger beer and a splash of lime juice. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Lynchburg Lemonade: Mix 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, 1 oz. of triple sec, 1 oz. of lemon juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Whiskey Sour: Mix 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, 1 oz. of lemon juice, and ½ oz. of simple syrup. Serve over ice and garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange.
- Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water in a rocks glass. Add ice and 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, then garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.
- Boulevardier: Mix 1 ½ oz. of Tennessee whiskey, 1 oz. of sweet vermouth, and 1 oz. of Campari. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
- Tennessee Tuxedo: Mix 1 ½ oz. of Tennessee whiskey, ¾ oz. of coffee liqueur, ¼ oz. of simple syrup, and a dash of black walnut bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Kentucky Colonel: Mix 1 ½ oz. of Tennessee whiskey, ½ oz. of maraschino liqueur, ½ oz. of lime juice, and 1 dash of absinthe. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Southern Hospitality: Muddle 1 strawberry and 1 basil leaf in a shaker. Add 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, ¾ oz. of lemon juice, and ½ oz. of honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.
- Tennessee Tea: Mix 1 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, 1 oz. of gin, 1 oz. of white rum, 1 oz. of tequila, ½ oz. of triple sec, 1 oz. of lemon juice, and 2 oz. of cola. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Maple Sour: Mix 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, 1 oz. of lemon juice, ½ oz. of maple syrup, and ½ oz. of egg white in a shaker. Dry shake, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
- Tennessee Apple: Mix 1 ½ oz. of Tennessee whiskey and 4 oz. of apple juice in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Jack Rose: Mix 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, 1 oz. of apple brandy, ¾ oz. of lemon juice, and ¼ oz. of grenadine in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Southern Belle: Mix 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, ¾ oz. of peach liqueur, ¾ oz. of lemon juice, and ½ oz. of honey syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a peach slice.
- Whiskey Ginger Smash: Muddle 2 lime wedges and 2 slices of fresh ginger in a shaker. Add 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, ½ oz. of simple syrup, and ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Smoke and Spice: Mix 2 oz. of Tennessee whiskey, 1 oz. of chipotle honey syrup, and ¾ oz. of lemon juice in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of thyme.
About Tennessee Whiskey
Origin:
Tennessee whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is closely related to bourbon. It is distilled and produced in the state of Tennessee, in accordance with the state’s legal definition of whiskey.
Ingredients:
Like bourbon, Tennessee whiskey is made primarily from corn, along with other grains such as barley and rye. It is also filtered through charcoal made from sugar maple wood, a process known as the Lincoln County Process, which gives it a distinctive flavor.
Texture:
Tennessee whiskey typically has a smooth texture with a slightly sweet flavor and hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Proof:
The proof of Tennessee whiskey can vary, but it is typically between 80 and 100 proof.
Usage:
Tennessee whiskey can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, as well as in cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Lynchburg Lemonade, and Whiskey Sour.
Serving:
Tennessee whiskey is typically served in a rocks glass or a whiskey tumbler, with or without ice depending on personal preference.
Production:
Tennessee whiskey is made using a similar process to bourbon, with the addition of the Lincoln County Process. The Lincoln County Process involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal made from sugar maple wood before it is aged in oak barrels.
Manufacturer:
There are several distilleries in Tennessee that produce Tennessee whiskey, including Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel, and Prichard’s.
Variations:
There are a few variations of Tennessee whiskey available on the market, including flavored versions such as honey and cinnamon, as well as barrel-aged versions that have been aged for longer periods of time. Some brands also offer limited edition or small-batch releases with unique flavor profiles.