The Lynchburg Lemonade: Simple & Fresh

The Lynchburg Lemonade, a refreshing cocktail recipe, combines the zesty brightness of lemons with the smooth kick of whiskey.

The creation of the drink and its naming are credited to Tony Mason, an Alabama restaurant and lounge owner, in 1980. This led to the 1987 legal dispute, Mason v. Jack Daniel Distillery. Mason claimed a sales representative from Jack Daniel’s learned his drink’s recipe during a visit to his establishment and argued it was a proprietary blend.

After Jack Daniel’s subsequently launched a national campaign featuring the drink, Mason filed a lawsuit in Madison County Circuit Court, demanding over $13 million for recipe misappropriation.

The court ruled in favor of Mason but awarded no monetary damages. Post-trial, the judge personally offered Mason one dollar, which he refused. Mason escalated the case to the Alabama Civil Appellate court.

This court acknowledged Mason’s right to significant compensatory damages and ordered a retrial. However, the retrial resulted in a win for Jack Daniel Distillery.

Lynchburg Lemonade Ingredients

1. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey (60 ml / 2 ounces): The heart and soul of the Lynchburg Lemonade, Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 imparts a smooth and slightly sweet whiskey flavor.
2. Triple Sec (30 ml / 1 ounce): Triple Sec, an orange-flavored liqueur.
3. Fresh Lemon Juice (30 ml / 1 ounce): Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the essential tartness.
4. Simple Syrup (15 ml / 0.5 ounces): Simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to round out the flavors.
5. Lemon-Lime Soda (120 ml / 4 ounces): Lemon-Lime soda, with its sparkles, gives the Lynchburg Lemonade its refreshing and bubbly quality.

Lynchburg Lemonade Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before you start mixing, make sure you have a sturdy glass, a jigger for precise measurements, a stirring spoon, and some ice cubes.

Step 2: Measure and Pour Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

• In your glass, measure 60 ml (2 ounces) of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

Step 3: Add Triple Sec and Fresh Lemon Juice

• Pour 30 ml (1 ounce) of Triple Sec into the glass.
• Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon to obtain 30 ml (1 ounce) of lemon juice. Add it to the glass.

Step 4: Sweeten with Simple Syrup

• Incorporate 15 ml (0.5 ounces) of simple syrup into the mix. This will add a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the tartness.

Step 5: Fill the Glass with Ice

• Drop a generous amount of ice cubes into the glass. The chill will enhance the overall drinking experience.

Step 6: Top with Club Soda and Stir

• Pour 120 ml (4 ounces) of Lemon-Lime soda into the glass, creating a fizzy and refreshing blend.
• Give the ingredients a gentle stir to ensure they mingle harmoniously.

Step 7: Garnish (Optional)

• Garnish your Lynchburg Lemonade with a lemon slice or wedge for a touch of visual appeal.

The Lynchburg Lemonade – Simple and Fresh

The initial recipe for this cocktail included sour mix, a staple of the ’80s, but we recommend updating it with freshly squeezed juice and simple syrup for a more contemporary taste.

For those who prefer a less sweet drink, consider opting for homemade sparkling lemonade or a premium lemon soda like San Pellegrino Limonata.

Additionally, if the legal tussle involving Jack Daniel’s doesn’t sit well with you, feel free to substitute it with another Tennessee whiskey.

Here’s to the beauty of simplicity and the timeless appeal of this beloved American whisky cocktail!