The Story Behind The Lynchburg Lemonade
Created in 1980 by Alabama restaurateur Tony Mason, the Lynchburg Lemonade is a drink with a storied legal past. Mason shared his recipe with a bar patron who happened to be a sales representative from the Jack Daniel’s distillery, who then took the recipe and released a version under the Jack Daniel’s brand — all without compensating Mason. Mason sued the brand for $13 million and won, but was awarded only $1 — bizarrely out of the judge’s pocket. Although the brand admitted that it learned the recipe from Mason in a company newsletter in 1982, the judgment was overturned on appeal after years of wrangling.
The concoction combines whiskey with orange liqueur, lemon juice, and lemon-lime soda. The citrusy twist to whiskey’s spice and earthy flavors forms a cocktail that has become a Southern favorite.
Related Reads & Recipes
More Whiskey Recipes To Explore
The Old Pal Recipe:
The Old Pal has a history just as rich as its flavor. This cocktail offers light, peppery hints of rye or bourbon.
Whiskey Smash:
Get our recipe for a great Whiskey Smash. Learn everything you need to know to make a perfect Whiskey Smash.
The New York Sour:
A riff on the Whiskey Sour, the New York Sour takes the classic cocktail and tops it with a float of dry red wine. See the recipe here!
Honey and Pear Whiskey Cocktail Recipe:
Everyone loves a good Hot Toddy, but sometimes you need something cool and refreshing. That's when you need this "Cold Toddy" recipe!
The Perfect Manhattan With Johnnie Walker Black Label:
When mixing up a Manhattan with Scotch, this proves to be the perfect twist. Dry vermouth highlights the earthy notes in Johnnie Walker.
Grandpa’s Whisky Apple Pie Cocktail:
Apple pie is the quintessential baked good for autumn, and this cocktail is sure to nail all the familiar flavors you know and love.
