Tennessee tea is a refreshing Southern drink that combines the depth of Tennessee whiskey with iced tea-like drinks. Now that you are familiar with what Tennessee tea is, how to prepare it, and its flavor, it is time to sample it yourself. Whether hosting or just unwinding, Tennessee Tea provides a full-bodied, smooth appeal that will be preferred by all whiskey and cocktail lovers.
What is Tennessee Tea?
Similar to the Long Island Iced Tea in its origin, Tennessee tea is a cocktail made with whiskey and has a southern touch to it. The main distinction is that Tennessee whiskey, usually Jack Daniel’s, is incorporated, replacing conventional vodka. Although called Tennessee tea, the drink paradoxically contains no tea of any kind. The drink is so named because of its looks and the refreshing qualities the drink possesses, which is similar to having a glass of iced tea.
How to Make Tennessee Tea
It is easy to prepare Tennessee tea at home. Here is a quick recipe for you to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Tennessee whiskey (Jack Daniel’s is recommended)
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Cola
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour the whiskey, triple sec, and lemon juice over the ice.
- Add cola to taste and stir well.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge for that extra touch.
This easy recipe delivers a rich whiskey flavor balanced by the refreshing tartness of lemon and the sweetness of cola, perfect for any occasion.
What Does Tennessee Tea Taste Like?
The bold, slightly smoky taste imparted by the whiskey tends to make Tennessee tea distinct from other iced tea-based cocktail recipes. The tart and juicy flavors of lemon juice are a nice addition, whereas cola adds sweetness and fizz making the drink palatable. The combination of the two creates another distinctive flavor that is characterized by a slight citrus taste and a tinge of caramel.
Why is it Called Tennessee Tea?
The beverage derived its title from the US state of Tennessee known for its deep whiskey-making; Jack Daniel’s being one such example. Although however, the drink doesn’t contain any real tea in it, it is still dubbed ‘tea’ for its traditional iced tea in color and refreshing qualities. It is also a reference to the South where drinks that look like this one, and are alcoholic, are served; iced tea. These umbrellas come fitted with colorful straws.
Is Tennessee Tea Strong?
Certainly, Tennessee tea can be very heavy-handed as it contains a whiskey base. Yet it is also balanced with mixers – in this case, cola, and lemon juice – which reduces the strength of the drink and makes it easy to take. For those who wish for a less strong drink, just add more cola or throw in more ice to make the mixture less potent. But if you enjoy the punch, then the Tennessee whiskey embedded in this cocktail will not disappoint you.
Tennessee Tea vs. Long Island Iced Tea
However, not all comparisons have similarities owing to some differences that exist. A Long Island Iced Tea usually contains vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec with some cola and lemon. Tennessee tea shifts from that and simplifies the drink by making whiskey the predominant spirit resulting in a drink that is less aggressive with more body.