When it comes to cocktails, Tennessee does it best. From smooth Tennessee whiskey to bold, fruity moonshine cocktails, every sip captures the local flavor and a touch of Southern flair. Whether you’re mixing a Tennessee Mule or a Moonshine Margarita, these drinks celebrate the true spirit of the Volunteer State.
Updated: November 2025
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From Tennessee Moonshine to Tennessee Whiskey: A Spirited History
These Southern sips started in the hills, where Tennessee moonshine was once made in small hidden stills. Folks used simple tools, big hearts, and a lot of hard work. Over time, Tennessee whiskey came along — smooth, rich, and easy to love. Both have strong roots and proud stories that live on today. And they’re still perfect for giving any of your favorite cocktails a good little Southern kick.
Sip the South: 10 Tennessee Cocktails You Can’t Miss
These tasty cocktails highlight Tennessee’s whiskey and mountain moonshine in the best way. Each one has a story and a kick that’s pure Tennessee. So grab a shaker and mix up something fun! From smooth whiskey blends to fruity moonshine twists, these easy drinks bring a little Southern flavor to every pour.
Kick Back with a Tennessee Mule
The Tennessee Mule puts a Southern spin on the classic Moscow Mule by swapping vodka for smooth Old Forge Blended Bourbon Whiskey. It’s a crisp, easy drink with a touch of spice from the ginger beer and a little Tennessee kick from the whiskey. Perfect for a warm evening or a cozy night by the fire.
Pour Up a Tennessee Mule:
- 2 oz Old Forge Blended Bourbon Whiskey
- ½ oz lime juice
- Top with ginger beer
- Serve in a copper mug with a lime wedge
🍹 Trekkn Tip: You can also mix it up with Tennessee Legend Salted Caramel Whiskey for a sweeter twist — it pairs beautifully with the lime and ginger.
Tennessee Mountain Moonshine Mimosa Cocktail
The Tennessee Mountain Mimosa gives a fresh twist to the classic brunch favorite. Instead of the usual champagne and juice combo, this version mixes sweet orange moonshine, fresh orange juice, and a splash of sparkling wine. It’s bright, bubbly, and perfect for a slow Tennessee morning.
Mixin’ It Up:
- 1 oz orange moonshine
- 2 oz fresh orange juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Pour over ice in a champagne flute and garnish with an orange slice
Sip the Smoky Mountain Sunset
The Smoky Mountain Sunset is a burst of Southern charm in a glass. Inspired by the glowing skies over the Smokies, this cocktail blends Ole Smoky Peach Whiskey, sweet peach schnapps, and fresh orange juice. A splash of grenadine adds that golden-red hue — just like the evening sky. It’s light, fruity, and the perfect drink to enjoy as the sun dips behind the mountains.
Mixing It Up:
- 1.5 oz Ole Smoky Peach Whiskey
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 2 oz orange juice
- Splash of grenadine
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry
🍹 Trekkn Tip: Try Old Forge Wild Cherry Moonshine for a deeper, fruit-forward twist — it looks as good as it tastes.
Southern Sweetness: Tennessee Sweet Tea
Tennessee Sweet Tea is the perfect blend of Southern tradition and mountain-made flavor. This refreshing cocktail mixes classic sweet tea with smooth Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, creating a drink that’s as easygoing as a summer afternoon in the Smokies. A hint of lemon adds a bright twist that makes every sip pure Tennessee comfort.
Brewin’ Up a Delight:
- 1 cup strong black tea, cooled
- 2 oz Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Splash of lemon juice
- Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge
🍹 Trekkn Tip: Want a smoother, bolder version? Try it with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey or Sugarlands Roaming Man Tennessee Whiskey for a sweet-meets-smoky twist that’s full of Southern charm.
Plan Your Tennessee Getaway
The Volunteer Spirit: A Taste of Tennessee Pride
The Volunteer Spirit cocktail captures the heart of Tennessee — warm, bold, and full of charm. It mixes smooth Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with fresh lemon and a touch of honey for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Named after the Volunteer State, it’s a simple, feel-good whiskey cocktail that’s all about Southern pride and good company.
Stirring Up Some Volunteer Pride:
- 2 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup
- Dash of bitters
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass
🍹 Trekkn Tip: Try Sugarlands Roaming Man Tennessee Whiskey for a small-batch twist with a smooth, rich finish. It’s perfect for porch nights and swapping stories with friends.
Smoky Mountain Apple Sipper Cocktail
The Smoky Mountain Apple Sipper tastes like fall in Tennessee — crisp, sweet, and full of mountain warmth. It blends smooth Company Distilling Harvest Apple with fresh apple cider and a hint of lemon for brightness. The cinnamon stick and apple slice finish give it that cozy, homemade feel that’s perfect for cool nights or bonfire gatherings.
Moonshine Mixin’:
- 2 oz Company Distilling Harvest Apple
- 4 oz apple cider
- Splash of lemon juice
- Stir gently over ice
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice
🍹 Trekkn Tip: Try Sugarlands Appalachian Apple Pie moonshine for a richer, bolder flavor that pairs beautifully with cider. Or add a splash of ginger ale for a little fizz — it’s fall fun in a glass!
Smoky Mountain Porch Punch – Refreshing Peach Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail is sunshine in a glass — perfect for slow afternoons and warm Tennessee days. The Smoky Mountain Porch Punch combines the smooth sweetness of Ole Smoky Peach Whiskey with fresh lemonade for an easy, porch-ready sip. It’s a bright, fruity, and pure Southern comfort whiskey cocktail.
Moonshine Mixin’:
- 2 oz Ole Smoky Peach Whiskey
- 4 oz lemonade
- Stir gently over ice
- Garnish with fresh peach slices and a sprig of mint
🍹 Trekkn Tip: Try swapping the lemonade for sparkling peach cider or sweet tea for a fun twist. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the spirited flavors of Ole Smoky Moonshine — Tennessee style!
Spicy Moonshine Margarita 🌶️
The Spicy Moonshine Margarita brings a little Tennessee fire to your glass! This bold, refreshing twist mixes Tennessee Shine Co. Jalapeño Moonshine with a touch of Ole Smoky Original Moonshine, fresh lime, and triple sec. The result? A smooth, tangy drink with just enough spice to keep things exciting — perfect for sunny afternoons or nights with friends.
Mixin’ It Up:
- 1 oz Tennessee Shine Co. Moonshine Jalapeño Juice
- 1 oz Ole Smoky Original Moonshine
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Shake with ice and strain into a salted-rim glass over ice
- Garnish with a lime wheel and thin jalapeño slice
🍹 Trekkn Tip: For extra flavor, try a Tajin rim or muddle a fresh jalapeño slice before shaking. It’s Tennessee spice with a smooth mountain twist!
Chattanooga Whiskey Sour
The Chattanooga Whiskey Sour is a fresh spin on a timeless classic. Made with smooth, small-batch Chattanooga Whiskey, it adds a true Tennessee twist to this well-loved drink. My husband’s a big fan of the Chattanooga Whiskey Company — definitely worth a visit if you’re nearby! This cocktail brings together the tart snap of lemon and the mellow warmth of whiskey for a perfectly balanced sip.
Shakin’ It Up:
- 2 oz Chattanooga Whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz egg white (optional for that smooth, foamy top)
- Shake well without ice, then add ice and shake again
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass with ice
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry
🍹 Trekkn Tip: Try the Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Proof for a bold version with extra depth and a rich, toasty finish — perfect for slow sipping on a cool Tennessee night.
Top Hotels in Tennessee
Smoky Mountain Old Fashioned
The Smoky Mountain Old Fashioned brings a true taste of the mountains to your glass. Made with smooth Tennessee bourbon and a hint of maple syrup, it’s a cozy twist on the timeless classic. Simple, rich, and full of Southern comfort, this one’s perfect for slow evenings and good company.
Mixing It Up:
- 2 oz Tennessee bourbon (try Tennessee Legend Bourbon or Leiper’s Fork Distillery Straight Bourbon for a local favorite)
- ¼ oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Stir in an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube
- Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in
🍹 Trekkn Tip: Swap the maple syrup for Old Glory Distillery’s Maple Cream Liqueur for a sweet, creamy twist that makes this classic even smoother.
Our Favorite Finds for Mixing It Up 🍸
Before you start shaking things up, here are a few of our favorite finds that make mixing Tennessee cocktails even more fun:
- A classic cocktail shaker set — perfect for crafting smooth, balanced drinks every time.
- This clever mason jar cocktail shaker lid — turns any mason jar into a shaker for an authentic Tennessee touch.
- A handy mason jar lid pourer — perfect for pouring moonshine cocktails straight from the jar.
- And don’t miss this set of fun jar glasses — because cocktails taste even better when served with Southern charm.
Happy Trekkn (Sippin’ 😊)
All of these cocktails are pure Tennessee goodness — smooth, bold, and full of flavor. Honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’d probably go with the Classic Mountain Mimosa (moonshine cocktail) or that Chattanooga Whiskey Sour. How about you?
Grab your shaker, mix up a few, and tell us your favorite in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag us @TennesseeTrekkn — we can’t wait to see what you’re sippin’ and sharing from your corner of the Volunteer State.
Cheers to good drinks, good company, and always, cheers to Tennessee!
Disclorure: This post may contain links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these we may earn small commision at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!