Top 100 Southern American Alcoholic Beverages

Frozen daiquiri is a variation of a classic shaken daiquiri, which typically incorporates rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar. This frozen version is mostly blended and usually includes pulverized ice and frozen fruit to mix, creating a sweet slurry with a texture similar to a slushie. Frozen daiquiris probably first appeared at the legendary El Floridita in Havana, sometime around the time of Prohibition. They were initially made with crushed ice and electric blenders, but their popularity skyrocketed in the second half of the 20th century after the invention of commercial machines. Banana and strawberry daiquiris were probably the most famous derivations at the time. Through the years, the drink went through many transformations that sometimes significantly differ from the original. They went to include sugar-packed syrups and artificial flavorings, earing frozen daiquiri somewhat of a bad rep. Frozen daiquiri is especially popular in Louisiana, and most local bars specializing in frozen daiquiris have several machines that dispense various daiquiri flavors. Expand

Known as the specialty drink of New Orleans, where it was invented in 1887 as the first beverage in the fizz family, Gin Fizz is a cocktail made with gin, Gomme syrup or sugar, lemon juice, and soda water. The cocktail is prepared by shaking gin, lemon juice, and sweet syrup with ice. When strained in a glass, it is topped with sparkling water which provides it with a bubbly effect, hence the fizz in its name. The drink is very similar to Tom Collins, a cocktail that is traditionally made with a slightly sweeter gin called Old Tom. There are several versions of Gin Fizz, and some of the most popular varieties include egg whites in the preparation, such as Silver Fizz, Golden Fizz, Royal Fizz, and Sloe Gin Fizz. Regardless of the varieties, the cocktail is typically served on the rocks in a highball glass garnished with a slice of lemon.Expand

Ramos Gin Fizz is an American cocktail made with a combination of gin, sugar syrup, lime juice, lemon juice, cream, egg whites, orange flower water, vanilla extract, and soda water. All ingredients except soda are poured in a mixing glass and dry shaken without ice for 2 minutes. Ice is then added to the combination, and the cocktail is hard shaken for an additional minute. The cocktail should be strained into a highball glass without ice, then topped with soda. Due to the fact that vigorous shaking is required to reach the right texture, Ramos Gin Fizz is loathed by many bartenders. It was created in 1888 by Henry Charles Ramos (hence the name) at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon in New Orleans. Originally, the inventor employed a few ''shaker men'' in his bar to meet the constant demand for the cocktail. This foamy, floral, and refreshing cocktail can be garnished with orange and lemon slices, if desired.Expand

Mint Julep is a cocktail that originated in the 18th century in Kentucky, and it is widely consumed throughout the American South. It contains bourbon, sugar syrup, water, crushed ice, and fresh mint leaves (usually spearmint). In the 18th century, Mint Julep was originally prescribed for stomach-aches, while bourbon was sometimes replaced with aged gin. However, since 1938, it is associated with the Kentucky Derby as an official drink. The drink is prepared by muddling fresh mint with sugar and crushed ice until the mint releases its essential oils, and the cocktail is then topped with bourbon and water. Although it was traditionally served in a silver cup in the past, nowadays it is commonly served in a tall glass (collins or highball) with a straw.Expand

Hurricane is a sweet cocktail originating from New Orleans. It is prepared with a combination of rum, lemon juice, and passion fruit syrup. In order to prepare it, all ingredients are shaken with ice, then strained into a glass filled with ice. The cocktail can be served in a hurricane glass, but it is more commonly served in plastic cups because drinking out of glass containers in public is prohibited in the city. It is believed that Hurricane was invented at Pat O’Brien’s on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.Expand

As the name suggests, Old-Fashioned is a very old cocktail made with bourbon or whiskey, fine sugar or a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, Maraschino cherries, orange slices, and a splash of club soda or water. The cocktail is prepared by muddling the bitters, sugar, cherries, an orange slice, and soda or water in an old-fashioned glass. After the fruit husks are removed, bourbon and ice are added to the combination, and the whole thing is stirred, then garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. It is believed that the first Old-Fashioned was created at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, when it was made with whiskey, bitters, water, ice, and a sugar cube. The cocktail was then garnished with a lemon peel, while fresh fruit was not used at all. The addition of muddled fruit came in the 20th century, and the cocktail is now a traditional pre-dinner beverage served for Thanksgiving and Christmas in numerous American households.Expand

Tennessee whiskey is a label used for a specific type of whiskey produced in Tennessee that has to meet several quality and production standards. The production process is similar to bourbon, and the mash has to be made with 51% corn. After distillation, it has to go through a filtering step known as Lincoln County Process—which involves filtering or steeping whiskey in sugar maple charcoal. The only exception to this rule is made for Prichard's whiskey. All Tennessee whiskey has to be aged in new, charred oak, but the exact aging period is not regulated. It is bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). Tennessee whiskey it typically amber-colored, and the charcoal-filtering provides for its signature smooth and mellow character. It is usually somewhat lighter than bourbon and has subtle sweetness while the usual aromas include oak, vanilla, and caramel. It can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or mellowed with a splash of water, but it also works well in cocktails. Tennessee whiskey can be paired with cheese and roasted or grilled meat. Expand

Bourbon is an American whiskey that is primarily made from corn mash, the minimum requirement is 51%, while other options may include rye, barley, or wheat. Although most production is located in Kentucky, bourbon can technically be made anywhere in the United States. The whiskey is almost always aged, and the process must take place in new charred oak casks, but the regulations do not specify the minimum aging period. If it is labeled as straight bourbon, it indicates that the whiskey has been aged for at least two years, and all bourbon whiskey must be bottled at the minimum of 40% ABV. Other bourbon-related definitions include small batch (a blend from a special selection of barrels) and single barrel (bourbon from one barrel). Most bourbon varieties are smooth and subtly sweet with typical caramel, spicy, and vanilla notes, though the exact aromatic profile often depends on the choice of mash and age. Bourbon can be served neat, on the rocks, or mixed with water, but it is also an important cocktail ingredient in classics such as Whiskey Sour, Old-Fashioned, Manhattan, and John Collins. It is believed that Scottish and Irish settlers brought the tradition of distilling whiskey to Kentucky sometime in the 18th century.Expand

Ranch Water is a light tequila cocktail hailing from Texas. It incorporates tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water—preferably Topo Chico, which is ubiquitous in Texas. Some variations also opt for a splash of orange liqueur. This Texan cocktail has a long and rather vague history. Presumably, it has a decades-long tradition, but its popularity skyrocketed in the last ten years, surpassing the borders of its native state. It most likely originated among local ranchers, who enjoyed it as a refreshing afternoon drink. The story says that the ranchers would pour out or drink some Topo Chico and then add tequila and lime juice to the bottle. The name is mostly associated with The Gage Hotel in Marathon and Ranch 616, a local hangout in Austin, though it is not clear who was the first to implement it on the menu. The Texans and the purists argue that the use of Topo Chico water is what makes Ranch Water unique—its mineral character and lively effervescence are said to complement tequila exceptionally well. Ranch Water can be made in a cocktail shaker or by adding tequila and lime juice to a glass filled with ice and then topping it with Topo Chico.Expand

Rum Runner is an old cocktail dating back to the 1950s. It is a rum-based concoction that is often tweaked with other ingredients. The classic version combines rum, orange and pineapple juice, banana liqueur, grenadine, and blackberry liqueur. To make the cocktail, all the ingredients are shaken with ice. The mix is then strained into a glass filled with fresh crushed ice. Rum Runners is usually served in a hurricane glass garnished with a pineapple wedge. Optionally, orange wheel or other fruit can be used as a decoration. Rum Runner originated at Holiday Isle Bar in Islamorada, Florida. The cocktail's name is an homage to rum runners—the smugglers from the Florida Keys who operated in the early 1900s. The bar says that the Rum Runner was invented by John Elber (Tiki John) when he had to figure out what to do with the excess stored rum and other liqueurs. Expand

Angry Chair Brewing is a craft brewery located in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, recognized for its unique blend of technical precision and an experimental approach to brewing. While best known for their rich, layered, and often decadent stouts, their lineup also includes IPAs, light and refreshing lagers, classic pilsners, porters, and thoughtfully crafted sour styles. Their focus is on creating beers with distinct character and balanced flavor profiles, which has earned them a loyal following and recognition within the craft beer community. The taproom offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors come together, while the constantly rotating draft list ensures that each visit brings a new experience.Expand

Zymarium Meadery from Orlando, Florida, is the city’s first meadery, opened in August 2023 in the artistic Mills 50 district. It was founded by Joe Leigh and Ginger Leigh, a visual artist known as Synthestruct, who designed the brand identity and the interactive ambiance of the tasting room. Their philosophy is based on using exclusively local, raw, and unfiltered honey, preserving natural enzymes, pollen, and the authentic aromatic profile. Production combines traditional and modern fermentation techniques, with a distinctive focus on creating so-called “water-less fruit meads” where only fruit and honey are used instead of water, resulting in exceptionally intense and complex flavors. The lineup includes over twenty different meads on tap, ranging from dry and refreshing to sweet and rich, with part of the selection dedicated to experimental series. Their approach unites art, craftsmanship, and the science of fermentation, making Zymarium a new cultural and flavorful landmark in Orlando.Expand

Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, with a rich history of over 200 years. Founded by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. and later expanded under George T. Stagg, the distillery has survived challenges such as floods, fires, and Prohibition, during which it produced whiskey for medicinal purposes. Today, it is known for its wide range of highly acclaimed bourbons and whiskeys, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, and the Pappy Van Winkle line. Buffalo Trace has garnered numerous awards, emphasizing its commitment to quality and innovation in whiskey production. Expand

Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935, is one of the largest independent, family-owned distilleries in the United States. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, it is renowned for producing some of the most iconic American whiskeys, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny. The distillery boasts a rich heritage in crafting premium bourbons and other spirits, blending tradition with innovation. Heaven Hill is also home to one of the largest inventories of aging whiskey in the world, reflecting its commitment to quality and authenticity.Expand

1792 Bourbon is crafted at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Known for its robust and full-bodied flavors, 1792 Bourbon offers various limited-edition expressions, blending traditional techniques with innovative aging methods. Recognized for its quality, it has won awards, including the prestigious title of "World Whisky of the Year" in 2020.Expand

Uncle Nearest is a premium American whiskey brand that honors the legacy of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States. Known as the mentor to Jack Daniel, Nearest Green's contributions to the whiskey-making process are celebrated through the brand's carefully crafted Tennessee whiskies. Uncle Nearest is committed to excellence, using a meticulous distillation process and high-quality ingredients to produce rich, full-bodied flavors. The brand has garnered widespread recognition and multiple awards for its dedication to preserving history while creating an outstanding whiskey that stands out in the industry.Expand

Sazerac Company is one of the oldest privately held distilleries in the United States, founded in the 1850s. The company's headquarters are located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it is renowned for its wide range of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, bourbon, rum, vodka, gin, and liqueurs. The company takes its name from the Sazerac cocktail, which is considered to be the first cocktail ever created in the United States.Expand

A. Smith Bowman Distillery, the oldest distillery in Virginia, is renowned for its award-winning bourbons and innovative spirit. With a commitment to craftsmanship, they blend tradition with experimentation, producing high-quality small-batch and single-barrel bourbons. Their process, which includes triple distillation and meticulous barrel aging, results in a rich and distinctive flavor profile. Named after the Bowman family, pioneers in American whiskey-making, the distillery continues to push the boundaries of bourbon production while honoring its deep-rooted legacy.Expand

15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon celebrates Kentucky's heritage as the 15th U.S. state and honors traditional distilling with innovative aging techniques. The distillery sources fine aged bourbons, blending unique mash bills and proprietary grains like heirloom black corn. Their craftsmanship combines early Kentucky artisanship with modern quality standards, creating award-winning bourbons with rich, complex flavors and historical significance.Expand