Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- .5 Can(s) Cola
- 2 oz Iced Tea
- Ice
Instructions
Pour Whiskey:
- In a glass filled with ice, pour 1 oz of Jack Daniel's bourbon whiskey (adjust for a stronger drink if desired).
Add Cola:
- Pour half a can of cola into the glass, leaving room for the iced tea.
Add Iced Tea:
- Top off the drink with 2 oz of very strong iced tea (made with triple the amount of powder or concentrate).
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, refreshing flavors of your Jack-Off cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who put the Jack-Off together, or where it first showed up. It feels like the kind of backyard BBQ special that just organically happened when someone was looking at a half-empty cooler and a bottle of bourbon. It's definitely not a classic, and that's exactly the point.
Think of it as the Jack and Coke's slightly more refined, yet still completely laid-back, cousin. The iced tea adds a tannic depth that keeps it from being just another sweet soda drink. It's a highball by nature, built for easy sipping.
You're not ordering this one at a swanky cocktail bar. This is a porch drink, a dive bar special you convince the bartender to make, or the kind of thing you mix up at home when you've got a pile of chores and need a little liquid motivation to get through them.
What it tastes like
First sip, you get that familiar bourbon warmth, quickly mellowed by the sugary fizz of cola. Then the strong iced tea kicks in, cutting through the sweetness with its earthy, tannic bite. It's a surprisingly complex blend for such a simple build, refreshing without being watery or overly syrupy.
With one ounce of 80-proof bourbon in roughly nine ounces of liquid, you're looking at about 4.4% ABV. That puts it right in line with a standard light beer. It's a sessionable drink, meaning you can have a couple without needing a nap, but don't mistake that for weakness.
The technique
Building a Jack-Off is as simple as it sounds: grab a tall glass, fill it with ice, then layer your ingredients. Start with the bourbon, then half a can of cola, and top it all off with your strong iced tea. No shaker, no fancy stir, just pour and serve.
The secret to a good Jack-Off is truly strong iced tea. Don't just use some weak, watery stuff from a packet. Brew it extra strong, or use a concentrated syrup. That tannic backbone is what prevents this drink from tasting like a boozy soda pop.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Bourbon Whiskey
- Use
- Jack Daniel's Old No. 7, Jim Beam, or a similar smooth, approachable bourbon.
- Skip
- High-rye bourbons or overly complex craft whiskeys; their nuances get lost here.
- Why
- Provides the foundational warmth, caramel notes, and a distinct American whiskey character that anchors the drink.
Iced Tea
- Use
- Freshly brewed, strong black tea, unsweetened. Lipton or Luzianne work well.
- Skip
- Pre-sweetened, flavored teas, or anything weak and diluted.
- Why
- Its robust, tannic profile is essential for balancing the sweetness of the cola and adding an earthy depth.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Sweet Tea Jack
- Lean into the Southern charm.
- Use pre-sweetened iced tea instead of unsweetened. Adjust cola down or omit entirely for a sweeter, tea-forward drink.
Dirty Jack
- A darker, spicier kick.
- Swap out the regular cola for a spiced cola or a dark root beer. The extra kick plays well with the bourbon.
Lynchburg Tea
- A tart, refreshing twist.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, about .5 oz, to brighten up the flavors and add a citrus tang.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try an American whiskey like Seagram's 7 or even a light rum.
Root beer or Dr. Pepper will give a different but still tasty vibe.
More cola will work, but you'll lose the characteristic tannic balance.
Any tall glass will do the job. A pint glass works just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Jack-Off?
It's a mix of 1 oz bourbon whiskey, half a can of cola, and 2 oz of strong iced tea, served over ice.
Why is it called Jack-Off?
The name's a bit of a wink, likely playing on the "Jack" from Jack Daniel's and the idea of a simple, satisfying mix you can quickly whip up.
Can I use any bourbon for a Jack-Off?
While Jack Daniel's is often the go-to, any smooth, mid-range bourbon will work well. Avoid anything too expensive or complex, as its nuances will get lost.
What kind of iced tea works best?
Strong, unsweetened black tea is ideal. Brew it yourself, or use a good quality concentrate. The stronger the better to stand up to the other ingredients.
Is the Jack-Off a strong drink?
Not particularly. With about 4.4% ABV, it's comparable to a light beer, making it an easy-drinking option.
How can I make my Jack-Off sweeter?
Use a pre-sweetened iced tea, or add a splash of simple syrup along with the other ingredients.
Is this a good hot weather drink?
Absolutely. It's refreshing and relatively low in alcohol, making it a solid choice for warm afternoons or casual outdoor gatherings.
How do I make strong iced tea?
Brew your black tea with double or triple the usual amount of tea bags or loose leaf for the same volume of water. Let it steep longer than usual, then chill it.
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