Lynchburg Beer

The Lynchburg Beer is a straight-ahead whiskey highball where root beer takes the spotlight. It’s a sweet, easy-drinking concoction that doesn’t demand much thought, perfect for folks who enjoy a sugary kick with their bourbon. This drink is a crowd-pleaser for casual settings, a solid choice when you want something refreshing but with a bit of warmth. It’s a simple pour, no fuss, just good times.

Lynchburg Beer

4.41 from 20 votes

Calories: 248kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
▢ 10 oz Root Beer

Instructions

▢
Pour Jack Daniel`s over ice in a highball glass. Add Root Beer. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 248kcal (12%)

Where it came from

The name “Lynchburg Beer” is a direct nod to Lynchburg, Tennessee, the home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This drink is a classic example of a proprietary or regional highball, likely popularized by the brand itself or by drinkers who discovered how well Jack Daniel’s pairs with root beer. It’s not a historical cocktail in the classic sense, but rather a simple, effective combination that became a favorite.

This drink fits squarely into the highball family, a broad category of two or three ingredient cocktails typically built over ice and topped with a carbonated mixer. It’s a cousin to the Whiskey and Coke or the Presbyterian (whiskey, ginger ale, soda). What sets the Lynchburg Beer apart is the distinctive sassafras, vanilla, and spice profile of root beer, which provides a unique sweetness and herbal depth compared to other sodas.

You’d typically find a Lynchburg Beer served at backyard barbecues, casual bars, or any laid-back gathering where people want a straightforward, refreshing drink. It’s the kind of order that signals you’re not looking for anything complicated, just a reliable, tasty pour. It’s also a common offering at country music festivals or events where Jack Daniel’s has a strong presence, leaning into its Tennessee roots.

What it tastes like

On the front, the Lynchburg Beer delivers a burst of sweet, effervescent root beer, with prominent notes of sassafras, vanilla, and wintergreen. As the drink settles on the palate, the bourbon emerges in the middle, bringing its characteristic oak, caramel, and a gentle spice that cuts through the root beer’s sweetness. The finish is smooth and sweet, with a lingering warmth from the whiskey and a faint echo of the root beer’s herbal complexity.

With 2 oz of 80 proof (40% ABV) bourbon in 12 oz of total liquid, the Lynchburg Beer clocks in at approximately 6.7% ABV. This makes it slightly stronger than a typical beer, which often hovers around 5% ABV. However, it’s significantly lighter than most spirit-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, which can be 25-30% ABV or higher. It drinks easy, like a spiked soda, so be mindful of its deceptive strength.

The technique

Building a Lynchburg Beer is as simple as it gets. Grab a highball glass, fill it generously with ice, then pour in your chosen bourbon. Top the glass off with root beer. A brief, gentle stir with a bar spoon ensures the whiskey and soda are well integrated without losing too much of that precious carbonation. The goal is a well-chilled, evenly mixed drink that’s ready to sip.

The one technique tip that matters most for this drink type is using plenty of fresh ice. Skimping on ice is a common mistake. If you use too little, your drink will warm up quickly and become watered down as the small amount of ice melts rapidly. A full glass of ice keeps the drink colder for longer, slowing dilution and preserving the crisp, refreshing qualities of the root beer and the bourbon’s flavor.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Bourbon Whiskey

Use: For the classic “Lynchburg” feel, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey is the obvious choice. Any good mid-shelf bourbon like Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve (all around 80-90 proof) will also work well, offering oak, caramel, and vanilla notes.
Skip: Avoid heavily peated Scotch or overly aggressive rye whiskeys. Their intense smoky or spicy profiles can clash with the sweet, herbal notes of root beer, creating an unbalanced and less enjoyable drink. Also skip cheap, harsh grain alcohol.
Why: The bourbon provides the essential warmth, complexity, and a sturdy backbone to the drink. Its inherent sweetness and oaky character complement the root beer’s flavor profile, preventing it from tasting like just a sugary soda.

Root Beer

Use: A quality, full-flavored root beer is crucial here. Brands like A&W, Barq’s, Sprecher, or even craft root beers offer a good balance of sassafras, vanilla, and spice that stands up to the whiskey without being overwhelmed.
Skip: Diet root beer is a hard pass. The artificial sweeteners often leave an unpleasant aftertaste that ruins the overall flavor balance. Also, avoid substituting with other sodas like cola unless you’re intentionally making a different drink.
Why: Root beer is half the drink and defines its unique character. Its distinct blend of sweet, herbal, and spicy notes is what makes a Lynchburg Beer what it is, providing both the sweetness and the carbonated refreshment.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Maple Bourbon Beer

A hint of maple sweetness: Add a bar spoon of pure maple syrup to the whiskey before topping with root beer for an extra layer of sweet, earthy richness that complements the bourbon.

Spiced Rum Beer

Tropical twist on a classic: Swap the bourbon for a good quality spiced rum. The vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices in the rum pair exceptionally well with the root beer’s profile, creating a warmer, more aromatic highball.

Cherry Lynchburg

Fruity depth and aroma: Introduce a dash or two of cherry bitters or a small splash of cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering) to the drink. This adds a subtle fruity complexity that works surprisingly well with both the whiskey and the root beer.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Bourbon Whiskey?

Use Tennessee whiskey (Jack Daniel’s is the obvious choice), rye whiskey for a spicier kick, or even a good quality dark rum for a different but still complementary flavor profile.

No Root Beer?

Cola or Dr. Pepper are decent stand-ins if you’re out of root beer. The drink’s character will change significantly, but it maintains the sweet, bubbly highball vibe. Ginger ale could also work for a less sweet option.

No Highball Glass?

A standard pint glass, a sturdy rocks glass, or even a tall tumbler will work just fine. The key is to have enough volume for the liquid and plenty of ice.

No Ice?

While not ideal, if you absolutely must, ensure both your whiskey and root beer are thoroughly chilled before mixing. The drink won’t have the same frosty appeal or dilution, but it will be cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Lynchburg Beer?

A Lynchburg Beer contains bourbon whiskey and root beer, typically served over ice in a highball glass.

Is Jack Daniel’s a bourbon?

Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee Whiskey. While it meets most of the legal requirements for bourbon, its producers differentiate it through the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing step before aging.

Is it like a Whiskey and Coke?

Yes, it’s a highball in the same family as a Whiskey and Coke. The main difference is the distinct sassafras, vanilla, and herbal notes of root beer replacing cola’s caramel and citrus profile.

What kind of root beer works best?

A full-flavored, non-diet root beer generally works best. Brands like A&W, Barq’s, or craft root beers offer good balance and robust flavor that stands up to the whiskey without being overwhelmed.

Can I make it less sweet?

To make it less sweet, you can use a drier bourbon or a root beer with less added sugar. Alternatively, reduce the amount of root beer slightly and top with a splash of unflavored soda water.

What’s the best ice to use?

Crushed ice or small cubes are ideal as they chill the drink quickly and provide good dilution. Large cubes also work well, but may take a little longer to chill the entire drink.

Is it an actual beer?

No, it is not an actual beer. The “Beer” in the name refers to the root beer soda component, not an alcoholic malt beverage. It is a mixed drink or cocktail.

Can I make a batch?

Yes, you can easily batch the whiskey component ahead of time. Just combine the bourbon in a pitcher, then add root beer and ice to individual glasses when serving to maintain carbonation and freshness.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read