TouchdownCocktail recipe
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Touchdown is a tall, easy-drinking bourbon highball that sits in the same family as porch sippers and “half-and-half” summer coolers. You’ll find it leans more modern and casual than storied, built around familiar American refreshers rather than a fixed classic template. With bourbon as the backbone and two crowd-pleasing mixers doing the heavy lifting, it reads like a game-day staple: simple, generous, and made for relaxed drinking.
On the palate, bourbon brings warm oak and vanilla-like richness that anchors the drink. The lemonade adds bright citrus sweetness, lifting the whiskey and keeping it crisp, while the iced tea contributes a gentle tannic dryness that reins in the sugar and gives the finish a clean, tea-like snap. Together, the lemonade and tea create a smooth sweet–tart balance that lets the bourbon stay present without feeling heavy.
Serve it in a highball when you want something long, refreshing, and low-fuss—ideal for barbecues, tailgates, and sunny afternoons. You’ll enjoy it if you like whiskey but prefer it softened and stretched, or if you’re after a laid-back alternative to more spirit-forward bourbon drinks.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Bourbon leads with warm vanilla and oak, softened by bright, sugary lemonade and rounded out by the tannic, lightly bitter edge of iced tea in a long, cooling highball. The lemonade’s sweetness and citrus lift tame the bourbon while iced tea adds structure and dryness, making it ideal for hot-weather sipping and for drinkers who like whiskey without too much intensity.
Method
How to make a Touchdown
- Bourbon 60ml, Lemonade 120ml, Iced tea 120ml
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- Stir the bourbon with the ice tea in a mixing glass with ice
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- Strain into a ice-filled highball glass
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- Top up with lemonade and serve
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FAQ's
What type of bourbon works best for making a Touchdown cocktail?
For the Touchdown cocktail, using a medium-bodied bourbon that isn't overly sweet or too high in proof tends to work best. This helps balance the flavors of the lemonade and iced tea, creating a refreshing yet nuanced drink.
Can the Touchdown cocktail be made in advance for parties?
Yes, the Touchdown cocktail can easily be made in batches in advance for parties. Combine the lemonade, iced tea, and bourbon in a large pitcher or dispenser. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving over ice in highball glasses. Remember to adjust the quantities based on the number of guests.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Touchdown, and how can it be made?
A non-alcoholic version of the Touchdown can be made by simply omitting the bourbon and using a combination of lemonade and iced tea, or by substituting the bourbon with a non-alcoholic spirit intended to mimic the flavor of bourbon. This version offers a refreshing drink suitable for all ages.
What food pairings work well with a Touchdown cocktail?
The Touchdown cocktail, with its balance of sweetness and acidity from the lemonade, the depth from the iced tea, and the warmth of bourbon, pairs well with grilled meats, barbecue, hearty sandwiches, and savory snacks like nuts or pretzels, making it versatile for different dining occasions.
How does adjusting the ratio of lemonade to iced tea affect the cocktail?
Adjusting the ratio of lemonade to iced tea in a Touchdown cocktail can significantly impact its flavor profile. Increasing the lemonade will make the drink sweeter and more tart, whereas more iced tea will give a deeper, slightly bitter taste which can complement the bourbon's complexity. Personal preference should guide adjustments to find the perfect balance.
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