In my mind, no drink is more Southern than a sweet iced tea. As many of you already know, this cocktail doesn’t actually contain tea, but it tastes very similar to sweet tea and packs a strong punch.
I limit myself to just one glass when enjoying this cocktail because it has five different types of liquor, and the sweetness of the Pepsi and tartness of the lemon juice can slightly mask the strength of the alcohol.
I use NC-based vodka from TOPO Distillery and rum from Muddy River Distillery in addition to tequila, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and Pepsi.
Here’s my take on a classic Long Island Iced Tea that incorporates several NC flavors. Cheers!
1 part TOPO Distillery vodka
1 part Muddy River Distillery light rum
1 part tequila
1 part gin
1 part triple sec
½ part lemon juice
Splash of Pepsi to taste
Lemon wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish
Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and pour into chilled glass. Top with Pepsi. Garnish with lemon wedge and maraschino cherry.
Why does this Haywood County town have some of the cleanest water in the state? It’s the result of the community’s efforts to keep the forests in its watershed pristine.
The spectacular views in North Carolina’s High Country aren’t just inspiration for writers, painters, and sculptors. Those landscapes — the rugged gray face of Grandfather Mountain, the vibrant fall leaves, the deep green meadows — are brushstrokes on Earth’s own canvas.
The sprawling vineyards and wide-open skies that stretch for miles across seven North Carolina counties offer relaxing getaways — not to mention some of the state’s finest wines — for Sunday drivers aching to escape the rush of city life.
Nothing lasts forever — and that’s what makes many of our cherished moments so special.
