The Chilton cocktail is a simple 3-ingredient drink that comes together with vodka, lemon juice, and soda water. It's tart, cool, and crisp with a nice effervescence. Perfect for hot summer days.
This iconic West Texas drink is on its way to become "the drink" of the summer! What's not to enjoy about a strong and smooth cocktail with a fizzy finish? It's the ultimate thirst quencher and so easy to make at home.
The story behind the Chilton starts when Dr. Chilton requested a drink at the Lubbock Country Club. Dr. Chilton, a Lubbock doctor and Texas Tech alumnus, ordered a tall glass of vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice from two lemon, and soda water. According to local legend, it's served in a salt rimmed highball and garnished with a lemon slice.
Ingredients
- Vodka: Use your favorite brand of vodka. My choice is Tito's, but popular Texas vodka brands like Deep Eddy or Western Son are great too.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is best. This citrus squeezer helps get every last drop.
- Soda water: Feel free to top with soda water, club soda, or sparkling water. My top pick is Topo Chico!
What does a Chilton taste like? It's refreshing, stiff, and citrus forward. Similar to another Texas favorite, the Ranch Water.
How to make a Chilton cocktail
Salt rim: Run a wedge of lemon around the edge of the glass then dip into salt to coat.
Stir together: Fill glass with ice then add vodka and lemon juice. Top with sparkling water then stir together gently.
Serve cocktail: Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy. Might I suggest serving it alongside some cowboy caviar dip?
Variations
- There's no added sugar in this refreshing drink. If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, add sweetness with a splash of simple syrup.
- For a Spicy Chilton, muddle a couple jalapeño slices in glass before building.
- Make a Cucumber Chilton by adding slices of cucumber.
- Use your favorite flavored vodka, like grapefruit vodka, to change the taste.
Related recipes
Want more refreshing cocktail recipes? Try these next:
- This Texas Margarita recipe comes together with tequila, lime juice, orange juice, triple sec, and agave nectar.
- The Mojito is crisp, refreshing, and perfectly sweet. The perfect cocktail for hot summer days and happy hour at home on the patio.
- This classic Bourbon Smash comes together with bourbon, lemon wedges, fresh mint leaves, and simple syrup. It's easy to make and perfect for sipping on this spring and summer.
- Here's how to make the best Rum Collins cocktail recipe at home with just 4 ingredients! It's refreshing, effervescent, and perfectly sweet.
- This Limeade Margarita is a simple twist on the classic margarita, using just 2 ingredients. It's citrusy and sweet!
The Chilton Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ½ ounces fresh lemon juice
- 3 ounces sparkling water, soda water, or club soda
- Salt rim
Instructions
- Rub a lemon wedge around the edge of the glass then dip into salt to coat the rim completely.
- Fill the glass with ice, add vodka and lemon juice, then top with sparkling water.
- Gently stir together and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Nutrition
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