Tennessee Whiskey (Bourbon) is simply phenomenal in this spectacular deep south Velvet Elvis Cocktail.
The Raspberry Chambord adds a beautiful roundness; the lemonade (depending on how much is added) creates the sweetness. The freshly squeezed lime creates a freshness and fruity twist. Perfect for sitting on the veranda of an Antebellum mansion enjoying a warm evening with good friends.
The Velvet Elvis Tennessee southern ballad
The combinations are superb - just four ingredients plus a top-up of lemonade.
However, if you are not a fan of American (Tennessee) whiskey, less can be added to give just a hint of whiskey. It is a colourful, vibrant as well as distinctive Cocktail.
The measurements given are from the original Cocktail recipe. For many, it is a Cocktail where 'experimenting' or creating it just how you would like it - for your taste is needed or gives you scope to do so without going too far wrong. The Velvet Elvis is not necessarily about wearing Blue Suede Shoes and crooning. The Velvet Elvis is all about being a flambouyant Cocktail that can easily be modified without ruining the overal effect or feel of the drink.
- 1 1/2 Shot Tennessee Whiskey.
- 1 Shot Chambord Liqueur.
- 1/2 Shot Freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Top-up Lemonade.
- Place all the ingredients (except lemonade) into a Boston Shaker over ice.
- Strain into a chilled Old Fashioned tumbler glass.
- Top-up with lemonade.
Velvet Elvis - "Jailhouse Rock"
The origins of the Velvet Elvis are unknown. One can almost say it was not created in the deep south nor by Elvis. However the flavours are very deep south, lay back and cry-out for you to sing "The Wonder of You" (or "I'm All Shook Up")
Tennessee whiskey is a Straight Bourbon and can only be called Tennessee whiskey if it is created in Tennessee as stated under American Federal law. Currently there are only two major players or companies distilling Tennessee Whiskey. Jack Daniels (owned by Brown-Forman) and George Dickel (owned by the UK's Diageo empire). There are a number of smaller companies in Tennessee that produce purely for local consumption and do not export in a big way, such as Collier & McKeel, Benjamin Pritchard and others.
Tennessee whiskey drinkers have Nathen 'Nearest' Green to thank. In 1820 he 'invented' / distilled the very first whiskey in the state. In fact, he actually taught Jack Daniels (of Jack Daniels fame) how to distill and produce fine Bouron / southern whiskey.
Although Lynchburg - where Nathen "Nearest" Green and Jack Daniel had their distilleries is just over 200 miles from Graceland, Memphis (home of Elvis) there is no record of Elvis ever trying a Velvet Elvis. Curious.
There is not even a record of whom invented or first created this unusual Cocktail and why it is called a "Velvet Elvis". It just seems to have been invented and stayed in the Mixologists Recipe book ever since, well who knows?
