The Chilton Cocktail

If you've spent any time in Lubbock, Texas, the Chilton is likely already familiar to you. A refreshing blend of vodka, lemon juice, and soda water, this year-round sipper is the signature drink of the West Texas city and a cousin to the state's beloved Ranch Water.

According to local legend, a bartender at the Lubbock Country Club first concocted the beverage with the help of a thirsty patron named Dr. Chilton. In 2015, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal attempted to confirm this origin story without success. While the cocktail's beginnings may be murky, a Chilton sounds like just the drink to quench your thirst after a sunny day on the golf course or the tennis court. This beverage is so popular with both Lubbock locals and Texas Tech Raiders that it has inspired a few riffs on the classic. At The West Table Kitchen & Bar downtown, grapefruit fans can find a Ruby Chilton, mixed with Texas-made Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka.

For those of you looking to whip up the traditional cocktail at home, we're sharing the Chilton recipe straight from the Lubbock Country Club. While you may be tempted to simplify the method and skip the salted rim, we wouldn't dare. It's all part of this drink's signature West Texas charm. Now, let's stir up a Chilton and head to the porch!

What Is the Story of The Chilton?

While the exact date this drink was created is unknown, legend has it that a certain Dr. Chilton arrived at the bar at the Lubbock Country Club in West Texas, requesting a refreshing combination of fresh lemon juice, vodka, and soda water, with a salted rim and wheel of lemon. The bartender served up the first Chilton, named after its inventor.  

While the type of vodka may vary depending on your preferences, the makeup of this drink has largely remained the same to this day.

Ingredients for The Chilton Cocktail

To make this cocktail, you'll need only three main ingredients:

• vodka
• lemon juice
• soda water

The type of vodka is up to you, but with a fresh lemon wheel used as a garnish, we recommend freshly-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. An optional salt rim adds a salty kick to this cocktail that we highly recommend.

How To Make the Chilton Cocktail

This classic drink comes together in minutes, with ingredients you're pretty much guaranteed to already have on hand. Just salt the rim of a highball glass (or any preferred glass) and fill with ice. Add vodka and lemon juice, then top with soda water and stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel, and enjoy!

Serving these drinks to a crowd couldn't be easier. Prepare glasses with salt rims ahead, then put out the remaining ingredients, and leave them to it!

Twists on the Classic Chilton Cocktail

While this classic cocktail is refreshing and simple, you'll find variations abound. From Chiltons infused with rose petals to versions calling for flavored vodkas, twists on this refreshing drink can be fruity or savory. Some popular flavors you might see served in restaurants include blueberry, elderflower, pear, jalapeño, cucumber, grapefruit varieties, and more, using either flavored vodka, fresh fruit, or both.

More Classic Southern Cocktail Recipes You'll Love

From the Mint Julep to Mississippi Bourbon Punch, these classic Southern cocktail recipes have stood the test of time, for good reason.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.