Although there is no actual Cheerwine in this drink, it tastes very much like the Southern soda with its sweet flavors of cola and a hint of cherry. Cheerwine was created right here in North Carolina in 1917 and calls itself the “Nectar of North Carolina.” Most Southerners are familiar with it. It is best paired with the foods of football season: chicken wings, BBQ ribs and cheeseburgers, just to name a few. My Spiked Cheerwine will couple nicely with any of these foods and will also pack a punch … or tackle.

The first time I had a version of this drink was at a restaurant in the form of a shot. Some friends and I met at the bar to celebrate one of their birthdays and the bartender offered to make us something yummy. From my previous experience, when a bartender offers to make something for a group of girls it is either a joke and tastes horrible or it is so full of liquor it barely goes down. Regardless, we all agreed to let him make us a shot. “It’s going to taste just like Cheerwine,” he said. I didn’t believe him, but after finishing mine I was pleasantly surprised at how right he was. I had watched him make the shots so I had a general idea of what was in it and decided to create a similar cocktail myself. I hope you enjoy this drink as much as I do.