In 2015, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal attempted to confirm this origin story without success.

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.

Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail in glasses ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Now, let’s stir up a Chilton andhead to the porch!

What Is the Story of The Chilton?

The bartender served up the first Chilton, named after its inventor.

Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

An optional salt rim adds a salty kick to this cocktail that we highly recommend.

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.

Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail salting the rim of the glass

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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!

Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail filling the glass with ice

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fill it with ice.

Add vodka and lemon juice:

Add vodka and fresh lemon juice to class.

Add soda water:

Top with soda water, then stir.

Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail adding the vodka and lemon juice to the glass

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Garnish with a lemon wheel, and enjoy!

There is no sugar added when making a classic Chilton cocktail.

Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail topping with sparkling water and adding a slice of lemon

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox