The Long Beach Island Iced Tea takes the legendary Long Island and gives it a fruity, cranberry-kissed makeover. Strong, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet, it’s a seaside favorite.
Equipment
To prepare a Long Beach Island Iced Tea, you’ll need the right tools:
- Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Jigger: For precise measurement of liquids.
- Mixing spoon: Helps in stirring the mix evenly.
- Strainer: Useful for removing ice when serving.
- Highball glass: Ideal serving glass due to its size.
Having the right equipment ensures your cocktail blends well and presents nicely.
Ingredients
This cocktail features a mix of spirits and a splash of fruit juice:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz lemon juice
- Top off with cola
- Ice cubes
These ingredients create the drink’s distinctive flavor profile, balancing strength with refreshing fruit notes.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Long Beach Island Iced Tea:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Pour in 1 oz each of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec.
- Add 1 oz cranberry juice and 2 oz lemon juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with cola, then stir gently.
Your cocktail is now ready to enjoy.
Tasting Notes
The taste of a Long Beach Island Iced Tea is complex and invigorating.
You’ll notice a sharpness from the citrus elements, while cranberry adds a tartness. Each spirit lends depth, making the drink robust with a smooth finish. The cola rounds out flavors, giving a hint of sweetness. It’s simultaneously bold and refreshing, offering a nuanced sip.
Similar Cocktails
Explore other cocktails if you enjoy the Long Beach Island Iced Tea.
- Long Island Iced Tea: Includes cola but lacks cranberry juice.
- Blue Hawaiian Iced Tea: Adds blue curaçao for a tropical twist.
- Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea: Infuses strawberry for a fruity variation.
- Long Island Iced Tea Shots: Offer similar flavors in a smaller package.
These variations offer unique flavor profiles while maintaining a base similarity.
History
The Long Beach Island Iced Tea is a derivative of the classic Long Island Iced Tea.
The Long Island Iced Tea originated in the 1970s in New York. Bartenders experimented with the recipe, leading to the creation of the Long Beach variety. The addition of cranberry juice gives this drink its distinguishing taste and visual appeal.
Quick Pro Tips
Enhance your cocktail-making experience with these tips:
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for better flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cooler longer.
- Experiment with different ratios to adjust the strength to your liking.
- Use premium spirits to achieve a higher quality cocktail.
When to Serve
The Long Beach Island Iced Tea is versatile in its occasions.
- Perfect for summer gatherings due to its refreshing nature.
- An excellent choice for evening parties with its lively profile.
- Complements barbecue settings well with its bold flavors.
- Ideal as a vibrant welcome drink at casual get-togethers.
