Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea might sound like a simple brew of tea, but it’s actually a powerhouse of flavors and spirits. This iconic cocktail combines several liquors with a splash of cola to create a deceivingly smooth drink. To make a Long Island Iced Tea, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz rum
• 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1 oz sweet and sour mix
• Cola to top off

Once mixed correctly, the Long Island Iced Tea offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Its unique blend provides a robust taste that appeals to many cocktail lovers. Enthusiasts appreciate the way it masks the strong alcohol content with refreshing flavors.

Equipment

To make a Long Island Iced Tea, you need specific tools.

• A cocktail shaker
• A jigger for measuring
• A Collins or highball glass
• A cocktail strainer
• A bar spoon for stirring
• Ice

Ingredients

The ingredients are an essential part of a Long Island Iced Tea. You’ll need:

• 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz white rum
• 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Splash of cola
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the cocktail:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec.
3. Pour in the lemon juice and simple syrup.
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
6. Add a splash of cola.
7. Stir briefly with a bar spoon.
8. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Tasting Notes

Long Island Iced Tea has a bold, tangy taste. The blend of five different liquors creates a complex flavor profile.

You’ll notice the citrus notes from the lemon juice and the sweetness from the simple syrup. The cola adds a refreshing finish, balancing the strong alcoholic content.

Similar Cocktails

Several cocktails share similarities with the Long Island Iced Tea. Some include similar ingredients.

• Long Beach Iced Tea: Uses cranberry juice instead of cola.
• Tokyo Tea: Uses Midori melon liqueur and a splash of lemon-lime soda.
• Adios Motherf**ker: Includes blue curaçao, replacing the triple sec, with lemon-lime soda.

History

The origin of the Long Island Iced Tea is often debated.

One popular story credits bartender Robert “Rosebud” Butt with creating it in the 1970s. Another version suggests it dates back to the Prohibition era, where its appearance mimicking iced tea helped disguise its alcoholic content.

Quick Pro Tips

A few tips can enhance your Long Island Iced Tea experience.

1. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for better flavor.
2. Opt for good-quality liquors to avoid an overly harsh taste.
3. Chill all ingredients before mixing to ensure a refreshing drink.
4. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup to your taste.

When to Serve

Long Island Iced Tea is suitable for a variety of occasions due to its refreshing nature.

Serve it at summer gatherings or barbecues. It’s also a great choice for evening parties, making it a versatile cocktail for both casual and festive events.