Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is an iconic cocktail that has been around for decades. It’s a mix of vodka, gin, tequila, rum and triple sec with a splash of cola to finish it off. This classic drink has become popular in bars and clubs all over the world.
This modern take on the traditional iced tea recipe was invented in 1972 by Robert “Rosebud” Butt at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York. He created this beverage as an alternative to his customers’ favorite drink – whiskey sour – which they couldn’t afford due to its high price tag.
Since then, many variations on this classic (like the AMF Drink) have been created including adding different types of liqueurs and juices or replacing some of the alcohols with other ingredients such as sweeteners or energy drinks. The possibilities are endless! Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or strong and punchy, there are plenty of recipes out there to explore.
Long Island Iced Tea Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce tequila
- 1/2 ounce rum
- 1/2 ounce gin
- 1 1/2 ounces triple sec or Cointreau liqueur
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or to taste
- Dash of cola optional
Instructions
- Fill a large glass with ice cubes. Pour the vodka, tequila, rum and gin over the ice. Add the triple sec and lemon juice. Stir well until combined.
- Taste for sweetness and add more lemon juice if desired; then top off the drink with cola if desired (it will give it a nice amber color). Serve chilled in a short tumbler glass with an orange slice garnish. Enjoy!
Glassware
Typical or usual glassware used for Long Island Iced Tea: The most common glassware to use when serving a Long Island Iced Tea is a tall, narrow Collins glass. This type of glass helps to keep the cocktail cold and concentrate its flavors.
If you want to be more decorative, a hurricane or highball glass can also be used. Make sure the glasses are chilled before pouring in your mixed drink for an extra refreshing experience!
Flavors
Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for years. It features a blend of several spirits, as well as sweet and sour mix, cola syrup and lemon juice. The overall flavor profile is complex with hints of citrus from the lemon juice and a sweetness from the simple syrup.
When made correctly, this drink has an intense herbal character provided by the vodka, gin, tequila, triple sec, and rum combination.
The key to making this cocktail stand out is in its balance—it should be neither too sweet nor too tart. To achieve this balance add equal parts of all ingredients except for the cola or ginger beer which can be adjusted to taste. As you take your first sip you will notice how each ingredient plays off one another creating an intriguing combination that leaves your palate both satisfied and intrigued.
3 tips for Making Your Long Island iced tea
3 Tips related to the ingredients in this drink:
- To ensure you get a balanced flavor, use equal parts of each spirit (vodka, tequila, rum and gin) when making the Long Island Iced Tea.
- Opt for high-quality liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a smoother taste rather than using triple sec that may have harsher flavors.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds an extra tartness and brightness to the drink compared to store-bought varieties; so be sure to squeeze it yourself if possible!
