When the sun is high and it’s hot outside, a Long Island Iced Tea is just what you need. This cocktail is loved for its bold mix of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, scoring a 9 out of 10 for its strength.
Perfect for a backyard BBQ or a fun night with friends, the Long Island Iced Tea is refreshing. Its mix of sweet, tart, and strong flavors makes it a hit. It’s the perfect drink for hot summer days.
What is a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Bold and Refreshing Cocktail
The Long Island iced tea is a bold and refreshing cocktail. It mixes five different spirits – vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple – with sweet and sour mix and cola. This mix looks like iced tea but is much stronger.
It has no real tea but is a mix of strong liquors. This makes it a classic cocktail that’s popular for its taste.
A classic Long Island Iced Tea cocktail has 5 types of liquor: vodka, gin, tequila, white rum, and triple sec. It has 2.5 ounces of alcohol per drink. This makes it as strong as Manhattans and Martinis.
The cocktail was first made in Long Island, NY, in 1972. Robert “Rosebud” Butt of The Oak Beach Inn created it.
The Long Island iced tea is known for its tropical flavors. It has rum and lemon flavors, mixed with various spirits and cola. It’s served in a glass with ice and a lemon wedge.
“The Long Island Iced Tea does not contain any actual tea, even though it resembles an iced tea in appearance.”
The Potent Ingredients
The secret to a great Long Island Iced Tea is in the mix of five spirits. These are vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec. Each spirit adds its own flavor, making the drink a classic favorite.
Five Different Spirits and Sweet & Sour Mix
The recipe uses equal parts of each spirit, about 2.5 ounces per drink. A homemade sweet and sour mix, with lemon juice and simple syrup, adds a tangy touch. A splash of cola gives it a sweet flavor and a unique color.
Using top-notch ingredients is key. By following the recipe and using fresh, quality parts, you can make a Long Island Iced Tea at home. It will be a balanced and strong drink that will impress your taste buds.
“The secret to a great Long Island Iced Tea is all in the proportions of the five spirits. Get that right, and you’ve got a truly exceptional cocktail.”
The History of the Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
The origins of the Long Island iced tea cocktail are a mystery. Some say it was made in the 1920s by “Old Man” Bishop in Long Island, Tennessee. He used whiskey and honey to create “Old Man Bishop.”
Another story points to Robert “Rosebud” Butt. He allegedly made the modern Long Island iced tea in 1972 at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York.
Though we may never know for sure, the Long Island iced tea is a classic. It’s known for its bold taste and strong alcohol content. With about 22% alcohol, it’s a favorite among university students and those looking for a strong drink.
Over time, many variations of the Long Island iced tea have emerged. These include the Boston tea party, Grateful Dead, and Hawaiian iced tea. Despite some bartenders’ dislike, its popularity and versatility have made it a timeless cocktail.
“An act of mixological atrocity favored by college students and wastrels.”
Whether you love or hate the Long Island iced tea, its history is rich and fascinating. From its possible bootlegger roots to its modern fame, it’s a key part of cocktail history.
Tips for Making the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Making the ultimate Long Island iced tea needs a few key tips. First, use either gold or white rum to keep the drink’s color right. Premium spirits aren’t a must, but high-quality liquors and fresh ingredients, like lemon juice and simple syrup, really help.
It’s also important to wash and prepare the citrus well. Any leftover residue can ruin the taste. The mix of spirits to sweet and sour is key too. A 2:1 ratio of sour to sweet is usually best to avoid a too sweet drink.
- Use gold or white rum to maintain the tea-like color
- Opt for high-quality spirits and fresh lemon juice
- Properly clean and prepare the citrus to avoid unwanted flavors
- Aim for a 2:1 ratio of sour to sweet mix for optimal balance
By following these tips, you’ll make the perfect long island iced tea. This cocktail is bold and refreshing. Whether at home or for a crowd, these methods will make your Long Island iced tea stand out.
“The Long Island Iced Tea is a favorite summer drink, reminding me of enjoying it in college. I opt for the classic recipe, occasionally adding a touch of honey to enhance the tea-like quality.”
– Michelle McGlinn, Recipe Developer
The Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
The Long Island Iced Tea is a favorite cocktail known for its strong mix of five spirits. To make this drink, you’ll need a few ingredients:
- 2 ounces tequila
- 2 ounces gin
- 2 ounces gold or white rum
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1-1.5 ounces cola
- 2 lemon wedges for garnish
To make the perfect long island iced tea recipe, start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, gin, rum, vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup. Shake well until it’s cold. Then, pour it into a glass filled with ice.
Top it with cola and garnish with lemon wedges.
The key to a great long island iced tea is balancing the long island iced tea ingredients. Use equal parts of the five spirits for a perfect mix. Always choose high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
Enjoying a long island iced tea by the pool or at a bar is always a treat. Its iconic look and balanced flavors make it a favorite among cocktail lovers.
Nutritional Information
The long island iced tea calories and nutrition facts are quite high. A single serving has about 360 calories, 20 grams of carbs, and 17 grams of sugar.
This drink’s high calorie and carb count comes from its mix of spirits, sweet and sour mix, and cola. Enjoying it in moderation is key to a balanced lifestyle.
Comparing it to other foods, a Long Island iced tea has almost as many calories as a McDonald’s Big Mac. It also has more carbs than a medium french fries order. Being mindful of your long island iced tea calories and alcohol intake is crucial.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (8.3 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 276 |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Sugars | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
While the Long Island iced tea is a favorite, it’s important to watch your long island iced tea nutrition facts. Enjoy it responsibly as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Serving Suggestions
Serving the Long Island Iced Tea right is key. You want to balance the strong spirit mix with the cool cola. Pour it into a tall, flared glass filled with ice. Then, add a splash of cola and top with a lemon wedge.
The lemon wedge adds a fresh touch and balances the drink’s richness. You can enjoy it alone or with light dishes like grilled shrimp or salads. This helps balance the bold flavors.
The right serving size is 8 to 12 ounces, depending on your taste. Paying attention to detail is crucial. Use quality ingredients and measure the long island iced tea serving size carefully. This way, you’ll serve a perfect how to serve long island iced tea every time.
| Serving Suggestions | Details |
|---|---|
| Glass | Tall, flared highball glass |
| Ice | Filled to the brim with ice |
| Mixer | Topped with a splash of cola |
| Garnish | Lemon wedge |
| Serving Size | 8-12 ounces |
By following these tips, your Long Island Iced Tea will look great and taste perfect. The spirits will shine, and the cola and lemon will add a refreshing touch.
Conclusion
The long island iced tea is a timeless, iconic cocktail. It has bold, complex flavors and a strong punch. It’s a favorite among cocktail lovers.
By using the right techniques and quality ingredients, you can make a great long island iced tea. It will impress your guests and satisfy your craving for a memorable drink.
The long island iced tea is perfect for any occasion. It’s refreshing and sophisticated. As you enjoy it, you’ll experience bold flavors and unforgettable moments.
So, why is the long island iced tea so popular? It’s because it has the perfect mix of flavors and a refreshing kick. It also brings a sense of nostalgia. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned lover, it’s a must-try.
FAQ
What is a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea is a bold cocktail. It mixes five spirits – vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec. It also includes sweet and sour mix and cola. This mix looks like iced tea but is very strong.
What are the key ingredients in a Long Island Iced Tea?
The main ingredients are five spirits: vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec. These are mixed with a homemade sweet and sour mix. The mix includes fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with cola.
Where does the Long Island Iced Tea cocktail come from?
The Long Island Iced Tea’s origins are debated. Some say it was made in the 1920s by “Old Man” Bishop in Long Island, Tennessee. Others believe it was created by Robert “Rosebud” Butt at the Oak Beach Inn in New York in 1972.
What are some tips for making the perfect Long Island Iced Tea?
To make a great Long Island Iced Tea, use gold or white rum. Dark rum changes the color. Choose high-quality liquors and fresh ingredients for the lemon juice and simple syrup. Clean and prepare the citrus well, as residue can ruin the taste. The right mix of spirits and sweet and sour is key, with a 2:1 ratio of sour to sweet.
How many calories are in a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea has about 360 calories. It has 20 grams of carbs and 17 grams of sugar. The high calorie and carb count come from the spirits, sweet and sour mix, and cola.
How should a Long Island Iced Tea be served?
It’s best served in a tall, flared glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass and add cola. Top with a lemon wedge for a fresh touch and to balance the drink’s richness.
Source Links
- Raspberry Long Island Iced Tea (no cola)
- Captain Morgan Long Island Iced Tea | urbanbohemian
- Long Island Iced Tea
- The Best Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe — Jessie Barnes Bernhardt
- Long Island Iced Tea | Dishes Delish
- Classic Long Island Iced Tea
- Long Island iced tea
- Long Island Ice Tea – A little History and a Great Recipe.
- Simple And Strong Long Island Iced Tea Recipe – Tasting Table
- Make Pitcher-Sized Batch of Long Island Iced Tea For the Ultimate Party Cocktail
- Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
- The Real Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
- This Long Island Iced Tea Is All About The Homemade Sour Mix
- Long Island iced tea nutrition facts and analysis.
- Make the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea (and Drink It With No Regrets)
- Long Island Iced Tea & Long Island Drink Variations
- Saving Summer’s Trashiest Cocktail: Make Way for the $21 Long Island Ice Tea
