Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea

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5 1518 votes

Prep Time5 minutes
Servings1

Long Island Ice Tea is a popular mixed drink that originated in the United States. It is typically made with a combination of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola. Despite its name, it does not actually contain any iced tea.

Keyword Dairy Free, Vegan
Skill Easy

Looking for a cocktail that’s both strong and refreshing? Look no further than the Long Island Iced Tea! This classic mixed drink is a favorite among cocktail lovers everywhere, and for good reason. With its combination of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec, along with a splash of citrus and cola, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. So why not mix up a batch and join the party?

History of the Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail

Despite its name, the Long Island IcedTea does not actually contain any iced tea. It is believed to have originated in the United States during the 1970s, and quickly became a popular drink in bars and nightclubs. The exact origin of the drink is unclear, but it is thought to have been created by a bartender on Long Island, New York.

Ingredients Used

To make a Long Island Iced Tea cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

Note: You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and simple syrup to suit your taste.

What glass should I use for a Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail?

Choosing the right glassware for your Long Island Iced Tea can make a big difference in the overall drinking experience. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right glassware for this classic cocktail:

  1. Look for a tall glass: A Long Island Iced Tea is typically served in a tall glass to accommodate the large amount of liquid and ice. A highball glass or a Collins glass are good choices for this purpose.
  2. Consider the thickness of the glass: Because a Long Island Ice Tea is served with ice, it’s important to choose a glass that is thick enough to withstand the cold without cracking or breaking. Look for glasses made of tempered glass or thick, sturdy crystal.
  3. Choose a glass with a wide mouth: A Long Island Ice Tea is typically garnished with a lemon wedge, which can be difficult to fit into a narrow glass. Look for a glass with a wide mouth that will accommodate the garnish without spilling over.
  4. Opt for a sturdy base: A Long Island Ice Tea is a strong cocktail, and it’s important to choose a glass with a sturdy base that won’t tip over easily. Look for glasses with a heavy base or weighted bottom for added stability.
  5. Consider the overall aesthetic: While the functionality of the glass is important, it’s also worth considering the overall aesthetic of the glass. A Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail, and a glass with a classic or elegant design can add to the overall experience of drinking the cocktail.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose the perfect glassware to serve your Long Island Ice Tea and enjoy this classic cocktail to the fullest.

Equipment Needed

Method

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the glass.
  3. Top off with cola and give it a quick stir.
  4. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.

Tips for Making a Great Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail

  • Use high-quality spirits for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for a bright and citrusy taste.
  • Adjust the amount of simple syrup and lemon juice to suit your taste.
  • Be careful when drinking Long Island Ice Teas, as they are quite strong and can easily sneak up on you.

Choosing your Rum

For the main ingredient known as rum in the cocktail recipe, there are many different qualities and types of rum available on the market. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in the flavor and overall quality of your cocktail.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a rum is the age. Rums are typically aged in oak barrels, which can impart different flavors depending on how long the rum is aged. White or silver rum is unaged and has a light, clean flavor, while gold or amber rum is aged for a few years and has a slightly richer, caramel flavor. Dark or aged rum is aged for a longer period of time, giving it a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Another factor to consider when choosing a rum is the country of origin. Different countries have their own unique styles and flavors of rum. For example, Jamaican rum is known for its bold, spicy flavor, while Cuban rum is known for its smooth, light taste.

When it comes to choosing a high-quality rum, it’s important to look for one that is made from high-quality ingredients and is distilled using traditional methods. Look for rums that are made from 100% sugar cane or molasses, rather than artificial sweeteners or flavorings.

In summary, when choosing a rum for your cocktail, consider the age, country of origin, and quality of ingredients. By choosing a high-quality rum that complements the other ingredients in your cocktail, you can elevate the overall flavor and make a truly memorable drink.

Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Ice Tea is a popular mixed drink that originated in the United States. It is typically made with a combination of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola. Despite its name, it does not actually contain any iced tea.
Prep Time5 minutes
Servings1

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fill a tall glass with ice.
  • Add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the glass.
  • Top off with cola and give it a quick stir.
  • Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.

Buy the equipment

Here are our top picks from Amazon of cocktail making equipment to make a Long Island Iced Tea.

In conclusion, the Long Island Ice Tea is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of spirits, citrus, and cola, it’s sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re sipping it poolside or enjoying it at a party, this cocktail is a true crowd-pleaser.

Give it a try and see why it’s a favorite among cocktail lovers everywhere.

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30 Comments

  1. redstar alexander on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    its amazing that you can mix that many spirits in a drink and have such a balanced neutral and not overimposing flavour theres not many bars that dont serve this and its easy to understand why

    for me only a black russian or white cloud come close in the cocktail world !

  2. lalanjee sharma on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    i will like your cocktail ANd my self never drink but i love make cocktail,

  3. Hayley on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    I lurve this drink, i have drank it since my first bar at 17, now 25 and its the only one i ever order!

  4. j on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    in my opinion yu must fill mosty with lemon juice (fresh is best) and then top up with coke!

  5. jonny on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    very nice. . . when mape properly DO NOT put malabu in it! which most places seem to do! an ace drink and if made properly its a nice strong drink

  6. Jits (Bar Red Square - Croydon) on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    Very lovely cocktail indeed. . . to give it an eye catching look try adding the coke to a glass filled wit ice about half way. . . then float the white spirits over the ice to layer. garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint 🙂 . . . perfect cocktail, from the perfect barman!

  7. dan on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    first ever alcoholic drink i tasted, sheer genius

  8. Lifeisgood on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    Great sundowner which can be topped up with Cola. Takes you on a ride, but the constant top up with cola sobers you up eventually. Not good for those on a calorie restricted diet – this is fatal! Diet Cola spoilts it!!!

  9. William McLaughlan, Glasgow on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    This is a great drink. One of those easy down, ‘I feel just fine’ summer quenchers. I like adding a little bourbon for a slightly smokier kick!!!

  10. Jonny Boy on 7 February 2023 at 14:36

    Awesome and refreshing – but tastes fresher without the tequila, especially if you leave the fresh lime until last and squeeze it into the top of the completed drink!

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