The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most famous—and famously potent—cocktails in the world. Known for its mix of multiple spirits, a touch of cola, and its resemblance to iced tea, this cocktail has earned a reputation for packing a punch. Despite its strength, the Long Island Iced Tea has a surprisingly balanced flavor, with the various spirits blending together in harmony to create a smooth, refreshing drink that’s perfect for a night out. Let’s dive into the story behind the Long Island Iced Tea, what makes it so popular, and how to make this iconic cocktail at home.
The Origins of the Long Island Iced Tea
The exact origins of the Long Island Iced Tea are somewhat murky, with multiple claims to its invention. One popular story attributes the drink to Robert “Rosebud” Butt, a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York, who claims to have invented it in the 1970s as part of a contest to create a new cocktail using triple sec. Another story traces the drink’s roots back to the 1920s Prohibition era in a small town called Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee, where a similar drink—known as the “Old Man Bishop”—was supposedly made with a mix of multiple spirits and a dash of cola for a tea-like appearance, helping it pass as a non-alcoholic drink.
Regardless of its true origins, the Long Island Iced Tea gained popularity in the 1980s and quickly became a staple in bars across the United States and beyond. Known for its boozy kick and refreshing taste, it’s a cocktail that’s celebrated for its boldness and the skillful way it blends multiple spirits into a surprisingly balanced drink.
Why the Long Island Iced Tea is So Unique
The Long Island Iced Tea is one of a kind for a few key reasons:
- Five-Spirit Blend: This cocktail is made with five different spirits—vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec—making it one of the most complex cocktails in terms of its base ingredients. Despite the high alcohol content, these spirits blend together seamlessly, resulting in a drink that’s strong yet smooth.
- Tea-Like Appearance: With a splash of cola and fresh lemon, the Long Island Iced Tea has the look of a glass of iced tea, adding to its mystique. Its resemblance to iced tea is part of its charm and gives it a refreshing look, even though it’s a cocktail.
- Surprisingly Balanced Flavor: Despite the array of spirits, the Long Island Iced Tea has a surprisingly balanced flavor profile, with a mix of citrus, sweetness, and a slight bitterness from the cola. The various ingredients work together to mask the strong alcohol taste, making it easy to sip (and a bit dangerous!).
How to Make the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea
Ready to try this cocktail at home? Here’s a classic recipe for the Long Island Iced Tea.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz (1.5 cl) vodka
- ½ oz (1.5 cl) gin
- ½ oz (1.5 cl) white rum
- ½ oz (1.5 cl) tequila
- ½ oz (1.5 cl) triple sec
- 1 oz (3 cl) fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz (1.5 cl) simple syrup
- Splash of cola
- Ice
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a shaker, add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake Well: Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
- Pour and Top with Cola: Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice, then top with a splash of cola.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lemon wedge for a touch of citrus aroma and serve immediately.
Tip: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of each spirit to ¼ oz (0.75 cl) and add a bit more cola or lemon juice for a less boozy but equally refreshing drink.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
- Vodka, Gin, Rum, and Tequila: These four spirits are the backbone of the Long Island Iced Tea. There’s no need to use premium brands, but choosing decent quality spirits will improve the cocktail’s overall flavor. Light (or silver) rum and blanco tequila work best for this drink, as they blend seamlessly with the other spirits.
- Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and citrus. Cointreau is a popular choice, though any quality triple sec will work.
- Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for balancing the drink’s acidity and sweetness. The simple syrup helps to round out the cocktail, making it smooth and easy to drink.
- Cola: The cola adds a bit of sweetness, color, and a touch of bitterness. A splash is all you need—just enough to give the drink its tea-like appearance.
Tips for Perfecting Your Long Island Iced Tea
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings brightness and acidity that balances the strong flavors of the spirits. Bottled lemon juice tends to lack vibrancy, so fresh is best.
- Don’t Overdo the Cola: A small splash of cola is enough to color the drink and add a hint of flavor. Too much cola can make the drink overly sweet and dilute the flavors of the spirits.
- Shake Well: Shaking the ingredients with ice helps chill and dilute the cocktail slightly, creating a smoother drink. Since this cocktail has multiple spirits, shaking also helps blend them together for a more harmonious flavor.
- Serve with Caution: The Long Island Iced Tea is a deceptively strong drink, so enjoy it slowly and pace yourself. It may taste refreshing, but it packs a serious punch!
Long Island Iced Tea Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a hit on its own, there are a few popular variations of the Long Island Iced Tea that offer a fun twist:
- Blue Long Island: Replace the triple sec with blue curaçao and use lemon-lime soda instead of cola. This version has a vibrant blue color and a slightly sweeter, citrus-forward flavor.
- Long Beach Iced Tea: Substitute the cola with cranberry juice for a refreshing, berry-tart version that’s popular during the summer months.
- Miami Iced Tea: Replace the cola with pineapple juice for a tropical take on the classic Long Island, perfect for poolside sipping.
- Tokyo Iced Tea: Use melon liqueur in place of triple sec and swap the cola with lemon-lime soda. This version has a bright green color and a sweet melon flavor.
- Electric Iced Tea: Replace the cola with an energy drink for a caffeinated kick. This version is popular in nightclubs and bars but should be enjoyed with caution due to the added caffeine.
When to Serve the Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a versatile drink that’s ideal for various occasions:
- Happy Hour: Its bold flavor and refreshing taste make it a popular choice for happy hour, where people are looking for a drink that’s both tasty and packs a punch.
- Weekend Gatherings: With its party-friendly reputation, the Long Island Iced Tea is perfect for casual gatherings, house parties, and social events where you want something that’s fun and a bit festive.
- Warm-Weather Sipping: The Long Island Iced Tea’s refreshing taste and tea-like appearance make it a great choice for warm weather, especially for outdoor events or poolside lounging.
Why You Should Try the Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea may have a reputation as a strong drink, but it’s more than just a boozy cocktail. Its careful balance of spirits, citrus, and sweetness makes it surprisingly smooth and easy to enjoy. With each sip, you’ll experience a blend of flavors that range from slightly sweet to tart, with a touch of bitterness from the cola.
Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking to try something different, the Long Island Iced Tea is a drink that’s worth experiencing. It’s a testament to the art of mixology, showing how even the boldest ingredients can come together to create a balanced, refreshing cocktail. So next time you’re in the mood for something adventurous, shake up a Long Island Iced Tea, sit back, and enjoy the vibrant taste of this iconic drink. Cheers!