The Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail that has been a staple in bars and restaurants for decades. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain – it’s a drink that packs a punch. With its unique blend of flavors and potent mix of alcohols, it’s no wonder why the Long Island Iced Tea has become a favorite among those who enjoy a strong drink. But have you ever wondered what makes up this mysterious concoction? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Long Island Iced Tea and uncover the secrets behind its potent mix.
A Brief History of Long Island Iced Tea
The origins of the Long Island Iced Tea are unclear, but it’s believed to have been created in the 1970s by a bartender named Robert “Rosebud” Butt at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York. The story goes that Butt was challenged by a friend to create a drink that tasted like iced tea but had the kick of a cocktail. After experimenting with various combinations of alcohols and mixers, Butt finally came up with the recipe that would become the Long Island Iced Tea.
The Original Recipe
The original recipe for Long Island Iced Tea, as created by Robert Butt, consisted of a combination of five different types of alcohol:
- Vodka
- Gin
- Rum
- Tequila
- Triple sec
These alcohols were mixed with cola and lemon juice, and served over ice in a tall glass. The result was a drink that was both sweet and sour, with a flavor that was reminiscent of iced tea.
The Alcohols in Long Island Iced Tea
So, what makes up the potent mix of alcohols in Long Island Iced Tea? Let’s take a closer look at each of the five types of alcohol that are typically used in the recipe:
Vodka
Vodka is a clear, colorless spirit that is made from grains such as wheat, rye, or potatoes. It’s a popular base spirit in many cocktails, and is known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content. In the case of Long Island Iced Tea, vodka adds a crisp, clean flavor to the drink.
Gin
Gin is a spirit that is flavored with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peel. It’s a popular base spirit in many classic cocktails, and is known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. In the case of Long Island Iced Tea, gin adds a dry, herbal flavor to the drink.
Rum
Rum is a spirit that is made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or sugarcane juice. It’s a popular base spirit in many tropical cocktails, and is known for its rich, sweet flavor. In the case of Long Island Iced Tea, rum adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor to the drink.
Tequila
Tequila is a spirit that is made from the blue agave plant, primarily in Mexico. It’s a popular base spirit in many cocktails, and is known for its strong, earthy flavor. In the case of Long Island Iced Tea, tequila adds a bold, spicy flavor to the drink.
Triple Sec
Triple sec is a type of orange-flavored liqueur that is made from the peels of bitter and sweet oranges. It’s a popular ingredient in many cocktails, and is known for its sweet, citrusy flavor. In the case of Long Island Iced Tea, triple sec adds a sweet, orange-flavored flavor to the drink.
The Mixers in Long Island Iced Tea
In addition to the five types of alcohol, Long Island Iced Tea also typically includes a few mixers to add flavor and sweetness to the drink. These mixers may include:
- Cola: a sweet, fizzy soda that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the drink
- Lemon juice: a sour, citrusy juice that adds a bright, refreshing flavor to the drink
- Simple syrup: a sweet, sugary syrup that adds a touch of sweetness to the drink
The Role of Cola in Long Island Iced Tea
Cola is a key ingredient in Long Island Iced Tea, and plays a crucial role in the drink’s flavor and texture. The cola adds a sweet, fizzy flavor to the drink, which helps to balance out the bold flavors of the alcohols. It also helps to give the drink its distinctive dark color and creamy texture.
The Role of Lemon Juice in Long Island Iced Tea
Lemon juice is another key ingredient in Long Island Iced Tea, and adds a sour, citrusy flavor to the drink. The lemon juice helps to balance out the sweetness of the cola and the alcohols, and adds a bright, refreshing flavor to the drink.
How to Make a Long Island Iced Tea
Making a Long Island Iced Tea is relatively simple, and requires just a few ingredients and some basic bartending skills. Here’s a recipe for a classic Long Island Iced Tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1 1/2 oz rum
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz cola
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Simple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec to the shaker.
- Shake the mixture well for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top the drink off with cola and lemon juice.
- Stir the drink gently to combine.
- Add a splash of simple syrup if desired.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel.
Variations on the Long Island Iced Tea
While the classic recipe for Long Island Iced Tea is delicious, there are many variations on the drink that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Electric Iced Tea: This variation adds a splash of blue curaçao to the drink, giving it a bright blue color and a sweet, citrusy flavor.
- Long Beach Iced Tea: This variation substitutes cranberry juice for the cola, giving the drink a sweet, fruity flavor.
- Georgia Iced Tea: This variation substitutes peach schnapps for the triple sec, giving the drink a sweet, fruity flavor.
Conclusion
The Long Island Iced Tea is a delicious and potent cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy a strong drink. With its unique blend of flavors and potent mix of alcohols, it’s no wonder why the Long Island Iced Tea has become a favorite among bartenders and drinkers alike. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe or prefer one of the many variations, the Long Island Iced Tea is a drink that is sure to please. So next time you’re at the bar, be sure to give it a try!
What is Long Island Iced Tea and how did it originate?
Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail made with a combination of five different types of liquor: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec. The drink is often served in a tall glass filled with ice and topped with cola, giving it a resemblance to iced tea. The origins of Long Island Iced Tea are often disputed, but it is widely believed to have been created in the 1970s by a bartender named Robert “Rosebud” Butt at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York.
The story goes that Butt created the drink as part of a contest to create a new cocktail using a variety of liquors. The original recipe called for equal parts of each liquor, which was then mixed with cola and served over ice. The drink quickly gained popularity and spread to other bars and restaurants, eventually becoming a staple of 1980s nightlife.
What are the ingredients in a classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe?
A classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe typically includes five different types of liquor: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec. The drink is also made with cola, lemon juice, and simple syrup, which are used to balance out the flavors of the liquor. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients, such as orange liqueur or grenadine, but these are not typically considered part of the classic recipe.
When making a Long Island Iced Tea, it’s generally recommended to use high-quality liquors and to measure out the ingredients carefully. This will help to ensure that the drink is well-balanced and doesn’t taste too strongly of any one liquor. It’s also a good idea to adjust the amount of cola and lemon juice to taste, as some people may prefer a stronger or weaker flavor.
How do you make a Long Island Iced Tea?
To make a Long Island Iced Tea, start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 1/2 ounces each of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec, along with 1/2 ounce of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake the mixture well for about 15-20 seconds, then strain it into a tall glass filled with ice.
Next, top the drink off with 4-6 ounces of cola, depending on your preference. Stir the drink gently to combine the ingredients, then garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel. Some people also like to add a splash of orange liqueur or grenadine to the drink, but this is optional.
What are some variations of the Long Island Iced Tea recipe?
Over the years, many variations of the Long Island Iced Tea recipe have been developed. Some popular variations include the Electric Iced Tea, which adds blue curaçao to give the drink a bright blue color, and the Long Beach Iced Tea, which substitutes cranberry juice for the cola. Other variations may include different types of liquor or additional ingredients, such as fruit juice or herbs.
One of the benefits of the Long Island Iced Tea recipe is that it can be easily modified to suit different tastes and preferences. For example, if you don’t like the taste of tequila, you can substitute it with another type of liquor or omit it altogether. You can also experiment with different types of cola or add a splash of citrus juice to give the drink a bit more flavor.
How strong is a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea is a relatively strong drink, thanks to the combination of five different types of liquor. The drink typically has an ABV of around 20-25%, which is significantly higher than most other cocktails. This means that it’s easy to overdo it when drinking a Long Island Iced Tea, so it’s generally recommended to pace yourself and drink responsibly.
It’s also worth noting that the strength of a Long Island Iced Tea can vary depending on the specific recipe and the amount of liquor used. Some recipes may call for more or less liquor, which can affect the overall strength of the drink. Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to the effects of liquor than others, so it’s always a good idea to be cautious when drinking.
What are some tips for serving Long Island Iced Tea?
When serving Long Island Iced Tea, it’s generally recommended to use a tall glass filled with ice. This will help to keep the drink cold and prevent the ice from melting too quickly. You can also garnish the drink with a lemon wedge or wheel, which can add a bit of flavor and visual appeal.
It’s also a good idea to serve Long Island Iced Tea in a well-ventilated area, as the drink can be quite potent. You may also want to consider serving food or snacks alongside the drink, as this can help to soak up some of the liquor and prevent over-intoxication.
Is Long Island Iced Tea a popular drink today?
While Long Island Iced Tea was extremely popular in the 1980s and 1990s, its popularity has waxed and waned over the years. Today, the drink is still widely recognized and enjoyed, but it’s not as trendy as it once was. Many bars and restaurants still include Long Island Iced Tea on their menus, but it’s not as commonly ordered as it once was.
Despite this, Long Island Iced Tea remains a beloved drink among many people, and it’s still widely enjoyed at parties and social gatherings. Its potent mix of liquors and cola makes it a great choice for those who want a strong drink that’s also easy to drink.