Long Island Iced Tea
A potent and surprisingly refreshing cocktail that famously contains no actual tea. The Long Island Iced Tea combines five different white spirits – vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec – with lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with a splash of cola which gives it its characteristic iced tea colour. Despite its innocent appearance, this drink packs a punch, making it a popular choice for parties and social gatherings. Its origins are debated, but its popularity endures.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cl vodka
- 1.5 cl tequila
- 1.5 cl white rum
- 1.5 cl gin
- 1.5 cl triple sec
- 2.5 cl lemon juice
- 3 cl simple syrup
- Coca-Cola
- 1 wedge lemon
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 highball glass
Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Add vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Secure the lid and shake well until the outside of the shaker feels very cold (about 15-20 seconds).
Fill a highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
Top up the glass carefully with Coca-Cola.
Garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim or dropped into the drink.
Trivia
- What is in a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea typically contains five types of alcohol: vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, and triple sec. It also includes lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of cola for colour and flavour.
- Why is it called Long Island Iced Tea?
It's named Long Island Iced Tea primarily because its appearance, particularly its amber hue derived from the cola, resembles that of actual iced tea. Despite the name, it contains no tea.
- How strong is a Long Island Iced Tea?
The Long Island Iced Tea is notoriously strong due to the combination of five different spirits. The alcohol content is significantly higher than most standard highball cocktails, so it should be consumed responsibly.
- What does a Long Island Iced Tea taste like?
Despite the potent mix of spirits, a well-made Long Island Iced Tea has a surprisingly balanced flavour. It's sweet and sour from the lemon juice and simple syrup, with the cola adding a familiar caramel note. The blend of spirits creates a complex base that is often masked by the other ingredients.
- Can you make a Long Island Iced Tea without Triple Sec?
Yes, you can substitute Triple Sec if necessary. Cointreau or Grand Marnier are common orange liqueur substitutes. Some variations might even use a different citrus liqueur or adjust the simple syrup and lemon juice, but Triple Sec is the classic ingredient.
- What kind of glass is best for a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea is traditionally served in a highball glass or a Collins glass. These tall glasses accommodate the volume of the ingredients, including the ice and the cola top-up, and showcase the drink's tea-like colour.