Introduction
The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that has survived the test of time, and for good reason. It’s sweet, strong, and highly refreshing on a hot summer day or night. This cocktail is a favorite among patrons at bars and restaurants, but it’s also easy to make at home with only a few key ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore the steps required to make a perfect Long Island Iced Tea, including ingredient variations, expert bartender insights, video tutorials, and the history behind this popular cocktail.
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step to making a Long Island Iced Tea is to gather all the necessary ingredients, which include:
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 splash of coke or cola
- Ice cubes
Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all the spirits, lemon juice, and ice. Close the shaker lid and shake well for 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Add a splash of coke/cola on top. Garnish with a slice of lemon if desired.
The final result should be a light-brown, almost amber-colored drink. The taste should be sweet but strong, with a hint of lemon.
Ingredient Variations
The Long Island Iced Tea is a versatile cocktail that can be adjusted based on personal preferences. Some variations include:
- Substitute coke/cola with a different soda for different flavor profiles.
- Use different spirits, such as whiskey or brandy, instead of the traditional set.
- Add fresh fruit or juices, like strawberries or cranberry juice, to the mix.
- Infuse the spirits with different herbs or spices, such as cinnamon or basil, to add a little kick to the drink.
Here are some of our favorite Long Island Iced Tea twists:
- The Long Beach: Serves as an alternative for those who prefer more of a cranberry flavor. Use cranberry juice instead of coke or cola.
- The Tokyo Tea: Replace the triple sec with Midori® (a melon-flavored liquor) for a unique, fruity flavor.
- The Georgia Peach: Add peach schnapps to the mix for a slightly sweeter take on this classic cocktail.
Bartender Expertise
We spoke to expert bartenders to obtain their insights on perfecting the Long Island Iced Tea to impress even the most discerning palates. Here are some of the tips they shared:
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of the bottled alternative.
- Use good quality spirits to add a higher quality to your drink.
- Shake the drink vigorously to mix the ingredients well.
- Use plenty of ice to chill the drink as well as to dilute it slightly for a smoother finish.
If you’re a bartender or just really enjoy making cocktails, consider buying a jigger tool. This helps you measure out spirits, juices, or syrups to the exact measurement that the recipe calls for. There are several types of jiggers out there, but a two-sided jigger is the most common.
Video Tutorial
If you prefer visual aids, you might want to learn how to make a Long Island Iced Tea from a professional cocktail mixologist. Here’s a video tutorial you can follow along with:
The mixologist in this video offers some tips and tricks, such as using fresh squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled and using a good quality triple sec for enhanced flavor. The video provides insight on making the drink and gives visual cues to ensure you’re following the steps correctly.
History of Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea has been a favorite cocktail for almost a century. Its origin is attributed to a man named Robert Butt, who worked at the infamous Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York. During Prohibition, bartenders had to get creative to hide illegal moonshine, gin, and rum. Butt found that by mixing them together, he could dilute the distinct alcohol flavor of each. Eventually, coke or cola was added to give the cocktail its signature color.
The Long Island Iced Tea was initially nicknamed “The Old Man” but its popularity grew, helped by word of mouth. It was first officially published as a recipe in “Billy Boston’s 1932 World Fair Drink Book.” The recipe in the book, however, did not include coke or cola, and was actually called “a concoction that was not intended to be drunk,” so it took a few years to develop into the recipe we know today.
Serve to Impress
When it comes to serving the perfect Long Island Iced Tea, presentation is key. Here are a few tips for a great result:
- Serve the drink in a highball glass to give it the classic cocktail look.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime for added visual appeal.
- Use crushed ice to make a more attractive drink and to prevent from diluting as much.
- Serve a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea instead of individual cups. Simply multiply all ingredients according to the number of people you’re serving and add all of the ingredients into the pitcher. Allow it to sit in the fridge for a bit so the mixture can meld together. Stir gently and pour into prepared glasses.
Don’t forget, the point of making a great drink is to enjoy it! Sip slowly and make sure you enjoy each and every sip.
Conclusion
When it comes to making a quality Long Island Iced Tea, the process is simple, yet the variations make it unique for each occasion. The classic recipe combines five different spirits with lemon juice and coke or cola and is served over ice for a refreshing cocktail. Experiment freely with different spirits, juices, or syrups to find your favorite variation. Follow the experts’ tips, visual aids, and use the right tools for the making of the cocktail. Finally, present it with an appealing garnish and enjoy while basking in its glow.
Now, it’s time to begin experimenting.
