Description: The Long Island Iced Tea is a potent and popular cocktail that surprisingly doesn’t contain any tea! It’s a mix of various clear liquors, a splash of sweet and sour mix, and a touch of cola for color and fizz. This recipe provides a classic version, but also includes variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients:
- ½ ounce gin
- ½ ounce silver tequila
- ½ ounce triple sec
- ½ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce white rum
- 1 ounce sweet and sour mix
- 1 ounce Coca-Cola
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Preparation:
No preparation is needed.
Instructions:
Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Step 2: Add the gin, tequila, triple sec, vodka, rum, and sweet and sour mix to the shaker.
Step 3: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
Step 4: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
Step 5: Top with Coca-Cola.
Step 6: Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
Why will you love this recipe?
This Long Island Iced Tea recipe is a classic for a reason! It’s easy to make, requires no special equipment, and delivers a powerful punch. The combination of different liquors creates a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and complex. Plus, the variations offer endless possibilities to customize the drink to your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply relaxing at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in a tall highball glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge.
- Offer a variety of garnishes, such as lime wedges, orange slices, or cherries, for guests to customize their drinks.
- Pair with appetizers like chips and salsa, guacamole, or mini quesadillas.
- Serve alongside a light meal, such as grilled chicken salad or fish tacos.
Tips:
- Use high-quality liquors for the best flavor.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing for a colder, more refreshing drink.
- Adjust the amount of sweet and sour mix to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more; if you prefer a tarter drink, add less.
- Be careful when consuming Long Island Iced Teas, as they are quite potent. Drink responsibly.
- Make a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea for easy serving at parties. Multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need, and mix all ingredients in a pitcher, except for the cola. Add the cola just before serving to maintain its fizz.
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and measurements.)
- Calories: Approximately 153 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 0.04g
- Sodium: 3mg
Conclusion
The Long Island Iced Tea is a timeless cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. With its blend of five different liquors and a touch of sweetness and fizz, this drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy this classic cocktail responsibly!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Why is it called a Long Island Iced Tea if it doesn’t contain any tea?
A: The name “Long Island Iced Tea” comes from its appearance, which resembles iced tea due to the combination of liquors and the touch of cola. The amber color and refreshing taste led to the clever name, even though there’s no tea involved in the recipe.
Q2: Can I make this drink less strong?
A: Absolutely! The classic Long Island Iced Tea is known for its potency. To make it less strong, you can increase the amount of sweet and sour mix and Coca-Cola. Try doubling or even tripling the amount of these mixers to dilute the alcohol content and create a milder drink. You could also reduce the amount of each liquor slightly. Experiment until you find a balance that suits your taste.
Q3: What are some variations of the Long Island Iced Tea?
A: There are several popular variations. Here are a few:
- Hawaiian Iced Tea: Substitute pineapple juice for the Coca-Cola to give it a tropical twist.
- Long Beach Iced Tea: Replace the Coca-Cola with cranberry juice for a fruity and slightly tart flavor.
- Miami Iced Tea: Swap the tequila for peach schnapps and use your favorite lemon-lime soda instead of Coca-Cola for a sweeter, more vibrant drink.
- Texas Iced Tea: Add a splash of bourbon for a smoky depth.
Q4: What is the best way to chill the drink without watering it down too much?
A: The best way to chill a Long Island Iced Tea without excessive dilution is to chill all the ingredients beforehand. Keep your liquors, sweet and sour mix, and Coca-Cola in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix the drink. You can also chill your highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring. Use plenty of ice in the shaker to ensure the drink is properly chilled during shaking, but don’t let it sit in the shaker for too long after shaking, as the ice will melt and dilute the drink.
Q5: Can I make a large batch of Long Island Iced Tea for a party?
A: Yes, you can definitely make a large batch for a party. To do this, multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. Combine all the liquors and sweet and sour mix in a large pitcher. When it’s time to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the liquor mixture about 3/4 of the way up, and top with Coca-Cola. This ensures the drink stays fizzy and doesn’t get diluted too quickly. Have lemon slices and other garnishes available for guests to customize their drinks.
