Long Island Iced Tea (LIIT) is a popular cocktail known for its potent blend of multiple spirits and refreshing flavor. This classic drink has inspired many creative variations that offer unique twists on the original. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Long Island Iced Tea, its classic recipe, and several intriguing variants you must try.
A Brief History of Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea is believed to have been invented in the 1970s by a bartender named Robert “Rosebud” Butt at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York. The cocktail quickly gained popularity due to its deceptive appearance, resembling iced tea while packing a punch with its high alcohol content.
Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
The classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe combines five different spirits with a splash of cola, creating a delicious and potent concoction. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 15 ml vodka
- 15 ml gin
- 15 ml white rum
- 15 ml tequila
- 15 ml triple sec
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Cola
- Lemon wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well to combine and chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top up with a splash of cola and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.
Long Island Iced Tea Variants You Must Try
The following variants of Long Island Iced Tea put a creative spin on the classic, offering exciting new flavors and combinations.
1. Electric Iced Tea
The Electric Iced Tea swaps the cola for blue curaçao and lemon-lime soda, resulting in a vibrant, electric blue cocktail with a slightly tropical twist.
2. Tokyo Iced Tea
Tokyo Iced Tea replaces the cola with Midori melon liqueur and lemon-lime soda. This Japanese-inspired version has a bright green hue and a fruity, melon flavor.
3. Texas Iced Tea
In the Texas Iced Tea, bourbon replaces the tequila, giving the cocktail a southern flair with a hint of smokiness from the bourbon.
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4. Raspberry Iced Tea
For a fruity twist, the Raspberry Iced Tea adds raspberry liqueur to the mix, which complements the citrus notes of the classic recipe while providing a sweet and tangy flavor.
5. Miami Iced Tea
The Miami Iced Tea replaces the cola with cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda, creating a refreshing, vibrant cocktail with a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavors.
The classic Long Island Iced Tea is a beloved cocktail that has inspired a range of exciting variations. Whether you prefer the original or want to try something new, these variants offer diverse and delightful flavors that will keep you coming back for more. So, raise your glass and enjoy a sip of Long Island Iced Tea, classic or otherwise!
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