A World Famous Cocktail: The Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island iced tea is a staple of cocktail hour and has been popular since its invention in the 1920s. This strong and flavorful cocktail is made up of a combination of five liquors, giving it a kick unlike any other drink. Here’s a breakdown of what makes up a classic Long Island iced tea:
Ingredients
- Vodka: The most prominent flavor in the cocktail comes from vodka, which often acts as the base of the drink.
- Tequila: This adds a certain zest and zing to the flavor.
- Light Rum: Although it is not very notable in comparison to the other flavors, light rum helps to balance out the taste of the drink.
- Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur is often the sweetener in a Long Island iced tea.
- Gin: Gin provides an earthy and herbal taste to the drink.
Other Ingredients
Although the five liquors are the primary ingredients, it also includes:
- Lemon juice – For acidity, tartness, and sharpness.
- Soda water – To make the drink light and bubbly.
- Simple syrup – To make the drink sweet.
Serving
Once all the ingredients are mixed together, a Long Island iced tea can be served in a tall glass like a Collins glass and garnished with a lemon wedge or a lime slice.
Tasting a Long Island iced tea is like taking a journey through the world of spirits. From the tartness of the lemon to the sweetness of the simple syrup, this classic drink is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So the next time you’re looking for a strong and flavorful cocktail, grab the ingredients and get ready to make a Long Island iced tea. Bottoms up!
