Long Island Iced Tea
Infamous for its strength, the Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail that surprisingly contains no tea at all. It cleverly combines five different white spirits to create a potent, yet surprisingly balanced and refreshing highball that mimics the color of iced tea.
Ingredients
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz White Rum
- ½ oz Silver Tequila
- ½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Triple Sec
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- Splash of Cola
- Garnish: Lemon Wedge
Instructions
- Fill the Glass: Fill a tall Collins or highball glass to the top with ice.
- Combine Spirits: Add the vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture from the shaker into your prepared ice-filled glass.
- Top with Cola: Gently pour a small splash of cola over the top. This provides the characteristic "iced tea" color and a hint of flavor. Do not overdo it.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and serve immediately with a straw.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Fresh Citrus is Non-Negotiable: The key to a good Long Island is balancing the five spirits. Using bottled sour mix can result in a cloyingly sweet drink. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the bright, tart acidity needed to cut through the alcohol and create a truly refreshing cocktail.
Don't Drown it in Cola: The cola is primarily for color, not flavor. Use just a small splash to give the drink its iconic amber hue. Adding too much will overwhelm the complex interplay of the spirits and make the drink overly sweet.