Introduction
If you love a refreshing cocktail on a hot summer’s day, you will undoubtedly be a fan of Long Island Iced Teas. This popular drink originated in Long Island, New York, and has since become a beloved drink all around the world. Thanks to its unique blend of various spirits and mixers, the Long Island Iced Tea is a boozy and refreshing drink that is perfect for beating the summer heat. In this article, we will show you how to make an incredible Long Island Iced Tea with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks, as well as some alternative recipes to switch things up.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the tools and ingredients you will need to make your Long Island Iced Tea at home. You will require a tall glass, cocktail shaker or mixer, measuring cups, ice, and the following ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 oz cola
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Now, let’s get started with the recipe itself:
- Fill your cocktail shaker or mixer with ice.
- Add all the spirits (vodka, gin, dark rum, tequila, triple sec) into the shaker.
- Measure the lemon juice and pour it into the shaker.
- Shake the cocktail shaker or mixer vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Add ice to your tall glass.
- Pour in the mixed liquor from your shaker into the glass.
- Top the glass with cola and stir it gently.
- Garnish the glass with lemon wedges.
Congratulations! You have now made your very own Long Island Iced Tea at home. With this classic recipe, you can enjoy one of the world’s most beloved cocktails.
Video Tutorial
If you are still having trouble, or perhaps want to see the recipe in action, we have included a video tutorial below. The video offers a visual representation of the recipe and steps, making it the perfect guide for anyone looking to recreate this cocktail for the first time. See below:
Top-Rated Ingredients
The key to making a cocktail as delicious as a Long Island Iced Tea is selecting the right ingredients. Here, we are going to break down the best ingredients to use and provide some tips for choosing high-quality liquor:
- Choose the right type of liquor: The key to a perfect Long Island Iced Tea is to find high-quality liquor. Each component of the Long Island Iced Tea requires a spirit, so choose a high-quality liquor for each, such as an aged rum, a different gin or tequila, or one with an unusual mix of spices. As the main ingredient, vodka should be of good quality.
- Use fresh lemon juice: The lemon juice gives the cocktail a tangy flavor. Always use fresh juice so you can get the best taste.
- Select the Best Cola: To get to the original flavor, use Coca-Cola, but feel free to pick soda that fits your preference. Remember, you may also use diet or un-cola soda if you are health-conscious.
By choosing the right ingredients, you can make your Long Island Iced Tea even more delicious, and your guests will undoubtedly appreciate the extra effort.
Variations on the Classic
As the recipe is incredibly versatile, there are many variations of the classic Long Island Iced Tea. Here are some of our favorite alternate recipes for this beloved cocktail:
- Peach Long Island Iced Tea: This recipe takes the standard Long Island and adds peach schnapps, sweet and sour, and peach puree. The result is a light and incredibly refreshing drink that tastes like an adult version of a peach Arnold Palmer.
- Fruity Long Island Iced Tea: Add fresh fruit like a few raspberries or cherries, and your Long Island will taste and smell totally different.
- Green Tea Long Island Iced Tea: By adding fresh green tea, you can offer a taste sensation that is earthy and unique. Steep tea in gin, then add in vodka, rum, tequila, triple sec, and lemon juice.
Get as creative as you’d like, try shaking it up with some different flavors if you want a unique spin on the classic recipe.
Pairing Suggestions
Looking to serve a delicious snack alongside your Long Island Iced Tea? Here are some ideas for tasty food pairings that go well with this classic cocktail:
- Potato Chips: Salty foods like chips are always an excellent pairing with a refreshing cocktail.
- Baked Chicken Wings: The smoky flavors of the wings complement the deep, rich flavors of a Long Island perfectly.
- Hummus and Pita Chips:Hummus can add another healthy taste to your drink and provide great crunch with the pita chips.
Conclusion
Making a Long Island Iced Tea at home may seem daunting, but with the help of this handy guide, you now have a simple and easy-to-follow recipe to get started.
