Long Island iced tea

Introduction

Long Island iced tea is a popular cocktail that originated in the United States. It is a mixed drink made with a variety of spirits and mixers, including vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, tequila, lemon juice, and cola. Despite its name, the drink does not contain any tea. Long Island iced tea is known for its high alcohol content and sweet taste, and it is often served in bars and restaurants across the country.

History

The exact origins of the Long Island iced tea are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the 1970s by a bartender named Robert "Rosebud" Butt at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York. According to Butt, the drink was originally called a "Long Island iced tea" because it looked like iced tea, but did not contain any tea. Butt reportedly created the drink as a way to use up excess liquor that he had on hand.

The Long Island iced tea quickly became popular among customers at the Oak Beach Inn, and its popularity spread to other bars and restaurants in the Long Island area. Over time, variations of the drink were created that included different types of liquor and mixers, and it eventually became a staple of bars and restaurants across the country.

Recipe

The recipe for a Long Island iced tea varies, but typically includes the following ingredients:

1/2 oz. vodka 1/2 oz. gin 1/2 oz. rum 1/2 oz. tequila 1/2 oz. triple sec 1 oz. lemon juice 1 oz. simple syrup Cola To make a Long Island iced tea, combine the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with cola and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Popularity

Long Island iced tea is a popular drink in bars and restaurants across the United States, particularly in the Northeast. It is known for its high alcohol content and sweet taste, which make it a favorite among many drinkers.

Despite its popularity, Long Island iced tea has also been the subject of controversy. Some have criticized the drink for its high alcohol content and the potential for it to be over-served to customers, leading to dangerous levels of intoxication. In some states, bartenders are required by law to limit the number of Long Island iced teas that they serve to a customer.

Variations

Over the years, many variations of the Long Island iced tea have been created. Some of these variations include:

Texas Tea: Made with sweet tea instead of cola. Long Beach Iced Tea: Replaces the cola with cranberry juice. Tokyo Tea: Replaces the cola with Midori (melon liqueur). Blue Long Island: Adds Blue Curaçao to give the drink a blue color. Grateful Dead: Replaces the cola with Chambord (raspberry liqueur) and adds a splash of sour mix. Each of these variations offers a unique twist on the classic Long Island iced tea recipe, and they are all popular among drinkers.

Controversy

The high alcohol content of the Long Island iced tea has led to some controversy over the years. In some states, bartenders are required to limit the number of Long Island iced teas that they serve to a customer due to concerns about over-serving and dangerous levels of intoxication.

In addition, there have been reports of people being served Long Island iced teas that were much stronger than they realized. This can happen when a bartender uses different amounts of alcohol in the drink or uses more potent versions of the spirits.

Conclusion

The Long Island iced tea is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by drinkers for decades. Despite its high alcohol content and potential for controversy, it remains a popular choice among many drinkers. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of the many variations, the Long Island iced tea is sure to satisfy.

Conclusion

Long Island iced tea is a popular cocktail that has been enjoyed by drinkers across the United States for decades. While its origins are unclear, its popularity is undeniable, and it has become a staple of bars and restaurants across the country. Whether you are looking for a refreshing drink on a hot summer day or a potent cocktail to kick off a night out, the Long Island iced tea is a classic choice that is sure to satisfy.