best long island ice tea recipe
Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail that is often ordered at bars and restaurants. It is a refreshing drink that combines several different alcohols and mixers to create a unique flavor. The origins of the Long Island Iced Tea are disputed, but it is widely believed to have been created in the 1970s in Long Island, New York.
There are many different variations of the Long Island Iced Tea, but this recipe will provide you with a classic version that can be easily made at home. To make a Long Island Iced Tea, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1/2 oz vodka
2. 1/2 oz gin
3. 1/2 oz white rum
4. 1/2 oz tequila
5. 1/2 oz triple sec
6. 1 oz lemon juice
7. 1 oz simple syrup
8. 1 oz cola
9. Ice
Lemon wedge (optional, for garnish)
To begin, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Shake the ingredients together until well combined and chilled.
Next, fill a tall glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Top the glass off with the cola, and stir gently to combine. Garnish the cocktail with a lemon wedge if desired, and serve immediately.
Now, let's go into more detail on each of the ingredients and how they contribute to the flavor of the Long Island Iced Tea.
Vodka:
Vodka is a clear distilled spirit that is made from fermented grains or potatoes. It has a neutral flavor that can be easily mixed with other ingredients. In a Long Island Iced Tea, vodka provides a slight sweetness and helps to balance out the other alcohols.
Gin:
Gin is a clear spirit that is made by distilling botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels. It has a unique flavor that is both herbal and slightly floral. In a Long Island Iced Tea, gin adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
White Rum:
White rum is a clear spirit that is made from sugar cane. It has a light and sweet flavor that is perfect for mixing in cocktails. In a Long Island Iced Tea, white rum adds sweetness and helps to balance out the other alcohols.
Tequila:
Tequila is a distilled spirit that is made from the blue agave plant. It has a distinct flavor that is both earthy and slightly sweet. In a Long Island Iced Tea, tequila adds a unique flavor that helps to differentiate it from other cocktails.
Triple Sec:
Triple sec is a clear liqueur that is made from the peel of bitter and sweet oranges. It has a sweet and slightly bitter flavor that is often used in cocktails. In a Long Island Iced Tea, triple sec adds sweetness and helps to balance out the other alcohols.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice is a citrus juice that is made from squeezing fresh lemons. It has a tart and tangy flavor that is perfect for adding a citrusy kick to cocktails. In a Long Island Iced Tea, lemon juice adds acidity and helps to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Simple Syrup:
Simple syrup is a sweet syrup that is made from sugar and water. It is often used in cocktails to add sweetness without the gritty texture of sugar. In a Long Island Iced Tea, simple syrup adds sweetness and helps to balance out the other ingredients.
Cola:
Cola is a carbonated soft drink that is made from a blend of spices, caffeine, and sugar. In a Long Island Iced Tea, cola is used to add a slight sweetness.
FAQ:
What is in the Long Island Iced Tea Mix?