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Blue Long Island Iced Tea Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Mix up your cocktail game with a bold twist on a classic favorite - the Blue Long Island Iced Tea. Our recipe calls for a perfect blend of Blue Curacao, Gin, Rum, Tequila, and Vodka, shaken to perfection in a shaker for a refreshing and vibrant taste. Perfect for any occasion, impress your guests with this eye-catching drink.


Blue Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients

Blue Long Island Iced Tea Equipment

  • shaker - makes it easy to mixture ingredients

Blue Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

  1. pour the ingredients including ice into shaker and shake well
  2. pour into glass

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea: A Crowd Favorite

As a professional bartender, I have served countless cocktails, but the Blue Long Island Iced Tea stands out as one of the most popular. This cocktail has a fascinating history, unique appearance, and is known for its potent mix of ingredients. In this article, I will discuss the Blue Long Island Iced Tea's popularity, ingredient roles, garnishing techniques, variations, and common mistakes when making it.

Popularity

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea first gained popularity in the 1970s and has since become a staple in bars and restaurants worldwide. The origin of the Long Island Iced Tea is somewhat disputed, with many claiming it was first mixed in Long Island, New York, while others believe it was first served in Tennessee. Regardless of its origin, the Blue Long Island Iced Tea has become famous for its distinct blue color, which comes from the added Blue Curacao.

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is often served in a tall glass filled with ice, and the combination of the five liquors makes it a potent drink. The Blue Long Island Iced Tea's popularity can also be attributed to its versatility, as it can be enjoyed on various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events.

Ingredient Roles

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is a mixture of five different liquors, each playing a crucial role in the cocktail's flavor profile. The 0.5 oz Blue Curacao adds a sweet and fruity flavor, while the 0.5 oz Gin gives the cocktail a herbal twist. The 0.5 oz Rum and 0.5 oz Tequila add a smooth and slightly smoky flavor, and the 0.5 oz Vodka ties everything together with a subtle kick.

How to Garnish

Garnishing a Blue Long Island Iced Tea is easy and straightforward. The most common garnish is a lemon wedge, which adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the cocktail. To garnish, cut a small wedge of lemon and place it on the rim of the glass. Alternatively, you can use a sprig of mint to add a refreshing twist to the cocktail.

Variations

One of the best things about the Blue Long Island Iced Tea is its versatility. Here are some of the variations you can try:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Blue Long Island Iced Tea, simply omit the liquors and replace them with equal parts of lemon-lime soda and sweet and sour mix. The Blue Curacao can be kept to give the mocktail its signature blue color.

Gluten-Free Version

To make a gluten-free version of the Blue Long Island Iced Tea, swap out the regular vodka for a gluten-free vodka brand like Tito's Handmade Vodka.

Vegan Version

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is already vegan-friendly, but to make it even more so, ensure that all the liquors used are vegan-friendly too. Brands like Absolut Vodka and Bacardi Rum are vegan-friendly.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of the Blue Long Island Iced Tea, replace the Blue Curacao with Blueberry Acai Sparkling Water, which has zero carbs. The rest of the ingredients are keto-friendly.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the Blue Long Island Iced Tea, use diet soda instead of regular soda, and reduce the amount of sweet and sour mix used.

Common Mistakes When Making

As with any cocktail, there are common mistakes to avoid when making a Blue Long Island Iced Tea. Here are some of them:

Using the Wrong Shaker

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea requires a shaker to mix the ingredients correctly. Ensure that you use the right shaker to make the mixing process easier.

Using the Wrong Proportions

The five liquors used in the Blue Long Island Iced Tea should be mixed in equal parts. Using the wrong proportions can lead to an imbalanced flavor profile.

Forgetting the Garnish

While the Blue Long Island Iced Tea is delicious on its own, the garnish adds an extra layer of flavor. Don't forget to add a lemon wedge or sprig of mint.

Serving Without Ice

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is best served over ice. Forgetting to add ice can lead to a warm and unsatisfying drink.

In conclusion, the Blue Long Island Iced Tea is a popular and versatile cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its unique appearance and potent mix of ingredients have made it a crowd favorite. With the variations and garnishing techniques discussed above, you can now make a Blue Long Island Iced Tea to suit any occasion. Avoid the common mistakes when making it, and you'll have a cocktail that is sure to impress.

If you are going to order Blue Long Island Iced Tea in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Blue Long Island Iced Tea can be served with different ingredients in different places.