Master the Classic IBA Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: A Perfect Mix of Tequila, Vodka, Rum, Gin, and Orange Liqueur, Balanced with Lemon Juice and Sweet Sugar Syrup. Top it Off with Cola Soda and Serve in a Highball Glass. Stir Like a Pro with a Metal Straw or Bar Spoon. Add a Fresh Squeeze of Lemon to Elevate Your Cocktail Game!
IBA Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients
- 15 ml Tequila
- 15 ml Vodka
- 15 ml Rum Light White
- 15 ml Orange Liqueur
- 15 ml Gin
- 25 ml Lemon juice
- 30 ml Sugar Syrup
- 30 ml Cola Soda
- 130 ml Ice
- Lemon
IBA Long Island Iced Tea Equipment
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
IBA Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
- consider making fresh Lemon juice you can press fruit yourself (be careful - fresh juice stays good only 12 hours)
- stir the ingredients together with ice
- fill Highball glass half full with ice cubes
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most popular cocktails enjoyed by people all around the world. It is a refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. From its history to its variations, there is a lot to know about the Long Island Iced Tea. As a professional bartender and blog editor, I have researched and gathered all the relevant information about this cocktail. In this article, I will discuss the popularity, ingredient roles, how to garnish, variations, common mistakes, and more. So, let's get started.
Popularity
History
The Long Island Iced Tea was first created in the 1970s by Robert "Rosebud" Butt, a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn in Hampton Bays, New York. The legend behind the invention of this cocktail is that Butt created it as a way to get rid of all the excess liquor he had. He mixed all the liquors he had on hand and added lemon juice and cola to create the Long Island Iced Tea.
Origins
The Long Island Iced Tea is believed to have originated in Long Island, New York, which is where it gets its name. However, there is no clear evidence to suggest that the cocktail was actually invented in Long Island. Some people believe that it was first created in Tennessee, while others claim that it was invented in a bar in California.
Famous For
The Long Island Iced Tea is famous for its high alcohol content, which makes it a strong cocktail that is not for the faint of heart. It is also famous for its refreshing taste, which makes it a popular summer drink.
Geographic
The Long Island Iced Tea is popular all around the world, but it is most commonly associated with the United States. It is often served in bars and restaurants across the country and is a popular choice among college students and party-goers.
Appearance
The Long Island Iced Tea is a clear, amber-colored cocktail that is usually served in a tall glass with ice. It is garnished with a lemon wedge and a metal straw or spoon.
Ingredient Roles
The Long Island Iced Tea contains five different types of liquor, which gives it its signature flavor and high alcohol content. The ingredients and their roles are:
- Tequila: gives the cocktail a slight kick and a hint of smokiness.
- Vodka: adds a smoothness to the cocktail and balances out the other flavors.
- Rum: adds sweetness and a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Orange Liqueur: adds a citrusy flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Gin: adds a floral and herbal flavor to the cocktail.
In addition to the liquors, the Long Island Iced Tea also contains lemon juice, sugar syrup, and cola soda. The lemon juice adds a tartness to the cocktail, while the sugar syrup balances out the flavors and adds sweetness. The cola soda gives the cocktail its distinctive color and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Long Island Iced Tea is simple. All you need is a lemon wedge and a metal straw or spoon. To garnish the cocktail, simply place the lemon wedge on the rim of the glass and insert the metal straw or spoon into the drink. This will help to mix the ingredients and create a refreshing drink.
Variations
There are several variations of the Long Island Iced Tea that you can try. Some of the most popular variations include:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
If you want to enjoy the flavor of the Long Island Iced Tea without the alcohol, you can make a virgin or mocktail version. Simply omit the liquor and add more lemon juice and cola soda to the drink. You can also add a splash of grenadine syrup for added sweetness.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
To make a gluten-free version of the Long Island Iced Tea, you will need to use gluten-free liquors. Some popular gluten-free liquor brands include Tito's Handmade Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, and Bacardi Rum. You can also use gluten-free cola soda, such as Coca-Cola.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the Long Island Iced Tea, you will need to use vegan-friendly liquors and ingredients. Some popular vegan liquor brands include Absolut Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Cointreau. You can also use vegan cola soda, such as Pepsi.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Long Island Iced Tea, you will need to use keto-friendly liquors and ingredients. Some popular keto liquor brands include Grey Goose Vodka, Patron Tequila, and Captain Morgan Rum. You can also use diet cola soda or a sugar-free cola soda, such as Zevia.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Long Island Iced Tea, you will need to reduce the amount of sugar syrup and cola soda in the drink. You can also use a low-calorie or sugar-free sweetener, such as Stevia or Splenda.
More Variations
Other variations of the Long Island Iced Tea include adding peach schnapps or blue curaçao to the drink. You can also experiment with different types of citrus juice, such as lime or grapefruit, to create a unique flavor.
Common Mistakes When Making
Some common mistakes when making the Long Island Iced Tea include:
- Using too much liquor: The Long Island Iced Tea is a strong cocktail, and using too much liquor can make it overpowering.
- Not measuring ingredients: Measuring the ingredients is important to ensure that the cocktail has a balanced flavor.
- Using flat soda: Using flat soda can make the cocktail taste flat and less refreshing.
- Not using fresh lemon juice: Using bottled lemon juice can make the cocktail taste artificial and less flavorful.
To avoid these mistakes, make sure to measure the ingredients correctly, use fresh lemon juice, and top the cocktail with fresh soda.
In conclusion, the Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by people for decades. Its popularity is due to its refreshing taste and high alcohol content, which makes it a favorite among party-goers and college students. With its five different types of liquor and simple garnish, the Long Island Iced Tea is easy to make and customize to your liking. Whether you prefer a vegan or keto-friendly version, there is a Long Island Iced Tea variation for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your ingredients and start mixing up your own Long Island Iced Tea today.
If you are going to order IBA Long Island Iced Tea in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. IBA Long Island Iced Tea can be served with different ingredients in different places.
