Unleash a tropical fiesta with our Short Island Iced Tea drink recipe! Made with Southern Comfort peach liqueur, Captain Morgan Original spiced rum, and topped with Coca-Cola, this refreshing libation is perfect for any summer soirée. Don't forget to stir it up with a metal straw or bar spoon like a pro. Get the recipe now!
Short Island Iced Tea Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Southern Comfort peach liqueur
- 1 1/2 oz Captain Morgan Original spiced rum
- with Coca-Cola
- Ice
Short Island Iced Tea Equipment
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Short Island Iced Tea Recipe
Pour all ingredients, except Coke, over ice. Fill with Coca-cola and stir.
The Short Island Iced Tea: A Classic Cocktail with a Twist
As a professional bartender, I have come across many cocktails in my career, but one that never goes out of style is the Short Island Iced Tea. This popular cocktail has a fascinating history, unique ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about the Short Island Iced Tea, including its popularity, ingredient roles, variations, common mistakes, and how to garnish it.
Popularity
The Short Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail that has been around for many years. It originated in Long Island, New York, in the 1970s, and was created by a bartender who was looking for a way to use up some of his excess liquor. The bartender combined several types of alcohol, including gin, vodka, rum, and tequila, with a splash of cola to create a refreshing and potent cocktail. The drink became an instant hit and was soon known as the Long Island Iced Tea.
Over the years, the Long Island Iced Tea has undergone several variations, with bartenders adding their unique twists to the recipe. One such variation is the Short Island Iced Tea, which is made with Southern Comfort peach liqueur, Captain Morgan Original spiced rum, and Coca-Cola. The Short Island Iced Tea is famous for its potent kick, sweet taste, and unique appearance, which resembles iced tea.
Ingredient Roles
The Short Island Iced Tea is made with several ingredients, each of which plays a crucial role in the taste and texture of the cocktail. The Southern Comfort peach liqueur adds a sweet and fruity flavor to the cocktail, while the Captain Morgan Original spiced rum gives it a warm and spicy kick. The Coca-Cola adds a carbonated sweetness that balances out the potent liquor flavors.
To make a perfect Short Island Iced Tea, it is essential to use the right amount of each ingredient. The typical recipe calls for 1 1/2 oz of Southern Comfort peach liqueur, 1 1/2 oz of Captain Morgan Original spiced rum, and a splash of Coca-Cola. It is also essential to use ice and stir the cocktail well to ensure that all the ingredients are properly mixed.
How to Garnish
The Short Island Iced Tea is a visually stunning cocktail that can be garnished in many ways. A classic garnish for this cocktail is a lemon wedge or slice, which adds a citrusy aroma to the drink. Another popular garnish is a sprig of mint, which adds a refreshing fragrance to the cocktail. To garnish the Short Island Iced Tea, simply place the lemon wedge or mint sprig on the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink.
Variations
The Short Island Iced Tea is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations of the Short Island Iced Tea:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Short Island Iced Tea, simply omit the alcohol and replace it with a non-alcoholic beverage, such as lemonade or iced tea.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The Short Island Iced Tea is naturally gluten-free, but it is essential to ensure that the alcoholic ingredients used are also gluten-free. Some gluten-free brands of spiced rum and peach liqueur include Captain Morgan and Southern Comfort, respectively.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the Short Island Iced Tea, ensure that the ingredients used are vegan-friendly. Some vegan brands of spiced rum and peach liqueur include Captain Morgan and Southern Comfort, respectively.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of the Short Island Iced Tea, use a sugar-free and low-carb cola, such as Zevia or Diet Coke. You can also omit the cola and replace it with a sugar-free and low-carb beverage, such as sparkling water or diet lemonade.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Short Island Iced Tea, use a diet or low-calorie cola and reduce the amount of peach liqueur and spiced rum used.
Common Mistakes When Making
When making a Short Island Iced Tea, there are several common mistakes that people often make. These include:
- Using too much or too little of any of the ingredients, which can result in an unbalanced cocktail.
- Not stirring the cocktail properly, which can result in the ingredients being unevenly mixed.
- Using the wrong type of cola, which can alter the taste of the cocktail.
- Not garnishing the cocktail, which can make it less visually appealing.
To avoid these mistakes, ensure that you use the right amount of each ingredient, stir the cocktail well, use the right type of cola, and garnish the cocktail properly.
In conclusion, the Short Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. Its unique blend of ingredients and versatility make it a favorite among many cocktail lovers. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of its variations, the Short Island Iced Tea is undoubtedly a drink that you should try. So why not grab a metal straw or bar spoon and mix up a refreshing Short Island Iced Tea today?
If you are going to order Short Island Iced Tea in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Short Island Iced Tea can be served with different ingredients in different places.
