Get Ready to Shake Things Up: Mix Up the Ultimate Strong Island Ice Tea Cocktail in Minutes with This Simple Recipe! Perfect for Beginners, This Cocktail Packs a Punch with a Blend of Bacardi Rum, Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Tanqueray Gin, Absolut Vodka, Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur, and a Touch of Sweet and Sour. Top It Off with Coca-Cola and Lemon for That Perfect Finish. Serve in a Highball Glass and Impress Your Guests with Your Bartending Skills!
Strong Island Ice Tea Ingredients
- 1/2 oz Bacardi 151 rum
- 1/2 oz Jose Cuervo gold tequila
- 1/2 oz Tanqueray gin
- 1/2 oz Absolut vodka
- 1/2 oz Grand Marnier orange liqueur
- 2 oz Sweet and Sour mix
- 1 oz Coca-Cola
- 2 Lemon
Strong Island Ice Tea Equipment
- shaker - allows you quickly mix and chill ingredients
Strong Island Ice Tea Recipe
Combine all ingredients except coke and lemons into a mixing tin with ice, shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, pour ingredients into Collins glass over ice, top with coke and squeeze two lemons in.
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.If you're looking for a cocktail that packs a punch, look no further than the Strong Island Iced Tea. This boozy beverage may have a misleading name, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. In this post, we'll explore the popularity, ingredient roles, how to garnish, variations, common mistakes, and more about this famous cocktail.
Popularity
The Strong Island Iced Tea, also known as a Long Island Iced Tea, has a long and storied history. It's said to have originated in the 1970s in Long Island, New York, and was created by a bartender who was looking for a way to use up all the different types of liquor he had on hand. The resulting cocktail quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple in bars and restaurants around the world.
The Strong Island Iced Tea is famous for its potent combination of five different spirits: rum, tequila, gin, vodka, and orange liqueur, all mixed together with a sweet and sour mix and a splash of cola. It's usually served in a tall glass with ice and a lemon wedge for garnish.
Ingredient Roles
Each ingredient in the Strong Island Iced Tea plays an important role in creating the complex flavors of this cocktail.
- Bacardi 151 rum: This high-proof rum gives the cocktail its kick and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Jose Cuervo gold tequila: Tequila brings a unique flavor and a bit of smokiness to the cocktail.
- Tanqueray gin: Gin adds a botanical note to the cocktail and helps balance out the sweetness.
- Absolut vodka: Vodka provides a neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine through.
- Grand Marnier orange liqueur: This sweet and citrusy liqueur adds complexity to the cocktail and helps balance out the tartness of the sweet and sour mix.
- Sweet and Sour mix: This pre-made mix provides the sweet and tart flavors that are essential to the cocktail.
- Coca-Cola: A splash of cola gives the cocktail a hint of sweetness and helps mellow out the strong flavors of the spirits.
How to Garnish
Garnishing your Strong Island Iced Tea is easy and adds a nice touch to your presentation. To garnish your cocktail, simply cut a lemon into wedges and place one on the rim of the glass. You can also add a sprig of mint or a cherry for extra flair.
Variations
There are many variations of the Strong Island Iced Tea that cater to different dietary restrictions and preferences. Here are a few popular variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin version of the Strong Island Iced Tea, simply omit the alcohol and increase the amount of sweet and sour mix and cola. You can also add a splash of lemon-lime soda for extra fizz.
Gluten-Free Version
Most of the ingredients in the Strong Island Iced Tea are naturally gluten-free, but some brands of sweet and sour mix and cola may contain gluten. To make a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free versions of these ingredients, such as Stirrings Simple Margarita Mix and Pepsi.
Vegan Version
The Strong Island Iced Tea is already vegan-friendly, but if you're looking to make it even more plant-based, you can use a vegan sweet and sour mix, such as Powell & Mahoney Lemon Sour Cocktail Mix.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Strong Island Iced Tea, simply replace the sweet and sour mix and cola with a sugar-free alternative, such as Zevia Cola and Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener.
Low-Calorie Version
If you're looking to cut back on calories, you can make a low-calorie version of the Strong Island Iced Tea by using a low-calorie sweet and sour mix, such as Master of Mixes Lite Sweet and Sour Mix, and diet cola.
Common Mistakes When Making
There are a few common mistakes that people make when making a Strong Island Iced Tea. Here are a few to avoid:
- Using too much alcohol: This cocktail is already strong, so be careful not to overdo it with the spirits.
- Not shaking the cocktail enough: Shaking the cocktail with ice is essential to chill and dilute the drink properly.
- Using the wrong type of glass: The Strong Island Iced Tea should be served in a tall glass to accommodate the large amount of liquid and ice.
- Neglecting the garnish: The lemon wedge is not only for decoration but also adds a nice citrusy touch to the cocktail.
In conclusion, the Strong Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. With its potent combination of spirits and sweet and sour mix, it's not for the faint of heart. However, with a little bit of care and attention, you can create a delicious and refreshing drink that's perfect for any occasion. So next time you're looking for a cocktail with a kick, give the Strong Island Iced Tea a try. Cheers!
If you are going to order Strong Island Ice Tea in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Strong Island Ice Tea can be served with different ingredients in different places.
