The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the strongest and most deceptive cocktails in the world of mixology. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain a single drop of tea! This cocktail blends multiple spirits while maintaining a surprisingly smooth taste, making it a popular choice for festive nights.
But where did this daring recipe come from? How did it become so popular? Discover the history and evolution of the Long Island Iced Tea, as well as the recipe to make it at home.
The Origin of the Long Island Iced Tea: A Tale of Myths and Reality
The history of this cocktail is widely debated, with two main theories competing for credibility:
📍 The New York Version (1972): The Official Origin
- The Long Island Iced Tea is said to have been invented in 1972 by Robert "Rosebud" Butt, a bartender at Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York.
- During a cocktail competition, he was tasked with creating a new drink using triple sec. He mixed several spirits with cola and lemon, creating the cocktail we know today.
- This potent mix quickly gained popularity and became a staple in American bars.
🍸 The Tennessee Version (1920s): A Prohibition-Era Origin?
- Another theory suggests the cocktail dates back to the 1920s, during Prohibition in the United States.
- A man known as "Old Man Bishop" from Kingsport, Tennessee, supposedly created an early version using whiskey and maple syrup.
- His son later refined the recipe, but this version remains less known than the New York origin story.
🧐 Which Story is True?
While Robert Butt’s version is the most widely accepted, some historical references suggest that similar recipes existed before. Regardless of its true origins, the Long Island Iced Tea has secured its place in cocktail history.
The Rise to Fame of the Long Island Iced Tea
The Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients (for one glass)
✅ 0.5 oz vodka
✅ 0.5 oz gin
✅ 0.5 oz white rum
✅ 0.5 oz tequila
✅ 0.5 oz triple sec
✅ 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
✅ 0.5 oz simple syrup
✅ 2 oz cola
✅ Ice cubes
✅ 1 lemon wedge for garnish
How to Make the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea
1️⃣ Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2️⃣ Pour the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec directly into the glass.
3️⃣ Add lemon juice and simple syrup to balance the flavors.
4️⃣ Top with cola to achieve the signature iced tea color.
5️⃣ Stir gently with a bar spoon.
6️⃣ Garnish with a lemon wedge, and enjoy responsibly!
💡 Bartender Tip: Want a lighter version? Reduce the amount of spirits slightly and add more cola.
Popular Variations of the Long Island Iced Tea
Mixologists love to experiment with new takes on classic cocktails. Here are some famous variations:
🍹 Texas Tea – Adds whiskey for a bolder, smokier flavor.
🍏 Tokyo Iced Tea – Uses Midori (melon liqueur) instead of triple sec and replaces cola with lemonade for a green twist.
🔵 Blue Long Island – Swaps cola for blue curaçao and lemon-lime soda, giving it a vibrant blue color.
🍓 Long Beach Iced Tea – Uses cranberry juice instead of cola for a fruitier, tangier taste.
Fun Facts About the Long Island Iced Tea
📌 A controversial cocktail – Some bars have banned it due to its strong effects on drinkers.
📌 A record-breaking cocktail – Some bars have attempted to create the largest Long Island Iced Tea in history, with over 10,000 liters!
📌 A beachside favorite – This cocktail is often associated with vacation destinations and tropical resorts.
Why Is the Long Island Iced Tea a Timeless Classic?
✅ Blends five spirits into a surprisingly smooth cocktail.
✅ Easy to make with common bar ingredients.
✅ Popular for its refreshing yet potent nature.
✅ Continuously reimagined by bartenders with modern twists.
🍹 Want to try this legendary cocktail? Shake one up at home and impress your friends with your mixology skills!
Explore More Iconic Cocktails!
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