Long Island Iced Tea: The Cocktail That Tricks Your Taste Buds

The Long Island Iced Tea is a legendary drink that combines several types of strong alcohol while remaining surprisingly smooth in taste. Despite its name, it contains no actual tea – yet its flavor closely resembles iced tea.

History of the Cocktail

There are two main theories about the origins of Long Island Iced Tea.

🔹 The first theory suggests that the cocktail dates back to the 1920s during Prohibition in the U.S. According to legend, it was created by a man known as “Old Man Bishop” in Tennessee. He mixed different types of alcohol and added cola to make the drink look like tea, helping it evade law enforcement scrutiny.

🔹 The second, more widely accepted theory claims that the cocktail was invented in the 1970s by bartender Robert “Rosebud” Butt in Long Island, New York. He developed this strong yet refreshing drink for a cocktail competition, and it has since become a bar menu staple.

Ingredients:

• 15 ml vodka
• 15 ml gin
• 15 ml white rum
• 15 ml tequila
• 15 ml triple sec (orange liqueur)
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 30 ml simple syrup
• 50 ml cola
• Ice
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Preparation:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice almost to the top.
2. Add all the strong alcohols – vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec.
3. Pour in the lemon juice and simple syrup, then gently stir.
4. Top with cola and stir lightly again.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve with a straw.

Bartender’s Tips:

• Use high-quality white rum and good tequila to achieve a smoother taste.
• If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the alcohol content and add more lemon juice and cola.
• Don’t over-stir – the drink should have a slight flavor gradient rather than being completely uniform.

Conclusion

Long Island Iced Tea is a powerful yet deceptive cocktail – easy to drink but with a strong effect. It’s a perfect choice for parties and summer gatherings, and its rich taste and unique history make it one of the most recognizable cocktails in the world.

Try making it yourself and enjoy a timeless classic!