The History of the Long Island Iced Tea: The Legendary Cocktail that Deceives the Senses
The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most famous and controversial cocktails in the history of mixology. Despite its innocent appearance, similar to iced tea, it is actually a powerful mix of spirits that can easily surprise even the most experienced drinkers. But how did this iconic drink come to be? What is its true story, and how do you prepare the perfect Long Island Iced Tea? Let’s discover it together.
The Origins of the Long Island Iced Tea
The Legend of Long Island, Tennessee
The origins of the Long Island Iced Tea are shrouded in mystery, but one of the most credited stories dates back to the 1920s, during Prohibition in the United States. It is said that the cocktail was invented by a man known as "Old Man Bishop" in Long Island, Tennessee. Bishop created a drink that looked harmless, like iced tea, to mask the high alcohol content and escape the authorities’ checks. The original recipe called for whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and maple syrup, with a splash of cola to give it the colour of tea.
The Modern Version of Long Island, New York
Another theory, perhaps more accurate, attributes the creation of the cocktail to Robert "Rosebud" Butt, a bartender working at Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York, in the 1970s. Butt claims to have invented the Long Island Iced Tea during a cocktail competition where the goal was to create a new drink using triple sec. His creation combined five white spirits with lemon juice and cola, resulting in a surprisingly balanced flavour despite the drink's potency.
The Original Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
-15 ml vodka
-15 ml gin
-15 ml white rum
-15 ml white tequila
-15 ml triple sec (or Cointreau)
-25 ml fresh lemon juice
-15 ml simple syrup
-Splash of cola
-Ice
-Lemon slice for garnish
Procedure:
1. Fill a highball or pint glass with ice.
2. Pour each of the five spirits one by one: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec.
3. Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
4. Complete with a splash of cola to give the drink its characteristic amber colour.
5. Stir gently with a bar spoon.
6. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
The Secret of the Long Island Iced Tea: Powerful Yet Balanced
Despite the number of spirits used, the Long Island Iced Tea manages to maintain a surprising balance between sweetness and acidity. The cola and lemon juice soften the aggressiveness of the spirits, creating a refreshing drink that can easily deceive the drinker. This is why it is essential to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh purees and juices, to achieve the best possible result.
Famous Variants of the Long Island Iced Tea
1. Long Beach Iced Tea
Replaces cola with cranberry juice, giving the drink a bright red colour and a fruitier taste.
2.Texas Tea
Adds a shot of whiskey to the classic recipe, making the cocktail even stronger.
3.Electric Iced Tea
Uses Blue Curaçao instead of triple sec, creating a dramatic electric blue colour.
4.Tokyo Iced Tea
Uses Midori (melon liqueur) instead of triple sec, giving the drink a bright green hue.
A Cocktail with Two Personalities
The Long Island Iced Tea has gained popularity as a party cocktail but is also an example of balance between power and freshness. It is one of the few drinks capable of combining five different spirits without being heavy or unpleasant. This feature has made it a frequent replica and reinterpretation in bars around the world.
Curiosities and Tips
- Despite its name, Long Island Iced Tea does not contain tea. The colour and slightly sweet flavour come from the cola.
- Watch out for the alcohol content: a Long Island Iced Tea can easily exceed 20% alcohol, so it’s best to consume it in moderation.
- The quality of ingredients is crucial: using fresh lemon puree and high-quality triple sec can make the difference between a delicious and a poorly balanced cocktail.
- Mixing technique: avoid shaking the drink so as not to lose the carbonation from the cola.
Conclusion
The Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail that has managed to transcend decades and trends without losing its charm. Whether you consider it an icon of wild fun or a small masterpiece of mixology, it remains a drink with a bold character and unmistakable flavour.
Its popularity continues to rise, and every bartender should know how to prepare it perfectly. As always, the secret to a great result lies in choosing quality ingredients: using purees like those from ABACA will ensure an authentic taste and unique freshness.
The Long Island Iced Tea is not just a cocktail; it’s a sensory journey where each sip tells a story of boldness and pleasure. Prepare it with care and enjoy the surprising effect of one of the world’s most iconic drinks!