Everyone has their own drink or cocktail no-no. Often this stems from some manner of alcohol misadventure during one’s college years. Strangely, a bad experience at a young age with a particular drink can have a surprisingly lasting effect and persist throughout adult life. For me, that drink is the Long Island Ice Tea, a deceptively potent blend of five clear spirits shrouded behind the innocent exterior of cola.
Some sources assert that the drink, like many cocktails, was first invented during the Prohibition era, as a way of taking the appearance of a non-alcoholic drink (i.e. iced tea). A lemon slice is often added to enhance this resemblance. To some, the drink also shares a similar taste to tea. The Long Island Ice Tea is a popular summer drink and is great to make in a large batch for a pool party or barbecue. Just be careful not to drink too many!
In a clean cocktail shaker combine one measure gin, one measure white rum (e.g. Bacardi) , one measure tequila, one measure vodka, one measure Triple Sec, the juice of half a fresh lime, and a splash of simple syrup. Shake all the ingredients with cracked ice. Strain and pour over ice into a highball glass. Top up with your choice of cola. Garnish with a wedge of lemon and a straw.
A variation on this recipe is the Long Beach Iced Tea which uses cranberry juice instead of cola and is named after the city of Long Beach Island, New Jersey, home to cranberry bogs.
See all past Midweek Libations HERE. Thanks RJH for another smashing cocktail! Cheers!
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