The Long Island Iced Tea: A Potent Cocktail with a Colorful History The Long Island Iced Tea, often abbreviated as LIIT, is a cocktail that has become a staple in bars worldwide. This deceptively strong drink, which contains no actual tea, has an intriguing history and numerous variations that have evolved over time.
Origins: A Tale of Two Stories
The origins of the Long Island Iced Tea are shrouded in mystery, with two competing narratives vying for recognition.
The Prohibition Era Theory
One story attributes the creation to a man known as “Old Man Bishop” in the 1920s during Prohibition. Bishop, a resident of Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee, allegedly combined whiskey, maple syrup, and varied quantities of five liquors, dubbing his concoction the “Old Man Bishop”.
This version was supposedly refined by his son, Ransom Bishop, who added cola, lemon, and lime.
The 1970s New York Claim
The more widely accepted origin story places the drink’s invention in the 1970s. Robert “Rosebud” Butt, a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York, claims to have created the drink in 1972 during a cocktail-crafting competition that challenged participants to create a new mixed drink with triple sec.
Butt’s version quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the world.
The Classic Recipe
While variations exist, the classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe typically includes:
- 15-20 ml each of vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, and triple sec (or Cointreau)
- 20-30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10-15 ml simple syrup
- Cola to top
Mixing the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea
To create this potent cocktail:
- Combine vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with cola and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.
The Science Behind the Flavor
Despite its seemingly incompatible ingredients, the Long Island Iced Tea manages to create a cohesive and surprisingly refreshing flavor profile. The combination of clear spirits provides a strong alcoholic base, while the triple sec adds a touch of sweetness and citrus notes. The lemon juice balances the sweetness with acidity, and the cola ties everything together, providing both color and a complex flavor with notes of vanilla, citrus, and spice.
Popular Variations
The Long Island Iced Tea has inspired numerous creative variations:
- Electric Iced Tea: Swaps cola for blue curaçao and lemon-lime soda, resulting in a vibrant blue cocktail.
- Tokyo Iced Tea: Uses Midori melon liqueur and lemon-lime soda for a bright green, fruity version.
- Texas Iced Tea: Replaces tequila with bourbon for a southern twist.
- Miami Iced Tea: Substitutes cola with cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda for a refreshing, tart flavor.
- Long Beach Iced Tea: Uses cranberry juice instead of cola.
The Notorious Reputation
The Long Island Iced Tea has gained notoriety for its potency, often containing around 22% ABV.2 Its smooth taste can be deceiving, as the combination of multiple spirits can quickly lead to intoxication. The drink’s strength has made it both popular and controversial, with some bars limiting the number of Long Island Iced Teas a customer can order.
Cultural Impact
The Long Island Iced Tea has become a cultural icon in the cocktail world. Its popularity in the 1980s and beyond has cemented its place in pop culture, often associated with youthful exuberance and wild nights out. The drink has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and songs, further solidifying its status as a legendary cocktail.
A Word of Caution
While the Long Island Iced Tea is undoubtedly a beloved cocktail, it’s essential to enjoy it responsibly. Its high alcohol content and easy drinkability can lead to overconsumption if not approached with caution. As with all alcoholic beverages, moderation is key to fully appreciating this iconic drink.Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of its many variations, the Long Island Iced Tea remains a fascinating cocktail that continues to evolve. Its controversial history, potent mix of spirits, and enduring popularity ensure that this drink will remain a topic of discussion and enjoyment for years to come.