Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage made from grains or potatoes.

Tequila: A distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding Tequila, Mexico.

White rum: A light-bodied rum with a sweet flavor, typically aged for a short period.

Gin: A distilled alcoholic drink that derives its predominant flavor from juniper berries.

Triple sec: An orange-flavored liqueur used in many cocktails.

Simple syrup: A liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, often used in cocktails.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from lemons, providing a tart and refreshing flavor.

Cola: A carbonated soft drink that adds a touch of sweetness and color to the cocktail.

When shaking the cocktail shaker, make sure to shake it vigorously for at least 15 seconds. This ensures that all the spirits and ingredients are well-mixed and chilled. Additionally, when topping with cola, pour it gently over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect, which not only looks appealing but also helps maintain the carbonation.

• vodka - Substitute with white rum: Both are neutral spirits, but white rum adds a slight sweetness.

• tequila - Substitute with mezcal: Mezcal has a smoky flavor that can add depth to the drink.

• white rum - Substitute with light rum: Light rum is similar in flavor and will maintain the balance of the cocktail.

• gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka is a neutral spirit and can replace gin without altering the overall taste too much.

• triple sec - Substitute with Cointreau: Cointreau is another orange-flavored liqueur that can replace triple sec.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of simple syrup.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness.

• cola - Substitute with lemon-lime soda: Lemon-lime soda can add a different citrus twist while still providing the carbonation.

• Store any leftover Long Island Iced Tea in an airtight container, preferably a glass bottle, to maintain its flavor and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Keep the container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Beyond this period, the lemon juice and simple syrup may start to lose their vibrant taste.
• If you plan to make a large batch ahead of time, mix all the spirits and simple syrup together and store them in the fridge. Add the lemon juice and cola just before serving to ensure the freshest taste.
• For freezing, pour the mixed spirits and simple syrup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to one month.
• When ready to serve, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Add the lemon juice and cola after thawing to preserve their fresh flavors.
• Always shake or stir the Long Island Iced Tea well after thawing to ensure all ingredients are well combined before serving.
• Avoid freezing the cola and lemon juice with the spirits, as these ingredients do not freeze well and can alter the taste and texture of your drink.

• Pour the Long Island Iced Tea into a heat-resistant glass or mug.
• Place the glass in a microwave and heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can alter the taste.
• Alternatively, pour the Long Island Iced Tea into a small saucepan and gently warm over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally and remove from heat once it reaches the desired temperature.
• If you prefer a chilled drink, simply add fresh ice cubes to the Long Island Iced Tea and stir well.
• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the ingredients together with ice, ensuring they are well chilled and combined.

• Highball glass: The serving glass for the Long Island Iced Tea, typically tall and filled with ice.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise amounts of each spirit and other ingredients are used.

• Strainer: Used to strain the mixed drink from the cocktail shaker into the highball glass, keeping the ice in the shaker.

• Lemon squeezer: A tool to extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Ice scoop: Used to fill the cocktail shaker and highball glass with ice.

• Bar spoon: Handy for stirring the drink if needed and for placing the garnish.

• Knife: Used to cut the lemon wedge for garnish.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, triple sec, simple syrup, and lemon juice in advance to save time during assembly.

Use a jigger: A jigger helps you quickly and accurately measure out your spirits, ensuring consistency and speed.

Batch your mix: Combine all the spirits and mixers in a large pitcher ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice and top with cola.

Chill your glassware: Keep your highball glasses in the freezer so they’re ready to go, reducing the need for extra ice and keeping your drink colder longer.