Best Long Island Ice Tea Recipe with a Fun Twist
The first Long Island Ice Tea recipe is said to have been served up by Robert Butts in the 1970′s in Long Island, New York, at the Oak Beach Inn in Hampton Bays. It has been one of the most well-liked bar drinks ever since.
This popular drink packs a punch, with five different types of alcohol in it, including tequila, vodka, rum, and gin. The classic recipe calls for triple sec and cola, but for this yummy version, we recommend replacing the triple sec with raspberry liqueur and replacing the cola with actual tea.
Here’s our favorite version:
Mix the first six ingredients in a cocktail shaker with some ice:
• 1/2 oz Tequila (100% blue agave)
• 1/2 oz Gin
• 1/2 oz dark Jamaican Rum
• 1/2 oz Vodka
• 3/4 oz Sour, or Sweet & Sour mix
• 2-4 oz of iced tea
• 1/2 oz Raspberry Liqueur (try Chambord®)
Strain this into a tall glass full of ice. Layer the raspberry liquor on the top and garnish with a twist of lemon (or a raspberry or two). Delicious!
You can also replace the sweet & sour mix with freshly squeezed lemon juice, or add a splash of Seven-up for some fizz.
While the ingredients can vary somewhat in different Long Island Ice Tea recipes, the drink must have tequila, and a top-shelf variety is best. Buy the best 100% agave tequila you can afford. Tequila can sometimes be harsh, but there are many fine, smooth tequilas that have recently gained popularity.
It is helpful to know a little about the differences in the hundreds of varieties you will find. Tequila can first be divided into blanco or gold.
• Blanco, (or white or silver) tequila is made from 100% blue agave.
• Gold tequila is usually “mixed”, with just over half agave, and the balance being different sugars and other additives like glycerin and caramel coloring.
• Oro or gold tequila is usually what you find in mixed drinks at your local bar.
The tequilas are further categorized by age.
• When labeled blanco or gold, they are bottled just after distillation.
• Reposado is “rested” for two to twelve months in oak barrels.
• Anejo is “aged” for at least a year in small barrels. Whiskey barrels are particularly well-liked.
Chambord®) raspberry liqueur is delicious, or for a very special version you can even make your own.
Next to the pool or with a picnic basket at the beach, these potent ice teas are best served with an appetizers or a meal… Make that hearty appetizers, rather than light, because of all the “spirit” imbued in this wonderful summer cooler (25 to 30% alcohol). They can be ordered “extra-long” for an added kick. Make sure you have a designated driver.
To enjoy the quintessential taste of summer in the Hamptons, try out this special Long Island Ice Tea recipe, wherever you find yourself during the long, lazy days of summer.
About the Author
More FREE cocktail recipes like the http://www.sensationalcocktailrecipes.com/long-island-ice-tea-recipe/“>Long Island Ice Tea recipe can be found here:
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Jill Hathaway is a cocktail recipes expert.