Long Island Iced Tea: History, Recipe, and the Unexpected Truth About Tea

Although the Long Island Iced Tea cocktail sounds like something that contains tea, there is actually no tea in its classic recipe! Its name comes from the drink's visual resemblance to regular iced tea, thanks to the amber color that is obtained from the combination of alcohols and the addition of cola.

What does a real Long Island Iced Tea contain ?

This is one of the strongest classic cocktails because it combines several types of alcohol in one drink. The traditional recipe includes:

• 15 ml vodka

• 15 ml gin

• 15 ml rum

• 15 ml tequila

• 15 ml triple sec (orange liqueur)

• 30 ml lemon juice

• 20 ml sugar syrup

• Finishing car

All ingredients (except the cola) are stirred with ice, then topped with cola to achieve the visual resemblance to real iced tea.

Where does the name come from?

The history of the cocktail is shrouded in mystery. The most popular version claims that it was created in the 1970s in Long Island, New York, by bartender Robert Butt. Another theory is that the drink originated in the 1920s during Prohibition in the United States - as a way to disguise the alcohol by making it look like regular iced tea.

Can Long Island Iced Tea contain real tea?

Some modern versions of this cocktail include iced tea instead of cola to add a more balanced and refreshing flavor. For example, black tea or green tea could be used as an alternative to cola, which would be a great idea for your tea shop!

If you want to promote your own teas, you might offer a variation like:

• Green Island Iced Tea – with green tea instead of cola

• Earl Grey Long Island – with Earl Grey for a more aromatic and elegant taste

• Herbal Island Iced Tea – with fruit or herbal teas for a lighter and refreshing version