In the 1970’s, the Long Island ice tea was born. It’s a drink that’s more commonly ordered out at a bar or restaurant than made at home, as the Long Island ice tea ingredients are numerous. There is a standard version of the drink, but there are also many variations of it, depending on location and limited only by a bartender’s creativity!
Ironically, there is no actual iced tea in a standard Long Island ice tea. In general, the Long Island ice tea ingredients are gin, tequila, vodka, and rum (white rum is the standard). Triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cola are added in the standard version. Specifically, equal parts gin, tequila, vodka, rum, and triple sec, with one and a half parts sour mix. Simple syrup is also often added, as a sweetener.
However, this is a drink that can be altered in many ways to suit personal preference. As many people don’t like sour mix, the sour mix is often switched out with sweet and sour mix, or even lemon juice, lemonade, or lime cordial. Cola is sometimes replaced with iced tea. The tequila is often replaced, as well, often times with brandy. Some of these variations have other names, although they all stem from the basic Long Island ice tea ingredients.
It is usually served on the rocks (over ice). The standard garnish is a lemon slice, and it’s usually served in a highball glass. Long Island ice tea ingredients are usually mixed straight in the glass, over ice, and then stirred.
