is not. Long Island Iced Tea is made up of many ingredients, but tea isn’t one of them. This cocktail is a classic. Its innocent name and appearance of “iced tea”, has fooled many people. What does a Long Island Iced Tea contain? And how is it that a drink without tea was called “tea?”
This post will answer the question Is Long Island Iced Tea Tea?. We’ll look at what is actually in Long Island Iced Tea and why it tastes so much better than you would expect. And we’ll show you how to make it at home.
So… Is Long Island Iced Tea Really Tea?
Let’s start with the most important question: Does Long Island Iced Tea actually contain tea?
No. A traditional Long Island Iced Tea contains no brewed tea. There are no tea bags, cold brew or concentrates hidden in the back. The “iced” label is almost entirely made up of:
1、The colour is cola-based, giving it a tea-like amber shade.
2、A lemon slice placed on the rim will make it look similar to a tall glass full of lemon iced-tea.
3、The Glass is often served in a Collins glass or hurricane glass with ice to visually mimic a non-alcoholic soft drink or an iced tea.
The name “Long Island Iced Tea”, then, is more of an costume rather than a description. It’s just a cocktail disguised as a harmless drink for summer.
What is Long Island Iced Tea if it’s not made from tea?
The classic Long Island Iced Tea is the greatest hit of the liquor cabinet in one glass. The base version is made with:
- Vodka
- White rum
- Gin
- Tequila
- Triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur)
- Sweet and sour mix
- Color and sweetness with a splash of Coca-Cola
- For garnish, lemon slices (and mint leaves are often used)
When people ask “Does Long Island Iced Tea contain alcohol?” the truthful answer is yes. And a lot. The amount of each spirit added is small, but when combined with the triple sec and four base spirits, it adds up fast. The drink may appear to be iced tea but behaves more like a strong cocktail.
Why Does Long Island Iced Tea Taste So Smooth?
Long Island Iced Tea should not work on paper. All of the ingredients – rum, vodka, gin tequila and triple sec – sound like a recipe for disaster. A well-made Long Island Iced Tea can be surprisingly smooth and tasty.
Why it works？
1、Balance in spirits: Each spirit is used at a small and equal amount so that no one flavor dominates.
2、Sweet-and-Sour Mix: Sugar and citrus help to soften the harsh edges of alcohol.
3、Cola: The splash of cola gives the dish color, sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
This results in a drink that is not as strong. Long Island Iced Tea is known for its dangerously simple to drink. It’s a cocktail that tastes like iced-tea, but goes down as if it were iced-tea.
If we ask, “Is Long Island Iced Tea tea?” again the answer will still be no. But it does have that same “I could drink this for an entire afternoon” feeling as real iced-tea. This is where the danger is.
Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe (One Serving)
Here’s how to make a Long Island Iced Tea using the classic formula.
Ingredients
- 1/2 fluid ounce vodka
- White Rum, 1/2 Fluid Ounce
- Half fluid ounce Gin
- Half ounce of tequila
- Half fluid ounce of triple sec
- Sweet and sour mix, 1 fluid ounce
- Around 1 fluid ounce of cola (or taste)
- Ice cubes
- For garnish, use a lemon slice (and optionally mint leaves).
Directions
Step 1. Prepare your glass
Fill a tall Collins or hurricane glass up with ice. This drink should be cool and refreshing like iced tea.
Step 2. Shake off the spirits
Fill the cocktail shaker up with ice. Pour the triple sec and sweet-and-sour mix into the shaker.
Cover the shaker, and shake until all ingredients are combined and chilled.
Step 3. Build the Long Island Iced Tea
Pour the mixture in your glass filled with ice.
Step 4. Add “iced Tea” illusion
Add a splash of coke to the drink, just enough to make it look deep amber. The amount of cola you add will depend on how sweet your Long Island Iced Tea is.
Step 5. Garnish the dish and serve
Add a slice of lemon to the dish. If you want to make it look extra fresh, add a few leaves of mint. Enjoy — slowly and responsibly.
Why the Name Still Matters
Although the answer to Is Long Island Iced Tea Tea? is a definite No, its name plays an important role in the drink’s identity:
1、This makes the cocktail seem friendly and casual like something that you would sip in summer on your porch.
2、The tall glass highlights the refreshing vibe.
3、This tea is not innocent.
The name doesn’t refer to the ingredients. is about appearance and attitude . Long Island Iced Tea has a tea spirit and not a recipe.
A Quick Word of Caution
It’s easy for you to drink too much Long Island Iced Tea because it doesn’t actually taste that strong. You may mistakenly think that it tastes like iced tea because of its smooth, sweet and citrusy taste.
Treat Long Island Iced Tea as the multi-spirit drink it is. Drink slowly, drink water in between and be aware of your limits.
Conclusion: Is Long Island Iced Tea Really Tea?
The verdict is clear:
1、Long Island Iced Tea does not contain.
2、It looks like iced lemon cola tea.
3、is a powerful, clever cocktail made from several spirits, and a sweet/sour base.
Next time someone asks “Is Long Island Iced Tea tea?,” you’ll be able to tell them the truth. It’s actually a cocktail dressed up in an iced-tea costume.
References
1.The REAL Long Island Iced Tea
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/228491/the-real-long-island-iced-tea