Calculating the Standard Drinks in a Long Island
Determining the number of standard drinks in a Long Island Iced Tea is not as straightforward as it might seem. The final count depends heavily on several factors, including the recipe, the bartender's pour, and the country's definition of a "standard drink." A standard US drink contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, while other countries use different metrics. For example, Australia's standard drink is 10 grams of pure alcohol.
The Standard US Recipe Breakdown
Using a common recipe with half-ounce pours for each spirit provides a good baseline for calculation. This recipe typically includes:
- Vodka: 0.5 oz
- Gin: 0.5 oz
- White Rum: 0.5 oz
- Tequila: 0.5 oz
- Triple Sec (or orange liqueur): 0.5 oz
- Lemon Juice: 1 oz
- Cola: To top
If we assume a standard 80-proof (40% ABV) for the main spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila) and a lower proof (~30% ABV) for the triple sec, the pure alcohol content is calculated as follows:
- Spirits (40% ABV): 4 spirits x 0.5 oz x 40% = 0.8 oz pure alcohol
- Triple Sec (30% ABV): 1 spirit x 0.5 oz x 30% = 0.15 oz pure alcohol
Total Pure Alcohol: 0.8 oz + 0.15 oz = 0.95 oz
In the US, with a standard drink containing 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, this classic recipe would contain:
0.95 oz / 0.6 oz per standard drink = 1.58 standard drinks
This is why some sources, like VinePair, cite the alcohol content as 1 ⅔ shots, which roughly aligns with this calculation.
How Pour Size and Location Alter the Count
The number of standard drinks is not static. A bartender's heavy hand or the use of pre-made mixes can significantly increase the alcohol content. Consider a more generous recipe with 0.75-ounce pours, which some sources mention.
- Spirits (40% ABV): 4 spirits x 0.75 oz x 40% = 1.2 oz pure alcohol
- Triple Sec (30% ABV): 1 spirit x 0.75 oz x 30% = 0.225 oz pure alcohol
Total Pure Alcohol: 1.2 oz + 0.225 oz = 1.425 oz
Standard Drinks: 1.425 oz / 0.6 oz per standard drink = 2.375 standard drinks
Other variations, like the IBA recipe cited by AdultBar, indicate 2.1 standard drinks, while some anecdotal reports suggest the number can be as high as 4 standard drinks or more. The takeaway is that a Long Island is almost always more than one standard drink, and often substantially so. This variation is why it is critical to know what goes into the drink where you are ordering it.
Comparison of Long Island to Other Cocktails
To put the Long Island Iced Tea's potency into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular cocktails. The total alcohol content is what matters, not just the number of spirits. A classic Martini, for example, is primarily gin or vodka and vermouth, often containing around 2 standard drinks. The Long Island's illusion of a relatively low alcohol content comes from the heavy use of mixers and its resemblance to harmless iced tea.
| Cocktail | Typical Total Liquor (Approx.) | Approximate Standard Drinks (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island Iced Tea | 2.5–3.75 oz | 2 to 4 | Varies greatly by recipe and pour size. |
| Martini | 2.5–3.0 oz | ~2 | Depends on the proportions of spirit to vermouth. |
| Margarita | 1.5–2.0 oz | ~1.5 | Made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. |
| Mojito | 2.0 oz | ~1.3 | Uses rum as its sole spirit. |
| Cosmopolitan | 2.0 oz | ~1.3 | Made with vodka, triple sec, lime, and cranberry. |
The Importance of Responsible Drinking
Due to its deceptive strength and easy-drinking flavor, the Long Island Iced Tea poses a unique risk for overconsumption. The combination of multiple spirits and sweeteners masks the taste of alcohol, making it easy to drink quickly without realizing the amount of alcohol being consumed. Responsible drinking is key, especially with high-proof cocktails.
Strategies for Safer Enjoyment:
- Pace Yourself: Sip slowly and don't rush the drink. Its high alcohol content means it should be savored, not gulped.
- Hydrate: For every Long Island, have a glass of water. This helps to slow down your alcohol intake and keeps you hydrated, mitigating some of the next-day effects.
- Know Your Limits: Be aware of how alcohol affects you personally. The number of standard drinks is a guideline, but your body's reaction is what's most important.
- Eat Food: Never drink on an empty stomach. Food slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
- Communicate: If you are with others, let them know you are drinking something strong so they can help you keep track.
Conclusion
While a definitive single number for the standard drinks in a Long Island Iced Tea is impossible due to recipe variations, a reasonable estimate for a well-made one is between two and four standard drinks. What is certain is that it contains significantly more alcohol than a single shot of liquor or a single can of beer. The drink's reputation for potency is well-earned, and enjoying it responsibly requires mindful pacing and an understanding of its ingredients. Always prioritize safety and know the strength of what you are drinking. The allure of this potent cocktail is its complex flavor, not its ability to get you intoxicated quickly. For more information on standard drink guidelines, you can visit the standarddrinks.org website.
