What is a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea is a strong highball cocktail, not a type of alcohol. Its amber color comes from a splash of cola, giving it the appearance of iced tea. The drink is known for its potency, containing multiple types of spirits. While the combination of spirits, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola creates a balanced flavor, its strength can be easily underestimated.
Key Ingredients of the Classic Cocktail
The standard recipe for a Long Island Iced Tea typically includes five different spirits, often in equal parts, creating a potent blend:
- Vodka
- Gin
- White Rum
- Tequila
- Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur.
- Lemon Juice or Sour Mix
- Simple Syrup
- Cola: For color and sweetness.
Why is it so Potent? Understanding the Alcohol Content
The Long Island Iced Tea's high alcohol content is due to its mix of five different spirits. A recipe with half-ounce pours of each spirit contains 2.5 ounces of liquor, which is more than a typical 2-ounce standard cocktail. The ABV can range from 10-22% or higher, making it significantly stronger than many mixed drinks. The danger lies in its palatable taste, which can hide the effect of the alcohol.
Is a Long Island Alcohol? Unmasking the Misconception
The question of whether a "Long Island" is a type of alcohol reveals a common misunderstanding. It is a mixed drink, a cocktail, not a distilled spirit itself.
The Deceptive Appearance
According to one origin story, the Long Island Iced Tea may have been designed to look like iced tea during Prohibition for discreet consumption. The amber color comes from cola, not tea. This visual deception can lead drinkers to underestimate its strength.
Cocktail vs. Spirit: The Core Distinction
- Spirit: A spirit is a distilled alcoholic beverage, like vodka or gin, which are components of a Long Island Iced Tea.
- Cocktail: A cocktail is a mixed drink combining spirits with other ingredients. The Long Island Iced Tea is the result of mixing its component spirits with non-alcoholic elements.
The Competing Histories of the Long Island Iced Tea
The origin of the Long Island Iced Tea has two main competing stories.
The Kingsport, Tennessee Claim
One account suggests a Prohibition-era bootlegger named Charles "Old Man" Bishop in Kingsport, Tennessee, created the drink on an island in the Holston River. His recipe reportedly included whiskey and maple syrup.
The Long Island, New York Origin Story
A more widely accepted story credits Robert "Rosebud" Butt, a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York, with creating the drink in 1972 for a competition. This version is closer to the modern recipe and includes triple sec and cola.
Long Island Iced Tea vs. Texas Tea: A Comparison
| Feature | Long Island Iced Tea | Texas Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Base Spirits | Vodka, Gin, White Rum, Tequila, Triple Sec. | Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Whiskey. |
| Cola | Required. | Often included. |
| Distinct Flavor | Sweet, citrusy, and mild. | Richer, more robust from whiskey. |
| Origin | New York (1970s) or Tennessee (1920s). | Likely Texas, includes whiskey. |
| Appearance | Amber, resembling iced tea. | Darker, like brown liquor drinks. |
Variations and Customizations
The Long Island Iced Tea can be adapted into many variations:
- Long Beach Iced Tea: Uses cranberry juice instead of cola.
- Tokyo Iced Tea: Uses Midori and lemon-lime soda for a green color.
- Electric Iced Tea: Uses Blue Curaçao and lemon-lime soda for a blue color.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Uses iced tea, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange extract.
- Ingredient Swaps: Different rums or proportions can alter the flavor.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Is a Long Island alcohol
A Long Island is a potent cocktail, not a type of alcohol, made with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and orange liqueur. Its name and appearance are deceptive, hiding its high alcohol content. While its origin is debated, it is clearly a strong mixed drink. Always consume responsibly. For the standard recipe, see the IBA's official guide: IBA Official Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
Fun Facts About the Long Island Iced Tea
- Named for Appearance: Named for its color, not because it contains tea.
- Multiple Spirits: Contains at least five different liquors.
- Prohibition Era Ties: One origin story links it to a Prohibition distiller.
- Variable Potency: Alcohol content varies based on preparation.
- Modern Origin Claim: Another story attributes its creation to a NY bartender in the 1970s.
