- Why shake it?
- Shaking not only mixes but rapidly chills and dilutes the high-proof mix to a palatable level.
Long Island Iced Tea
A masterclass in cocktail chemistry: balancing density and dilution. Despite containing no tea, the mix of cola and citrus mimics the color and tannin of iced tea. The genius (or danger) of this recipe is that the flavors of 5 different spirits cancel out each other's harshness, making it dangerously drinkable.
Ingredients
1/2
oz
Vodka
1/2
oz
White Rum
1/2
oz
Gin
1/2
oz
Blanco Tequila
1/2
oz
Triple Sec
3/4
oz
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2
oz
Simple Syrup
1
splash
Cola (for color)
1
cup
Ice
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Shaker: For cooling and mixing.
- Jigger: For precision.
- Highball Glass: For serving.
Instructions
1
✓
Fill a shaker with ice. Add all spirits, lemon juice, and syrup.
Tip: The balance of acid (lemon) and sugar (syrup) is key to masking the heavy alcohol content.
2
✓
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
Tip: Melting ice draws heat from the drink, chilling it to near freezing.
3
✓
Strain into an ice-filled highball glass and top with a splash of cola.
Tip: Don't shake the cola, or you'll lose the carbonation. The color separation looks great before stirring.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz Vodka
- 1/2 oz White Rum
- 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Blanco Tequila
- 1/2 oz Triple Sec
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 splash Cola (for color)
- 1 cup Ice