Long Island Iced Tea

Transcript: How to Make a Long Island Iced Tea

Jonathan Stewart here for About.com with today's 90-second quick-tip. What should you serve to stuffy guests on a hot summer day when they ask for something cold to drink? As long as they're not driving, you might try a Long Island Iced Tea.

Clocking in at 28 percent alcohol, this drink packs quite a punch, which might account for why it's one of the top five requested cocktails in the country.

Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients

For today's recipe, here's what you'll need - check it out:

• 1/2 ounce each of top-shelf vodka, tequila, light rum, gin, and triple sec
• 2 ounces of sour mix
• a splash of cola
• a lemon wedge
• a shaker and glass
• ice

Long Island Iced Tea's Flavor

Some people claim that the Long Island Iced Tea tastes a little like good old fashioned iced tea, and that back in the day it was used to trick teetotalers into getting a little tipsy, which seems a little mean. Except for the fact - if you're confusing a cocktail with five types of alcohol with Lipton's, you've probably already had a couple yourself.

Mix the Long Island Iced Tea

Start by poring your vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec into your shaker over ice, then add your sour mix and splash of cola. Squeeze in your lemon wedge, and give the whole mixture a good shake.

Next, pour the mix into an ice-filled glass, and toss in the lemon for good measure. If you're catering to fancier boozers, try garnishing with a lemon spiral.

Long Island Iced Tea Variations

Some bartenders will omit the tequila so that it doesn't overpower the other liquors in this cocktail, a practice which may have found its roots in a little underground bar in Hanover, New Hampshire, where the Long Island iced tea is the best you'll find on either side of Long Island.

Long Island Iced Tea Origins

There is some debate as to the origin of the L.I. Tea - some claim it hails from the Prohibition era, others say it's from Tennessee, others still say it really is from Long Island. But regardless, this popular beverage contains at least two shots of alcohol, and double that in some bars, so be sure to enjoy responsibly.

Video: http://video.about.com/cocktails/Long-Island-Iced-Tea.htm