She Strengthens

The Surprising Story Behind a Deceptive Drink

A Taste of Deception

Meet the Long Island Iced Tea, a cocktail that defies its name by not containing a single tea leaf. Despite its misleading moniker, this drink has gained a reputation for its unique flavor profile, which surprisingly mimics the taste of tea.

The Birth of a Legend

Robert C. “Rosebud” Butt, a renowned mixologist, is credited with creating this iconic drink in the 1970s. Since then, he has become a celebrated figure in the bartending world, albeit with a hint of controversy surrounding his creation.

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

As noted by Joseph Scott and Donald Bain in their comprehensive guide, The World’s Best Bartender Guide, the Long Island Iced Tea’s greatest pitfall lies in its ability to masquerade as a harmless drink. Its sweet, tea-like flavor belies its potent alcoholic content, often leading unsuspecting patrons to overindulge. In fact, many bars have implemented a two-drink limit to prevent patrons from getting too “boiled.”

Taming the Beast

Fear not, dear drinkers! By simply halving the ingredients, you can enjoy the Long Island Iced Tea’s unique flavor without the knock-out punch. This adapted version is perfect for those who want to savor the taste without sacrificing their sobriety.

A Frat House Favorite Goes Mainstream

Originally concocted in American frat houses alongside other notorious drinks like jungle juice, the Long Island Iced Tea has since made its way into bars and lounges across the country. Love it or hate it, this drink has sparked intense debate among bartenders and patrons alike.

A Refreshing Alternative

For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, we recommend the classic Arnold Palmer drink. Its revitalizing blend of lemonade and iced tea is sure to quench your thirst without the risk of overindulgence.

Recipe: Long Island Iced Tea

Yield: 1 drink
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: Under 5 minutes
Active Time: Under 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce gin
• 1/2 ounce tequila
• 1/2 ounce light rum
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
• Cold cola
• Wedge of lemon

Instructions:

1. Shake the vodka, gin, tequila, rum, lemon juice, triple sec, and sugar with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice.
3. Add cola to fill, gently stir, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Variation: Texas Tea

Add 1/2 ounce bourbon to give your Long Island Iced Tea a southern twist.