Long Island iced tea

The 'kitchen chemistry' of cocktails is a game of density and dilution. Although it contains no tea, the mix of cola and citric acid from the triple sec imitates the colour and tartness of tannic tea. The genius (or danger) of the recipe is that the flavours of the 5 different alcohols cancel out each other's harsh notes, while the alcohol content remains extremely high.
🕒 Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
🍽️ Servings 1 servings
🔥 Calories 280 kcal
🌍 Cuisine American (Cocktail)

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Shaker: For cooling and mixing.
  • Jigger: For precise ratios.
  • Highball glass: For serving.

Instructions

1

Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in all the spirits, the lemon juice, and the syrup.

Tip: The balance of acid (lemon) and sugar (syrup) is key; this masks the harsh taste of the alcohol.
2

Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the side of the shaker frosts over.

Tip: Ice melting draws heat from the drink (thermodynamics), cooling it close to freezing point.
3

Strain into an ice-filled glass, and top with cola.

Tip: Do not shake the cola, as it will lose its fizz. The layering looks spectacular.

Recipe FAQ

Why shake it?
Shaking not only mixes but rapidly cools and dilutes the drink via the ice to achieve the right balance.

Ingredients

  • 15 ml Vodka
  • 15 ml White Rum
  • 15 ml Gin
  • 15 ml Tequila (Blanco)
  • 15 ml Triple Sec (Orange liqueur)
  • 25 ml Fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml Sugar syrup (Gomme)
  • 1 splash Cola (for colour)
  • 1 portion Ice cubes