- Why shake it?
- Shaking not only mixes but rapidly cools and dilutes the drink via the ice to achieve the right balance.
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.
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
Shopping List (0)
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
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