Somehow reminiscent of restaurant chains, dive bars, and frat basements alike, the Long Island Iced Tea brings to mind varying memories (and feelings), depending on who you’re talking to. For some, it’s a headache in a glass that brings to mind college days gone by; for others, it’s exactly the sweet yet ultra-boozy drink they’re searching for on a night out. No matter your feelings on the classic cocktail, one thing is for sure: Its ability to hide the combination of 5 alcohols behind a refreshing sweet tea taste is nothing short of incredible. Read on to discover just how this ultra-boozy, refreshing, party-starting summer cocktail gets its signature flavor.
Ingredients
SOUR MIX
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 4 tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp. fresh grapefruit juice
COCKTAIL
- 2 1/2 oz. homemade sour mix, or 1 1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice plus 1 oz. simple syrup
- 1 oz. blanco tequila
- 1 oz. gin
- 1 oz. triple sec
- 1 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. white rum
- Ice
- Coca-Cola, for topping off
- Lemon wheels or wedges, for serving
Directions
SOUR MIX
- Step 1In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil, whisking until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.
- Step 2Transfer simple syrup to a medium airtight container. Add lemon juice, lime juice, and grapefruit juice and stir to combine.
- Step 3Make Ahead: Sour mix can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
COCKTAILS
- Step 1In a cocktail shaker, combine sour mix, tequila, gin, triple sec, vodka and rum. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds.
- Step 2Strain between 2 Collins glasses filled with ice. Top off with Coca-Cola. Garnish with lemon wheels.