Long Island Iced Tea

About

The Long Island Iced Tea, a cocktail famous for its power and complexity, was invented in the 1980s on Long Island, New York. Its creation is credited to Robert "Rosebud" Butt, a bartender who was on a quest to create a cocktail that could rival traditional alcoholic drinks in terms of popularity and impact.

The idea behind the Long Island Iced Tea was to create a cocktail that could mix several types of hard liquor while remaining refreshing and easy to drink. To achieve this, Robert Butt combined a wide variety of spirits: vodka, white rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, and a bit of sour mix (a mixture of lemon juice and sugar) for sweetness, all topped off with a splash of cola to give it a color and taste reminiscent of iced tea.

Ironically, although its name suggests a tea-based drink, the Long Island Iced Tea has nothing to do with tea. The cola and the balance of flavors of the different alcohols give it a similar appearance to iced tea, hence its name.

The cocktail quickly gained popularity in bars and clubs, especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Part of its success can be attributed to its potency: although its sweet, fruity flavor masks its alcohol content, it remains a formidable cocktail. The Long Island Iced Tea is often seen as a party drink par excellence, and its popularity has continued to grow over the years.

Today, the Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most famous cocktails in the world, often served at parties and events where a sweet but effective drink is sought. It has become a true symbol of American cocktail culture, combining both extravagance and simplicity. If you are looking for a refreshing, sweet, and particularly strong cocktail, the Long Island Iced Tea is a must-have choice.