Blue Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Blue Long Island Iced Tea Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:22g
Alcohol:22%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
- 1History
- 2How Blue Long Island Iced Tea Tastes?
- 3Interesting facts about Blue Long Island Iced Tea
- 4Ingredients 🍾
- 5Recipe. How to make Blue Long Island Iced Tea Drink 🍸
- 6Pro Tips
- 7Perfect Pairings
- 8What you could change in Blue Long Island Iced Tea
- 9Twists
- 10Additional Information
- 11Frequently Asked Questions
- 12More Similar Recipes!
History
The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is a popular variation of the classic Long Island Iced Tea, which is believed to have been created in the 1970s by a bartender named Robert 'Rosebud' Butt at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York. This blue version of the cocktail gained popularity for its striking color and tropical twist, making it a favorite among beach and poolside parties.
- The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is often associated with summer and tropical vibes
- It is a popular choice for those who enjoy the classic Long Island Iced Tea but want to try something new and visually appealing
How Blue Long Island Iced Tea Tastes?
The Blue Long Island Iced Tea has a sweet and slightly sour taste, with a strong alcoholic kick. The combination of various spirits and the addition of blue curaçao give it a unique, fruity flavor with a hint of citrus.
Interesting facts about Blue Long Island Iced Tea
- The blue color of the cocktail comes from the blue curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit
- Despite its name, the Blue Long Island Iced Tea does not actually contain any tea
- The cocktail is known for its high alcohol content, as it contains multiple types of spirits
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- White rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Tequila: 1 oz(30ml)
- Triple sec: 1 oz(30ml)
- Blue curaçao: 1 oz(30ml)
- Sweet and sour mix: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sprite or 7 up: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Lemon wheel: 1
- Cherry: 1
A few good options for Blue Long Island Iced Tea are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Blue Long Island Iced Tea are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Vodka
Vodka provides a clean, neutral base that doesn't overshadow the other flavors. The 1 oz measurement ensures balance - less won't give enough strength, more can overpower. Without it, you'd lose the cocktail's backbone.
Mary Mitkina
Gin
Gin adds complexity with its botanical notes. Too little and you won't taste its character; too much could turn the drink too herbaceous. It's crucial for an aromatic depth.
Alex Green
White Rum
White Rum contributes sweetness and tropical flair. The right amount complements; too much can make it cloying. It's the cocktail's subtle vacation vibe.
Emma Rose
Tequila
Tequila brings an earthy edge. If left out, the drink misses some of its boldness. The right quantity is key for that 'kick'.
Mary Mitkina
Triple Sec
Triple Sec offers a hint of orange that ties the flavors together. More can make it too citrusy, less and the balance is off. It's the discreet connector within the mix.
Alex Green
Blue Curaçao
Blue Curaçao gives the signature blue color and a slight bitterness. Substituting it with another orange liqueur will change the color and possibly the flavor profile.
Emma Rose
Sweet and Sour Mix
Sweet and Sour Mix is the yin and yang, providing both sweetness and tartness. If the proportions are skewed, the cocktail could become too sweet or too acidic.
Mary Mitkina
Sprite or 7-Up
Sprite or 7-Up adds fizziness and a touch of sweetness, lifting the overall drinking experience. Without it, the cocktail could feel too heavy.
Alex Green
Ice
Ice is not just for chilling; it also dilutes the drink slightly, mellowing the flavors. Insufficient ice makes for a warmer and stronger drink than intended.
Emma Rose
Lemon Wheel and Cherry
The lemon wheel and cherry are garnishes that add a visual appeal and a hint of fruitiness on the nose and the palate upon sipping.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Blue Long Island Iced Tea Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, and blue curaçao to the shaker
- Add sweet and sour mix
- Shake well until chilled
- Fill a Collins glass with ice
- Strain the mixture into the glass
- Top with Sprite or 7-Up
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality spirits for a smoother taste
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure proper mixing and chilling
- For a more visually appealing presentation, serve the cocktail in a hurricane glass
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Fried Calamari: The crispiness complements the cocktail's acidity.
- Chicken Satay: The cocktail cuts through the peanut sauce.
Main Courses
- Fish Tacos: The freshness of the tacos pairs well with the citrus notes.
- Burger: A good contrast to the cocktail's sweetness.
Snacks
- Salted Nuts: Salt enhances the drink's sweet and sour mix.
- Potato Chips: A classic bar snack that goes with everything.
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What you could change in Blue Long Island Iced Tea
- Blue Curaçao can be replaced with regular orange curaçao and a drop of blue food coloring
- If sweet and sour mix is not available, you can use a combination of lemon juice and simple syrup
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Tropical Blue Island
Swap the Sprite or 7-Up with coconut water for a tropical twist. This change offers a subtle coconut flavor and less sweetness, emphasizing the drink's refreshing qualities.
Berry Blue Island
Add a splash of raspberry liqueur and use lemon-lime soda instead of Sprite or 7-Up. The raspberry provides a fruity burst, while the soda maintains the fizz, creating a sweet-tart dynamic.
Green Long Island Iced Tea
Instead of blue curaçao, use green melon liqueur for a fun color change. The melon's sweetness will modify the drink's taste, giving it a fruitier, candy-like flavor.
In case you forgot basics how to make Blue Long Island Iced Tea
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Blue Long Island Iced Tea
What other variations of the Long Island Iced Tea are there?
Besides the Blue Long Island Iced Tea, there are many other variants like the Tokyo Tea, the Texas Iced Tea, Hawaiian Iced Tea and many more. They mostly differ by one or two ingredients being added or replaced.
Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
While the Blue Long Island Iced Tea is known for its high alcohol content, you can create a mocktail version of it. Simply replace the alcoholic components with non-alcoholic substitutes like blue fruit punch for the blue curaçao, and non-alcoholic versions of the spirits, or even use flavored waters.
What's the best time to serve the Blue Long Island Iced Tea?
While it's perfect for summer beach or pool parties, this cocktail can be served at any time. The vibrant blue color and fruity flavor make it a hit at parties and get-togethers.
What does 'triple sec' mean and can I replace it with something else?
Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur. The term 'triple sec' means 'triple distilled'. If you need a substitute, you can use Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or any other orange-flavored liqueur.
Can I prepare Blue Long Island Iced Tea in advance?
You can definitely mix the spirits and the sweet and sour mix in advance. However, to achieve the best taste and freshness, add the Sprite or 7-Up and serve it over ice just before serving.
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