Tokyo Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Tokyo Iced Tea Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
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
History
The Tokyo Iced Tea cocktail is a variant of the popular Long Island Iced Tea. It was created in the 1980s as part of the wave of 'iced tea' cocktails. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, sweet drink with a hint of citrus and melon.
How Tokyo Iced Tea Tastes?
The Tokyo Iced Tea is a sweet, strong drink with a citrusy undertone. The melon liqueur adds a unique, fruity flavor that balances the strength of the vodka, rum, gin, and tequila. The lemon-lime soda adds a refreshing, fizzy finish.
Interesting facts about Tokyo Iced Tea
- Tokyo Iced Tea is also known as Japanese Iced Tea.
- Unlike Long Island Iced Tea, Tokyo Iced Tea contains melon liqueur.
- Despite its name, Tokyo Iced Tea does not contain any actual tea.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Rum: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Gin: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Tequila: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Melon liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lemon lime soda: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon: 1 slice
A few good options for Tokyo Iced Tea are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Tokyo Iced Tea are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Vodka
Why: Vodka is like the quiet kid who plays well with others; it provides a solid alcohol base without overpowering the flavors. Without it: You'd lose some kick and the cocktail might taste too sweet. Alternatives: Try flavored vodka to add an extra zing;
Mary Mitkina
Rum
Why: It's the life of the party! Rum adds a sweet, sugarcane flavor that plays nicely with the lemon-lime soda. Without it: The drink could become too herbaceous. Alternatives: Spiced rum ups the ante with additional warmth and spice;
Alex Green
Gin
Why: Gin brings the botanical bouquet to the shindig. Without it: You'd miss out on those herbal notes that add depth to your drink. Alternatives: Use a lighter, more floral gin to subtly shift the flavor profile;
Emma Rose
Tequila
Why: For the kick! Tequila adds a touch of agave-sharpness. Without it: The drink could feel a bit flat and less complex. Alternatives: Mezcal for a smokier twist;
Mary Mitkina
Melon Liqueur
Why: For a fruity and fun twist, and it gives the cocktail its signature color. Without it: Goodbye sweet melody of melon, hello blandness. Alternatives: Use peach or apple liqueur for a different fruity vibe;
Alex Green
Lemon-Lime Soda
Why: This is the fizz in your step, adding lightness and zesty sweetness. Without it: The cocktail would be less refreshing and denser. Alternatives: Club soda for less sweetness, or a tonic for a bitter edge;
Emma Rose
Lemon
Why: The garnish isn't just eye candy – it adds a citrusy aroma and a touch of tartness. Without it: You'd miss out on the zest that ties it all together. Alternatives: Lime for a tangier spin or orange for a sweeter note.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Tokyo Iced Tea Drink
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and melon liqueur.
- Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality spirits for a smoother taste.
- Make sure to stir well to properly mix all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately for the best taste.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
Sushi: The fresh flavors of sushi pair nicely with the light and fruity tones of the Tokyo Iced Tea.
Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables or shrimp complement the cocktail's crispness.
Chicken Yakitori: Charred and slightly sweet, yakitori skewers match well with the mixed spirit's profile.
Snacks
Edamame: The saltiness of edamame balances the sweetness of the melon liqueur.
Wasabi Peas: The zing of wasabi peas contrasts and livens up each sip of the Tokyo Iced Tea.
Desserts
Green Tea Ice Cream: A delicious way to stay within the Japanese theme, pairing creamy with citrusy.
Mochi: Soft and subtly sweet mochi rounds out the drink's multifaceted flavors.
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What you could change in Tokyo Iced Tea
- You can substitute the melon liqueur with Midori.
- If you don't have lemon-lime soda, you can use a combination of lemon juice, lime juice, and soda water.
Explore all drinks starting with T here
And of course - twists🍹
Green Tea Tokyo Iced Tea
Ingredients: Swap lemon-lime soda for green tea, infused with jasmine or mint. Recipe: Follow the original, substituting the soda. Flavor: Expect a less sweet, more complex and refined drink, with an Asian twist that feels more authentic.
Kyoto Iced Tea
Ingredients: Add sake and use yuzu juice. Recipe: Add 0.5 oz of sake and a splash of yuzu juice, reduce melon liqueur by 0.25 oz. Flavor: A nod to Japan's old capital, this version is subtler, with a delicate balance of sweet, sour, and umami.
Fuji Apple Iced Tea
Ingredients: Melon liqueur swapped for apple liqueur. Recipe: Replace melon liqueur with apple liqueur, garnish with an apple fan. Flavor: A fruity and crisp profile, like biting into a fresh Fuji apple, this twist is perfect for autumn gatherings.
In case you forgot basics how to make Tokyo Iced Tea
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing 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 Tokyo Iced Tea
What is the difference between Tokyo Iced Tea and Long Island Iced Tea?
The main difference between the two cocktails lies in the choice of liqueur. Tokyo Iced Tea uses a melon liqueur while Long Island Iced Tea typically uses a cola.
Why is it called Tokyo Iced Tea when there's no tea in it?
The 'tea' in its name does not come from any actual tea ingredients, but rather its resemblance to iced tea in color.
Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can substitute the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic options. However, the taste and experience will not be the same.
Can I use other citrus fruits besides lemon?
Yes, while lemon is typically used for garnish, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lime, grapefruit, or orange to slightly tweak the flavor.
What is the best time to serve Tokyo Iced Tea?
Tokyo Iced Tea, like most other cocktails, is great for evenings or during hot summer days.
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