18 Extraordinary Facts About Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea, a cocktail that has been around since the 1970s, is not only popular for its delicious taste but also for some fascinating facts behind it. So grab your glass and let’s dive into these extraordinary tidbits:
Cocktail Origins: The Long Island Iced Tea was invented in 1972 by Robert “Rosebud” Butt at a bar called the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York.
Mystery Ingredient: Despite its name, there is no tea or lemonade in this drink! It’s made with vodka, tequila, gin, rum, triple sec, and cola.
Variety of Flavors: The Long Island Iced Tea can be customized to your liking by adding different flavored vodkas, such as strawberry or coconut.
Strength in Numbers: This potent cocktail contains about 25% alcohol per serving. So drink responsibly!
Cultural Impact: The Long Island Iced Tea became so popular that it has been mentioned in numerous songs and movies, including “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston and “The Hangover.”
Average Calories: Each serving of Long Island Iced Tea contains approximately 200 calories. So watch out for those calorie counts!
Largest Glass: In 2013, the Guinness World Record for the largest Long Island Iced Tea was set at a bar in Arizona, measuring an incredible 48 inches tall!
Ice Cream Twist: There’s even an ice cream version called “Long Island Love,” which combines the flavors of your favorite cocktail with the creaminess of ice cream. Delicious!
Largest Consumption: New Zealand holds the record for the highest consumption of Long Island Iced Teas per capita, with an average of 1.4 servings consumed by each resident each year.
Vegan-Friendly: Some recipes use agave nectar or simple syrup instead of triple sec, making it a viable option for vegans who enjoy mixed drinks.
Non-Alcoholic Version: For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, you can make a “Virgin Long Island Iced Tea” by substituting fruit juices and soda for the liquor.
Cup of Joe Twist: For coffee lovers, there’s also a version called the “Irish Coffee Long Island,” which combines the flavors of both drinks for an extra kick.
Tourism Boost: Some bars on Long Island offer special tours focused on Long Island Iced Tea history and tastings.
Charity Events: Many charity events use the Long Island Iced Tea as a fundraiser, selling drinks with creative names and donating proceeds to various causes.
Cocktail Naming Contest: The name “Long Island Iced Tea” was chosen in a contest held by the bar where it was first served.
International Recognition: Despite its American origin, Long Island Iced Tea has become popular worldwide, with bars in various countries serving their own unique versions of this classic cocktail.
Historic Significance: The Long Island Iced Tea was one of the first drinks to incorporate multiple types of alcohol into a single cocktail, paving the way for future mixed drink creations.
Health Benefits: While not necessarily healthy itself, some versions of the Long Island Iced Tea can include natural ingredients like ginger or mint, which may provide health benefits when consumed moderately.
So there you have it – 18 extraordinary facts about the Long Island Iced Tea! Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just curious about this iconic drink, these fascinating tidbits are sure to impress your friends at your next gathering. Cheers!
