Introduction to the Ultimate Summer Cocktail
The Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is the perfect solution for those who love the strength of a classic cocktail but crave a fruity, modern twist. There is something truly magical about the way fresh berries interact with the complex blend of five different spirits, creating a drink that is surprisingly smooth yet undeniably powerful. Whether you are lounging by the pool or hosting a late-night backyard BBQ, this drink is designed to impress and refresh in equal measure.
Crafting a Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, which is the secret to a superior cocktail. Unlike the overly sweet, neon-colored versions often found in dive bars, our version focuses on real fruit and fresh citrus. It is a sophisticated evolution of the 1970s classic that dominated the history of mixology across American bars. By adding a luscious layer of strawberry, we soften the edges of the spirits, making it a crowd favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
You will absolutely adore this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and boozy. Most drinkers are intimidated by the long list of alcohols in a Long Island, but the strawberry puree acts as a unifying force, binding the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec into a cohesive flavor profile. It feels much more like a high-end craft cocktail than a standard party drink.
Furthermore, this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is incredibly versatile. It is as much a visual delight as it is a culinary one, boasting a beautiful ombre effect when layered correctly. If you enjoy other fruity variations, you might also want to check out our Strawberry Pineapple Margarita Recipe. Much like that drink, this tea variation celebrates the essence of summer fruit while delivering a sophisticated kick that keeps the party going.
The Essential Ingredients
To master the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe, you must start with the right components. While it may seem like a lot of bottles to have on hand, the small measurements of each spirit ensure that no single one overwhelms the palate. Here is what you need for a single, perfect serving:
- 1/2 oz Vodka
- 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz White Rum
- 1/2 oz Silver Tequila
- 1/2 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz Strawberry Puree
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (optional, depending on puree sweetness)
- Splash of Cola or Lemon-Lime Soda
- Fresh strawberries and lemon slices for garnish
Notes and Substitutions
When preparing your Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe, consider using high-quality silver tequila for a cleaner finish. If you do not have fresh strawberries for a puree, a high-quality store-bought version works, but ensure it contains real fruit. For those who prefer a more citrus-forward experience, similar to The Ultimate Fresh Lime Margarita Recipe, you can increase the lemon juice slightly. You can also swap the cola for sparkling water if you want a lighter, less sweet version of this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a full professional bar setup to execute this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe. A standard cocktail shaker, a jigger for precise measuring, and a tall highball or hurricane glass are sufficient. If you don't have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works in a pinch to combine the ingredients effectively.
How to Make the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe turns out perfectly balanced every time. The key is in the shaking and the ice.
- Step 1: Prepare your highball glass by filling it to the brim with fresh, clean ice. Chilling the glass is essential for the best experience.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec. Measuring accurately is vital for the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
- Step 3: Add the 1 oz of strawberry puree and 1 oz of fresh lemon juice to the shaker. If your strawberries are particularly tart, add a splash of simple syrup here.
- Step 4: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frost-cold.
- Step 5: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the fresh ice. The Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe should have a vibrant red hue at this stage.
- Step 6: Top off the glass with a splash of cola or lemon-lime soda for that signature finish and a gentle fizz.
- Step 7: Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a lemon wedge before serving your beautiful Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
To elevate your Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe, always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled concentrates. The acidity is what balances the high alcohol content. Additionally, ensure your strawberry puree is smooth; if you make it at home, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds that might clog your straw. Another secret for the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is to use large ice cubes in the glass so they melt slower, preventing the drink from becoming watered down too quickly.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe immediately while it is ice cold. This drink does not store well once the soda is added, as it will go flat. However, you can batch the spirits and the strawberry puree ahead of time in a pitcher. For a frozen variation, blend all ingredients except the soda with two cups of ice until slushy. This Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe also works wonderfully with a basil garnish for an earthy, aromatic twist.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the caloric intake of your favorite cocktails is helpful for balanced living. Below is the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and may vary.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is more than just a drink; it is a summer celebration in a glass. By following this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe, you are guaranteed a cocktail that is as delicious as it is impressive. We hope you enjoy every sip of this fruity, bold creation. Cheers to your new favorite drink!
FAQs
How many calories are in a Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea?
A standard serving of this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe contains approximately 290 calories, depending on the sweetness of the puree and the amount of soda used.
Can I use store-bought strawberry syrup instead of puree?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry syrup, though fresh strawberry puree provides a more vibrant, authentic flavor and a better texture for this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
Why is it called a Long Island Iced Tea if it doesn't contain tea?
The name comes from its appearance, which resembles iced tea. The classic recipe uses a splash of cola to achieve that tea-like hue, a tradition we uphold in this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
What are the five main alcohols in a Long Island?
The traditional five spirits are vodka, gin, white rum, silver tequila, and triple sec, all of which are perfectly balanced in our Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fruity and potent twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea featuring fresh strawberry puree and lemon juice.
Ingredients
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz white rum
1/2 oz silver tequila
1/2 oz triple sec
1 oz strawberry puree
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Splash of cola
Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Fill a tall highball glass with ice cubes to chill.
Step 2: Combine vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Step 3: Add the strawberry puree and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
Step 4: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Step 5: Strain the cocktail into the ice-filled highball glass.
Step 6: Top with a splash of cola for the classic tea color and added fizz.
Step 7: Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a high-quality blender for the puree to ensure no seeds are left in the drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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