Name: Blue Long Island Iced Tea
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 0.75 oz rum; 0.75 oz tequila; 0.75 oz vodka; 0.75 oz gin; 0.75 oz blue curaçao; ½ oz simple syrup; ½ oz lemon juice; Lemon-lime soda (to top); Lemon wedge (for garnish); Cherry (for garnish)

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The Blue Long Island Iced Tea puts a colorful spin on the traditional Long Island, delivering a bold mix of spirits with a smooth, tropical twist. Blue curaçao gives this cocktail its signature vibrant hue while adding a hint of citrusy sweetness. A combination of vodka, rum, tequila, and gin provides a strong yet balanced base, complemented by fresh citrus flavors. A splash of lemon-lime soda brings a light, bubbly finish, making this drink as refreshing as it is eye-catching. Perfect for parties or a fun night in, this cocktail is a lively take on a timeless favorite.

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Tasting Notes

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is a bold and vibrant twist on the classic Long Island, boasting a striking blue hue and a refreshingly crisp taste. Despite its high alcohol content, the combination of spirits is balanced by the citrusy tang of lemon juice and the sweetness of blue curaçao and simple syrup. The lemon-lime soda adds effervescence, creating a smooth, easy-to-drink cocktail with a bright, zesty finish. Garnished with a lemon wedge and cherry, this drink is both visually appealing and delightfully refreshing, making it perfect for those who enjoy a strong yet balanced cocktail.

Equipment and Glassware

To craft the perfect Blue Long Island Iced Tea, you’ll need a cocktail shaker to blend the ingredients smoothly and chill the mixture thoroughly. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, while a strainer helps achieve a clean pour. Serve this vibrant cocktail in a highball or Collins glass, which allows enough room for ice and soda to balance the strong spirits. For the final touch, have a cocktail pick or tongs handy to elegantly place the garnishes. Proper tools will enhance both the presentation and overall drinking experience of this eye-catching beverage.

Ingredients

0.75 oz rum
0.75 oz tequila
0.75 oz vodka
0.75 oz gin
0.75 oz blue curaçao
½ oz simple syrup
½ oz lemon juice
Lemon-lime soda to top
Lemon wedge for garnish
Cherry for garnish

Instructions

Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, combine vodka, rum, tequila, gin, blue curaçao, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and Serve: Strain into a Collins or highball glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with Soda: Add a splash of lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine.
Garnish: Finish with a lemon wedge and a cocktail cherry for a bright, citrusy touch.

Pro Tips

For an extra smooth and well-blended cocktail, use high-quality spirits and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, increase the simple syrup slightly or opt for a lemon-lime soda with a higher sugar content.
When shaking, make sure to use plenty of ice to properly chill and dilute the spirits for a balanced flavor. If you want an extra-strong version, reduce the soda topping slightly.
Lastly, consider rimming the glass with sugar or salt for an added flavor contrast that enhances each sip.

When to Serve

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is perfect for lively gatherings, beach parties, and summer celebrations, thanks to its eye-catching color and refreshing taste. It’s also a great choice for themed events, like tropical or neon parties, where its electric blue hue can shine. Serve it at happy hours, backyard barbecues, or as a signature drink for a fun night in. Due to its strong alcohol content, it’s best enjoyed as an evening cocktail when guests can sip and savor its bold flavors responsibly.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Choosing the right liquor can elevate your Blue Long Island Iced Tea to a high-end cocktail experience. For vodka, opt for Tito’s or Absolut for a clean, smooth base. A quality white rum like Bacardi Superior or Plantation 3 Stars blends well without overpowering. Use a crisp gin like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire, and a smooth tequila such as Espolón Blanco or Patrón Silver. Blue curaçao brands like Bols or Giffard provide the best color and citrus notes. Finally, for an authentic finish, use fresh lemon juice and a well-balanced lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP.

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