📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Vodka
Alcohol 22%
Calories 210 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 16g
Prep time 4 minutes
If you’re yearning to craft the perfect Long Beach Iced Tea or simply indulge in a refreshingly unique cocktail experience, you’ve come to the right place. This article will embark on a delightful journey through the vibrant history, tantalizing taste profile, and intriguing facts of the Long Beach Iced Tea. Together, we will unravel the essence of this beloved drink and learn how to create your own. So, grab your shaker, and let’s dive in! ⬇️
History
The Long Beach Iced Tea is a twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, swapping cola for cranberry juice for a fruitier, more vibrant flavor. Born in the bustling bars of Long Beach, this cocktail quickly became a favorite for its refreshing taste and potent mix. Its creation is a testament to the innovation and creativity found within the world of cocktails.
- The name “Long Beach Iced Tea” is inspired by its city of origin, Long Beach, and its clear visual difference from its predecessor due to the cranberry juice.
- It emerged as a popular variation in the 1980s, around the same time the cocktail culture was experiencing a renaissance.
- The drink reflects the laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere of Long Beach itself, making it more than just a cocktail but a tribute to its city.
The taste of a Long Beach Iced Tea
Imagine sipping on a blend of tart cranberry, bright citrus, and a symphony of spirits that dance on your palate. The Long Beach Iced Tea combines these flavors to create a refreshing, slightly sweet, and complex experience that’s both invigorating and soothing.
I personally love Long Beach Iced Teas for their bold, refreshing taste that seems to capture the essence of a sunny day by the sea in every sip.
Interesting facts about Long Beach Iced Tea
- Despite its name, there’s no tea in a Long Beach Iced Tea; the moniker comes from its resemblance to iced tea in color and refreshment level.
- This cocktail is often a favorite choice for those looking to enjoy a higher alcohol content while still savoring a delicious, fruity drink.
- The addition of cranberry juice not only differentiates it from a Long Island Iced Tea but also adds a layer of tartness that balances the sweetness.
Ingredients 📃
- Vodka: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Tequila: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Rum: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Gin: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Triple sec: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Cranberry juice: 1 oz (30ml)
- Splash of simple syrup: (optional, to taste)
The perfect vessel for a Long Beach Iced Tea is undoubtedly the **Highball glass**. This tall, slender glass showcases the drink’s vibrant hue while allowing for an ideal balance of ice and ingredients, enhancing the refreshing nature of the cocktail. An alternative could be the **Collins glass**, slightly taller, offering a similar aesthetic and functional appeal.
Recipe. How to make Long Beach Iced Tea 🍹
- Add 0.5 oz each of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec to a shaker filled with ice.
- Pour in 0.5 oz of lemon juice and a splash of simple syrup if desired.
- Shake well until chilled and then strain into a Highball glass filled with ice.
- Top off with 1 oz of cranberry juice, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon slice.
Long Beach Iced Tea is undeniably a delightful treat, but it’s also wise to consider its sugar and calorie content. For a healthier twist, opt for natural sweeteners or simply reduce the amount of simple syrup. While the spirits in the cocktail don’t offer significant health benefits, moderation is key to enjoying this vibrant drink responsibly.
Food Pairings
Certain foods can elevate the drinking experience of a Long Beach Iced Tea, complementing its fruity and tart flavors. Here are some perfect pairings:
Spicy Appetizers
The crisp, refreshing taste of Long Beach Iced Tea cuts through the heat of spicy dishes, making it an ideal companion for jalapeño poppers or spicy wings.
Seafood
The cocktail’s citrus notes beautifully complement the flavors of seafood, especially grilled shrimp or a fresh seafood salad.
Barbecue
The sweet and tart profile of the Long Beach Iced Tea pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavors of barbecue, providing a refreshing balance to rich meats.
I really like the way the Long Beach Iced Tea’s fruity zing gives me a quick mental vacation to the beach, making it a perfect sipper for chilling out.
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Bartender Advice
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cooler for longer, enhancing its refreshing quality.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more authentic flavor profile.
- Experiment with the ratio of cranberry juice to tweak the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Long Beach Iced Tea, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Long Beach Iced Tea
- The type of rum can be swapped for a spiced variant to add depth.
- Adding a splash of soda water can lighten the drink and add fizz.
- Experiment with different citrus juices like orange or grapefruit for a unique twist.
Long Beach Iced Tea Variations
Tropical Beach Iced Tea
- Ingredients: Add pineapple juice instead of lemon juice.
- Recipe: Follow the standard recipe, substituting pineapple juice.
Green Beach Iced Tea
- Ingredients: Use green tea in place of cranberry juice for a herbal twist.
- Recipe: Brew green tea, cool it, and use it in the recipe as the mixer.
Berry Beach Iced Tea
- Ingredients: Mix in a blend of berry juices like raspberry and blackberry.
- Recipe: Combine the spirits with the berry juice mix instead of cranberry juice.
For those preferring a non-alcoholic treat, a Virgin Long Beach Iced Tea combines cranberry juice, lemon juice, and a splash of soda for a refreshing, alcohol-free version. Simply mix the juices in a glass filled with ice, top with soda, and enjoy.
Q&A
Can I make a Long Beach Iced Tea without alcohol?
Yes, you can enjoy a delightful Virgin Long Beach Iced Tea by replacing the spirits with a mix of your favorite juices and soda water for fizz.
Is Long Beach Iced Tea very sweet?
The sweetness can vary based on the amount of simple syrup and cranberry juice used. Adjust these elements to suit your taste preference.
How does the taste of Long Beach Iced Tea differ from Long Island Iced Tea?
The key difference lies in the use of cranberry juice instead of cola, giving the Long Beach a fruitier, more tart profile compared to the Long Island’s sweeter, cola-infused taste.
What’s the best time to serve Long Beach Iced Tea?
It’s a versatile drink, perfect for sunny afternoons, barbecue parties, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing, spirited cocktail.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled can be used in a pinch. Just be mindful of the potential difference in taste.
Is it necessary to use all the different types of spirits mentioned?
For the authentic Long Beach Iced Tea experience, yes. However, you can experiment with the spirits you have on hand, keeping in mind it will alter the traditional flavor.
