Long Beach Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe

Long Beach Iced Tea Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0 g

Protein:0 g

Carbohydrates:16 g

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

History

The Long Beach Iced Tea, like its cousin the Long Island Iced Tea, is a potent concoction designed to get the party started. It's named after Long Beach, a city in Southern California known for its vibrant nightlife. This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy a strong, fruity drink. It's typically served in a highball glass and is a popular choice at beach parties and summer barbecues.

How Long Beach Iced Tea Tastes?

The Long Beach Iced Tea is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and strong. The sweetness of the cranberry juice balances the tartness of the citrus, while the various spirits combine to give it a potent kick. Despite its strength, it's surprisingly refreshing and easy to drink.

Interesting facts about Long Beach Iced Tea

  • The Long Beach Iced Tea is sometimes called a 'Red Long Island Iced Tea' due to its color.
  • Despite its name, it doesn't contain any tea.
  • It's a popular drink for toasting on the Fourth of July due to its vibrant red color.

Ingredients

A few good options for Long Beach Iced Tea are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

A few good options for Long Beach Iced Tea are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Vodka

The vodka in this drink acts as a smooth, neutral base that carries other flavors well without overpowering them. Think of it like the canvas of your cocktail painting. If omitted, you might miss out on the cocktail's structural integrity.

Mary Mitkina

Gin

Gin brings in botanical notes, often adding a hint of juniper flavor which can give the cocktail a refreshing edge. Leaving gin out would take away from the drink's complexity.

Alex Green

White Rum

White rum adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of tropical flair. Without it, the drink would be missing a layer of depth.

Emma Rose

Tequila

Tequila is the bold character that introduces a slight peppery kick. It's irreplaceable, but if you really must, swapping for mezcal could add a smoky twist.

Mary Mitkina

Triple Sec

A dash of Triple Sec contributes a sweet citrus note, rounding out the sharpness of the lemon juice. Excluding it might unbalance the sweet and tart equilibrium.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

The fresh lemon juice not only provides tartness but also a bright, zesty quality that makes the cocktail sparkle. No lemon juice could mean a flat tasting experience.

Emma Rose

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice offers a beautiful color and a slightly tart fruity sweetness that complements the other spirits. Without it, the drink might taste too boozy and less refreshing.

Mary Mitkina

Cola

Just a splash of cola gives the cocktail its iced tea-like appearance while adding a subtle sweetness and effervescence. Leaving cola out would change the cocktail's identity altogether.

Alex Green

Garnish: Lemon Wheel and Cherry

The garnish isn't just for looks; it gives a hint of what's in the drink and adds a final touch of fruitiness and charm that makes the cocktail inviting.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Long Beach Iced Tea Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cranberry juice.
  3. Stir well to combine.
  4. Top with a splash of cola for color.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Don't skimp on the ice - this drink is best served very cold.

Perfect Pairings

Snack Pairings

  • Spicy Nachos: The cocktail's citrus notes typically cut through the richness of cheese and spice, making it an ideal companion.
  • Chicken Wings: Whether they're spicy, sweet, or savory, chicken wings are a classic pairing for a reason. The complex flavors in the drink complement the meat seamlessly.
  • Calamari: The light, crisp nature of fried calamari is echoed in the drink's refreshing qualities.

Dessert Pairings

  • Lemon Cheesecake: The lemon juice in the cocktail will pair nicely with the tartness of the cheesecake.
  • Fruit Tarts: A fruit tart's sweetness is balanced by the crisp, slightly tangy cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Water: A non-alcoholic beverage between cocktails helps to stay hydrated. Sparkling water is an especially refreshing choice.

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What you could change in Long Beach Iced Tea

  • You can substitute the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a different flavor.
  • If you don't have triple sec, you can use any orange-flavored liqueur.

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Green Beach Iced Tea

Ingredients: Replace cranberry juice with green tea syrup. Use lime juice instead of lemon. Recipe: Same method, but with the new ingredients. Top with soda water instead of cola. Description: This twist takes on a more herbal note with the green tea, and the soda water makes it even more refreshing.

Tropical Beach Iced Tea

Ingredients: Add pineapple juice and switch triple sec for coconut rum. Recipe: Include pineapple juice and coconut rum along with the other liquors. Description: This version brings a burst of tropical flavors, with coconut and pineapple adding a sweet beachy vibe.

Spicy Beach Iced Tea

Ingredients: Infuse the tequila with jalapeños and add a splash of mango puree. Recipe: Use the infused tequila as normal and introduce the mango puree before topping with cola. Description: The jalapeño adds a spicy kick that contrasts with the sweetness of the mango, creating a vibrant and daring flavor profile.

In case you forgot basics how to make Long Beach 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 stir

Garnishing 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 garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Long Beach Iced Tea

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Long Beach Iced Tea?

Yes, for a non-alcoholic or 'mocktail' version, simply omit the alcoholic ingredients and increase the amount of juices. You could also add some non-alcoholic ginger beer for a bit of a kick.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is generally superior in flavor.

Where can I find a highball glass?

Highball glasses are common and can be found in most stores that sell kitchenware. They are also available for purchase online.

What other types of fruit can be used for garnish?

This cocktail can also be garnished with lime slices or orange slices. Berries such raspberries or blackberries can also be used.

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