The Tokyo Iced Tea cocktail is a variant of the popular Long Island Iced Tea. It was created in the 1980s as part of the wave of 'iced tea' cocktails. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, sweet drink with a hint of citrus and melon.
The Tokyo Iced Tea is a sweet, strong drink with a citrusy undertone. The melon liqueur adds a unique, fruity flavor that balances the strength of the vodka, rum, gin, and tequila. The lemon-lime soda adds a refreshing, fizzy finish.
Appetizers
Sushi: The fresh flavors of sushi pair nicely with the light and fruity tones of the Tokyo Iced Tea.
Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables or shrimp complement the cocktail's crispness.
Chicken Yakitori: Charred and slightly sweet, yakitori skewers match well with the mixed spirit's profile.
Snacks
Edamame: The saltiness of edamame balances the sweetness of the melon liqueur.
Wasabi Peas: The zing of wasabi peas contrasts and livens up each sip of the Tokyo Iced Tea.
Desserts
Green Tea Ice Cream: A delicious way to stay within the Japanese theme, pairing creamy with citrusy.
Mochi: Soft and subtly sweet mochi rounds out the drink's multifaceted flavors.
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Green Tea Tokyo Iced Tea
Ingredients: Swap lemon-lime soda for green tea, infused with jasmine or mint. Recipe: Follow the original, substituting the soda. Flavor: Expect a less sweet, more complex and refined drink, with an Asian twist that feels more authentic.
Kyoto Iced Tea
Ingredients: Add sake and use yuzu juice. Recipe: Add 0.5 oz of sake and a splash of yuzu juice, reduce melon liqueur by 0.25 oz. Flavor: A nod to Japan's old capital, this version is subtler, with a delicate balance of sweet, sour, and umami.
Fuji Apple Iced Tea
Ingredients: Melon liqueur swapped for apple liqueur. Recipe: Replace melon liqueur with apple liqueur, garnish with an apple fan. Flavor: A fruity and crisp profile, like biting into a fresh Fuji apple, this twist is perfect for autumn gatherings.
What is the difference between Tokyo Iced Tea and Long Island Iced Tea?
The main difference between the two cocktails lies in the choice of liqueur. Tokyo Iced Tea uses a melon liqueur while Long Island Iced Tea typically uses a cola.
Why is it called Tokyo Iced Tea when there's no tea in it?
The 'tea' in its name does not come from any actual tea ingredients, but rather its resemblance to iced tea in color.
Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can substitute the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic options. However, the taste and experience will not be the same.
Can I use other citrus fruits besides lemon?
Yes, while lemon is typically used for garnish, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lime, grapefruit, or orange to slightly tweak the flavor.
What is the best time to serve Tokyo Iced Tea?
Tokyo Iced Tea, like most other cocktails, is great for evenings or during hot summer days.