Tea Time

Over the first three weeks of our summer cocktail series, with the margarita, sangria, and Aphrodite, we're covered blended, on the rocks, punches, and shaken drinks. There's one other category of popular summer cocktail, and that's the long drink. And what better example than the Long Island Iced Tea?

Long drinks are served in a tall, cylindrical glass capable of holding about 350mL, or 12 ounces. They're usually called Collins glasses because of their association with the long drink of that name. We need a tall glass so there's room for lots of ice and a carbonated mixer.

The Long Island Iced Tea is all about balance, as you will see. It's a drink with a large number of ingredients and you will find some variation in recipes (as well as local names for the variations) if you go hunting on the internet. Here's my version, which is the result of many hours of rigorous testing.

Because of the small amounts of several of the ingredients, I find it easier to make up a double batch. You'll see why. Start with a glass measuring cup. Add 1 ounce each of vodka, gin, white rum, silver tequila, and triple sec. I told you there were a lot of ingredients. Don't leave any out, and be careful to measure accurately. As I said, this cocktail is about balance. Well made, you'll be able to detect the subtle presence of all the elements.

Next, add 1 1/2 ounces of sour mix to the measuring cup. Sour mix is that lemon-lime stuff you see added from a plastic jug in bars. It's often made from powders containing citric acid and artificial flavours and colours. But we don't go in for that stuff. Instead, remember the margarita mix you made a few weeks ago? The one where you added extra lime juice to Minute Maid Limeade frozen concentrate? Well, to make sour mix, follow the same directions, but instead of adding lime juice, add 4 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice. You now have a top-quality sour mix.

You'll end up with about a litre. It'll keep a week or so in the fridge and can be used in many other cocktails. Or you can freeze it in an ice cube tray and keep serving-sized amounts in a ziplock freezer bag. Or use the rest to make a slightly different tasting version of the margarita. But if you're like me, you'll probably use it all up making Long Island Iced Tea.

To assemble the L.I.I.T., half fill two Collins glasses with ice. Add half the liquor and sour mix combination to each glass, and top with about 4 ounces of Coca-Cola. Add a straw. Stir and sip.

This is a potent drink and is best enjoyed sitting down, preferably on a deck or dock in a comfortable chair with good company. Cheers!