Add A Splash Of Irish Whiskey For A Fancier Take On Long Island Iced Tea
The classic Long Island iced tea is a great way to clear out your liquor cabinet, as it uses four different kinds of spirits: rum, tequila, gin, and vodka. There are plenty of ways to upgrade this iconic cocktail, from using top-shelf liquors to using different flavors of cola to give the final product a twist. One quick way to put a new spin on an old drink is to swap out one of the ingredients for something a bit more elegant: The next time you mix up a Long Island iced tea, skip the vodka and pick up a bottle of Irish whiskey, instead.
Depending on where you go and how strong you like your drink, a Long Island iced tea typically contains ½ to ¾ ounce of each liquor, including vodka. For this cocktail variation, you will simply replace the vodka with the Irish whiskey of your choice, such as Jameson or Tullamore D.E.W. Vodka usually doesn't have a very strong flavor, so ditching it for a whiskey will completely revolutionize the taste of your beverage. The whiskey should also enhance the caramel and vanilla notes of whatever cola you use in your cocktail.
Irish whiskey will add a smooth taste to your LIIT
In order to get its title, Irish whiskey must be distilled and aged for at least three years in Ireland. The distilling process involves using water to allow the starch in the barley to turn into sugar and keep the grain away from any smoke. These factors are what give the whiskey such a smooth, sweet taste. Whereas other types of whisky might be smokier, Irish whiskey has a more subtle flavor that makes it more palatable for people who don't usually partake in the spirit. It also makes it a great addition to cocktails, since it won't overpower the other liquors or mixers. At 40% ABV or more, Irish whiskey is very strong, so drink responsibly when adding it to a recipe, especially something like a Long Island iced tea which is already notoriously potent.
There's no denying that the everyday Long Island iced tea is an iconic cocktail, but sometimes it pays to mix things up. Whether you're out of vodka or just want to try something new, add Irish whiskey to your next Long Island iced tea to take your drinking experience to the next level.