Blue Island and Long Island are two different cocktails that share similarities but have distinct differences. The main difference lies in the choice of liqueur used in each drink.
1. Blue Island:
The Blue Island cocktail is a variation of the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This version swaps out the traditional orange liqueur for blue curacao. Blue curacao is a vibrant blue-colored liqueur made from the dried peel of the laraha citrus fruit, which is native to the island of Curacao in the Caribbean. It has a distinct citrus flavor with a hint of bitterness.
2. Long Island Iced Tea:
The Long Island Iced Tea is a well-known and popular mixed drink that typically includes vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur). It derives its name from the resemblance of its color to that of iced tea. The Long Island Iced Tea also usually contains a splash of cola, which adds a touch of sweetness and color to the drink.
Now, let's delve into the differences between these two cocktails:
1. Liqueur Choice:
The primary difference between Blue Island and Long Island lies in the choice of liqueur. Blue Island replaces the traditional triple sec (orange liqueur) found in Long Island Iced Tea with blue curacao. This substitution not only changes the color of the drink but also imparts a unique citrus flavor with a blue hue.
2. Color:
The most apparent difference between Blue Island and Long Island is their color. While Long Island Iced Tea typically has a brownish color due to the addition of cola, Blue Island has a vibrant blue hue due to the blue curacao. The blue color gives the Blue Island a visually striking appearance, making it an eye-catching choice for cocktail enthusiasts.
3. Flavor Profile:
The choice of liqueur in each cocktail also affects the overall flavor profile. Blue curacao adds a distinct citrus flavor with a touch of bitterness to the Blue Island. On the other hand, Long Island Iced Tea with its combination of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec offers a more diverse range of flavors, with the orange liqueur contributing a sweeter citrus note.
4. Mixer:
Another difference lies in the choice of mixer. Traditional Long Island Iced Tea typically includes a splash of cola, which adds a slight sweetness and depth to the drink. In contrast, Blue Island swaps out the cola for ginger ale, which is lighter in color and offers a different flavor profile. Ginger ale adds a subtle ginger spiciness and effervescence to the Blue Island, creating a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail.
To summarize, Blue Island and Long Island are both variations of the classic Long Island Iced Tea. The key differences lie in the choice of liqueur, color, flavor profile, and mixer. Blue Island replaces the orange liqueur with blue curacao, resulting in a visually striking blue-colored cocktail with a unique citrus flavor. The use of ginger ale instead of cola further sets the Blue Island apart from its traditional counterpart. So, if you're looking for a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, the Blue Island is a delightful choice.