The Long Island Iced Tea, a popular cocktail known for its strong and refreshing taste, has an interesting history behind its name. Legend has it that the drink was created by a man named Bishop who lived on Long Island in Kingsport. The story goes that Bishop, a creative mixologist, wanted to create a cocktail that combined multiple liquors to create a unique and potent flavor.
To make his Long Island Iced Tea, Bishop blended five different liquors: vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey. This combination of spirits alone would create a strong and complex drink, but Bishop didn't stop there. He added a touch of sweetness to his creation by incorporating maple syrup into the mix.
The concoction that Bishop came up with was certainly strong, but it was his son Ransom who made an important addition to the recipe in the 1940s. Ransom decided to add cola to his father's creation, which not only added a carbonated element to the drink but also helped to balance out the strong flavors of the liquors.
To further enhance the taste, Ransom also included lemon and lime juices to give the Long Island Iced Tea a refreshing citrus twist. These additions transformed the drink into the well-known cocktail we enjoy today.
So, why is it called a Long Island Iced Tea? The name is believed to have originated from Bishop's residence on Long Island in Kingsport. It's likely that Bishop and his son Ransom wanted to pay homage to their home when naming their creation.
The Long Island Iced Tea has become a staple in bars and restaurants around the world due to its unique combination of liquors and refreshing taste. It's a cocktail that packs a punch and is often enjoyed by those looking for a strong and flavorful alcoholic beverage.
The Long Island Iced Tea gets its name from the place in which its creator, Bishop, resided: Long Island in Kingsport. Bishop's son, Ransom, played a significant role in perfecting the drink by adding cola, lemon juice, and lime juice to the mix. The cocktail has gained popularity due to its potent combination of five liquors and its refreshing taste.