Dating can be a nightmare, with all the money spent and the risk of awkward encounters. You might realize within moments that there's no chemistry, but you still have to get through the evening. To avoid making things worse, never order a Long Island Iced Tea on a first date.
Why Long Island Iced Tea Is a Bad Choice
Ordering a Long Island Iced Tea screams desperation. It's a cocktail made with equal parts vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec, plus a dash of Coke and lemon juice. It contains a wider variety of spirits than almost any other cocktail, often resulting in clashing flavors. Elliot Ball, owner of top bars in London and Bristol, calls it 'a bit of an atrocity.'
The False Promise of Getting Drunk
Many people order it thinking it will get them drunk faster, but Elliot explains that this is a misconception. 'Looking for the most alcohol possible is not a good basis to order a drink,' he says. 'People almost always overshoot, leading to messy outcomes, especially on a date.' In reality, most bars use small measures (10-12.5ml per spirit), so it's not even the strongest option.
Calories and Reputation
With 780 calories per drink, it's one of the most fattening cocktails. Moreover, it signals nervousness and a desire to fast-track the evening, which can lead to embarrassing behavior. Invented in 1972 by Bob 'Rosebud' Butt at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, the drink was originally meant to be stealthy—so balanced it tastes like a soft drink, encouraging multiple rounds and potential blackouts.
Better Alternatives
If you want a similar but less uncouth drink, try a Cuba Libre (rum and Coke with lime) or a Mexican Batanga (tequila, Coke, and salted rim). These use one spirit instead of five and sound more sophisticated.
How to Make a Decent Long Island Iced Tea at Home
If you genuinely like the flavor, here's a proper recipe from Elliot Ball:
- 10ml Vodka
- 10ml Gin
- 10ml White Rum
- 10ml Blanco Tequila
- 10ml Triple Sec
- 10-15ml fresh lemon juice
- 75ml Coca Cola
Shake all ingredients except Coke with ice (not straight from the freezer, or add 20ml water). Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, then top with Coke. Garnish with a lemon slice. If you dislike any spirit, omit it and top up with others.
