The absolute sweet spot is nugget ice. This cocktail is a whole different ballgame with a dedicated Nugget Ice Maker for a few key reasons:

• Maximum Surface Area: The small, compressed flakes make maximum contact with the liquid and chill the heavy alcohol blend instantly.

• Aeration & Flow: The porous nature of the nugget ice inside the glass allows the cola and fresh citrus to weave perfectly in and around the spirits.

• The Chewable Finish: As the cocktail sits, the nugget ice absorbs the flavors, so the crunchy ice at the bottom of your glass turns into a delicious treat at the end.

The Authentic Ingredient List

A real Long Island doesn’t use cheap well spirits and artificial sour mix. For that clean, classic flavor, gather these exact components:

• Vodka: Use a clean quadruple-distilled vodka for a smooth, neutral base.

• White Rum: A clear, light rum that adds a subtle sweetness reminiscent of molasses without overpowering the other spirits.

• Silver Tequila: Opt for 100% blue agave silver tequila for a crisp earthy undertone.

• Triple Sec – a decent orange liqueur – brings the various spirits together.

• Fresh Lemon Juice Forget the plastic green bottles for the bright acidity you need. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is the way to go.

• Cola: A hint of classic Mexican Coke (made with cane sugar) provides the best color and a balanced sweetness.

How to Do It, Step by Step

*Follow these steps carefully to ensure that the spirits emulsify properly with the citrus before adding the carbonation.

• Prepare Your Glassware: Fill a highball or Collins glass to the top with fresh, airy nugget ice. If you regularly make cocktails at home, a high-quality ice maker such as those offered by Typhur can help maintain a steady supply of perfectly textured ice. 

• Measure the Spirits In a cocktail shaker (without ice), add 0.5 fluid ounces each of your vodka, gin, white rum, silver tequila and triple sec.

• Add the Citrus: Add 0.75 fluid ounces fresh lemon juice. For a little more sweetness to balance the tartness add a tiny splash (about 0.25 ounces) of simple syrup here.

• Dry Shake briefly: Briefly swirl the spirits and citrus or give a gentle shake without ice to just incorporate the heavier liquids.

• The Pour: Strain mixture directly into your prepared glass of nugget ice. The clear liquid in golden will beautifully settle through the porous ice structure.

• The Float: Top up with a splash of cola (roughly 1 to 2 fluid ounces). You want to give the cocktail its signature iced tea color, just a little.

• Garnish and Serve: Cut a wheel from a fresh lemon, drop down the inside of the glass or rest on the rim, drop in a straw and enjoy.

Tips for Home Bartenders

When you’re hosting next, remember these 3 expert tips to really get the hang of this recipe and wow your guests:

• Don’t Pre-Mix: This drink loses its vibrancy quickly when batched. If they sit together too long, the fresh lemon juice will oxidize and the spirits will lose their distinctive, crisp notes.

• Color of the Cola: The cola is for color and a dash of caramel sweetness, not as a primary mixer. If your drink looks like a normal rum and coke, you have added way too much. It should look like a sweet amber glass of tea.

• Always use fresh filtered water in your Nugget Ice Maker. Keep Your Ice Fresh Nugget ice is porous and picks up flavors easily, so using highly filtered water will ensure your ice tastes perfectly clean and won’t impart any metallic notes to your premium spirits.

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