The Long Beach Iced Tea is the lighter, more refreshing sibling of the Long Island Iced Tea. Instead of cola, it uses cranberry juice – making it fruitier, less sweet, and perfect for hot days. The balance between citrus and berries is key: too much cranberry overpowers the spirits, too little makes the drink taste harsh. A vacation in a glass – without the alcohol hitting you immediately.
Here’s what you need for the Long Beach Iced Tea
2 cl Vodka
2 cl white Rum
2 cl Gin
2 cl Triple Sec
2 cl lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cl lime juice (freshly squeezed)
6 cl cranberry juice (unsweetened)
1 splash of simple syrup (1:1, optional)
Ice cubes to fill
Lemon slice and fresh mint for garnish
What matters
The trick lies in the cranberry juice: always use unsweetened juice, otherwise the drink becomes cloyingly sweet. If you can only find sweetened cranberry juice, reduce the simple syrup or omit it entirely. Another trick is the ice quality – large, clear cubes melt slower and keep the drink fresher for longer. And: add the spirits to the empty glass first, then the ice – this way they chill evenly without diluting too quickly. For an even more refreshing twist, stretch the cranberry juice with 2 cl of cold hibiscus tea.
Variations
- Long Beach Iced Tea Light — Replace the Triple Sec with 1 cl Cointreau and reduce the cranberry juice to 4 cl. Instead, add 2 cl chilled soda water – makes the drink lighter and more effervescent.
- Blue Beach Iced Tea — Swap the cranberry juice for 6 cl Blue Curaçao mix (2 cl Blue Curaçao + 4 cl pineapple juice). Visually spectacular, but more intense in flavor – perfect for fans of tropical notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shake the drink?
No. The Long Beach Iced Tea is built so the layers of spirits remain visible and the drink doesn’t dilute too much. Shaking would blend the flavors, but it would also ruin the drink’s character – it should be refreshing, not muddy.
Why does my Long Beach Iced Tea taste too tart?
Probably the cranberry juice is too sour or the citrus juices too dominant. Try increasing the simple syrup gradually (max. 1 cl) or use lightly sweetened cranberry juice. Alternatively, add 1 cl of orange juice to balance the acidity.
Can I replace the spirits?
Yes, but be mindful. Tequila instead of Gin works well if you want a Mexican twist. Bourbon instead of Rum is also an option, but it makes the drink heavier. The important thing is to keep the total alcohol volume the same – otherwise you’ll lose the balance.
