The Long Island Iced Tea was born in the 1970s, not in Iceland as its name might suggest, but in a small town in Long Island, New York. A bartender named Robert “Rosebud” Butt was experimenting with a contest recipe for a new drink. He wanted to create something with a high alcohol content that still tasted smooth and refreshing.
By mixing vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, a splash of cola, and a hint of lemon, he crafted a drink that looked surprisingly like iced tea. Its deceptive appearance made it easy to enjoy, while the potent blend kept people coming back for more.
Over the years, the Long Island Iced Tea became a classic cocktail, famous for its strength and its playful disguise. Today, it’s a staple in bars around the world—a testament to creativity and a little bit of mischief in mixology.