The Process Of Making A Long Island Ice Tea


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One class that I really enjoyed taking at Ashford University was my Technical Writing course. I learned a lot about writing instructions and proposals. My fourth assignment was to write a technical process of completing a task. I decided to have some fun and wrote about the process of making one of my favorite drinks; Long Island Iced Tea. Below is the actual paper I submitted. Give it a read and let me know what you think.


Process of Making a Long Island Iced Tea
Introduction
The Long Island Iced Tea (LIT) is one of the most popular drinks in the United States. A mix drink that is poured in a Collins glass, there is no actual tea in it. This particular cocktail reached its height in popularity in the 1990’s; it is still very popular nationwide (Drago, 2004, ¶ 10). Because of the popularity of this drink, it is a must know for anyone who plans on throwing a social event or hosting a function at their home.

There are a few known ways to make a LIT, but the most popular process includes Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple Sec, Vodka, Sour mix and Coca-Cola for the right color. In order to make a perfect Long Island Ice Tea, one will need a collins glass, a shaker, ice cubes, and a lemon slice.

The steps explained here include the measurements of liquor, the mixture of ingredients, and the presentation of drink.

Measurements of Ingredients
Like with all alcoholic beverages, the correct amount of liquor is of the upmost importance. Different liquors compliment each other, only when poured properly. For a Long Island Iced Tea, one will need to pour .5 ounces of each of the above-mentioned liquors. This can be measured by using a shot glass and filling it half way.  Pour each into a collins glass filled with ice. Next, pour 1.5 ounces of sour mix into the glass, this being the equivalent of a shot glass and a half. Finally fill the rest of the glass with cola.

Mixture of Ingredients
To give a LIT its resemblance of a real ice tea, one must mix the ingredients. To do so take a bar shaker and pour everything inside. Shake the drink for approximately 30 seconds. Do not shake much longer because the alcohol will start to melt the ice and water the drink down. While the liquor and other liquids are mixing, foam will begin create.  Open the shaker and pour back into collins glass.

Presentation of Drink
If shaken properly the drink should have a brown color very similar to a real ice tea. The top of the drink should be foamy. Now take the lemon slice and place it on the brim of the glass. This Long Island Iced Tea will look perfect and refreshing. A straw is appropriate for this beverage as well.

Summary
The Long Island Iced Tea has remained popular because it has a lot of kick and does not taste as strong as it really is. Many restaurants exclude one of the liquors as to not intoxicate their customers quickly. It is important to remember to use the exact amount of liquor recommended for this particular drink. What is not a problem is experimenting with other ingredients, such as Cranberry juice instead of Cola, or real lemon juice instead of sour mix. Regardless of the contents of any beverage, remember too always drink responsibly.

References
Drago, W. J. (2004).  Long Island Ice Tea. Retrieved July 18, 2010 from http://www.loving-long-island.com/long-island-ice-tea.html


2 Responses to “The Process Of Making A Long Island Ice Tea”

  1. Anonymous says:

    I wish more people realized the importance of measurement when making alcoholic beverages. It's the difference between a good drink and a horrible drink. Good blog Jason.

  2. Congratulations on a job well done my friend. I really do like the concept that you've used for this project! Its time....graduation soon come my friend.

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