We’ve just enjoyed our Christmas staff party at TGI Friday’s in The Great Hall, just a few steps from where I work. The cocktails flowed all night, especially the Woo-Woo, and the luscious Long Island Ice Teas.
I learned on the night that not only did TGI’s invent the Happy Hour concept, but they originated the recipe for the Long Island Ice Tea! So who better to take us through 10 easy steps to a perfect cocktail than expert mixologist at The Trafford Centre Branch Aidie Astley?
STEP 1) Take a 14oz glass and fill to the top with cubed ice. You can use distilled water ice for that crystal clear look to the cubes, but really any ice will do as long as it’s cold.
STEP 2) Squeeze a good-sized wedge of lemon over the ice, you can be anal and use organic, wax-free lemon if you really want, but let’s face it, life is short and so are you.
STEP 3) Take out a mixing tin, or alternatively a large glass. Third option, you can mix the ingredients in your mouth, but we don’t recommend this for hygene reasons.
STEP 5) To that, add the same amount of Bacardi Rum – again, don’t slip with the bottle. This is science here, not art. If you want art, go to a gallery. If you want science, go to TGI Friday’s.
STEP 6) Now add the same again of Beefeater Gin. Build up to Aidie’s over the arm show-off pour, as wasted gin is a crime in some states. If you fancy being a real Beefeater, I recommend the steak at TGI’s, that’s what I had for my tea and it was lovely.
STEP 8 ) Now add sweet and sour mix to the tune of 2oz. To make this yourself, blend of 1 cup sugar, 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup water. Combine sugar and water until all the sugar is dissolved. Add lemon and lime juices and refrigerate. I told you this was a science. Left-over sweet and sour mix makes good Thai chicken marinade. That tip is for free.
Now for the big bit…
STEP 10) Add a splash of Coca-Cola from a specially-branded hairdryer like Aidie’s. This is what gives the drink it’s ice tea appearance, and adds the essential sweetness that counteracts the bitter sourness of the lemon and the lime. Balance in all things, young Jedi!
And that’s the correct way to create a Long Island Ice Tea, as explained to us by the people who invented it. If you disagree with this recipe, by all means leave a message telling me why. Otherwise, take it from me that this drink is as fresh and tasty as it is long and cold. Perfect for those long summer evening out on the gazebo, or while talking to the girls from accounts on your Christmas party!
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