Long Island Iced Tea

As white light is the combination of all wavelengths of color visible to the human eye, so too is Long Island iced tea the rainbow of high-proof liquors mixed into a balanced cocktail. When done right, it’s surprisingly bright and refreshing. A prism of vodka, gin, rum, tequila and triple sec, this batch variation — ideally served in a pitcher — is a cooling blitz of a drink, reminiscent of the best parts of a whiskey sour, or a hot summer’s day. Fresh lemon and lime juice bring sourness and bitterness, and a splash of cola and a bit of maple syrup round things out.

Ingredients

• 2

  cups ice cubes, plus more for serving

• 2

  ounces vodka

• 2

  ounces gin

• 2

  ounces white rum

• 2

  ounces blanco tequila

• 2

  ounces triple sec

• 2

  ounces maple syrup

• 2

  ounces fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)

• 1 ½

  ounces fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

• ¼

  teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal), plus more to taste

• 8

  ounces Coca-Cola

• Lemon and lime slices, for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large pitcher, combine the ice, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, maple syrup, lemon juice and lime juice. Add the salt, which accentuates all of the flavors. Stir with a wooden spoon until the pitcher feels cold to the touch and the ice has dissolved slightly, about 30 seconds. Top with the Coca-Cola.
2. To serve, pour the cocktail into individual glasses filled with fresh ice, and garnish with lemon and lime slices. Sprinkle with more salt, if you’d like.