Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail known for its potent mix of five different types of liquor. The drink has gained a notorious reputation for its ability to get people drunk quickly, but just how drunk does it really get you? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Long Island Iced Tea, exploring its history, ingredients, and effects on the body.
A Brief History of Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea was first created in the 1970s by Robert “Rosebud” Butt, a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York. The drink was originally called the “Long Island Iced Tea” because it resembled the color of iced tea, despite containing no actual tea. The recipe quickly gained popularity, and today it’s a staple in bars and restaurants around the world.
The Ingredients: A Potent Mix of Liquor
So, what makes Long Island Iced Tea so potent? The answer lies in its ingredients. A traditional Long Island Iced Tea recipe includes:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 1/2 ounces rum
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces triple sec
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Cola
The combination of five different types of liquor, each with its own unique properties and effects, makes Long Island Iced Tea a formidable drink.
Understanding the Effects of Each Liquor
- Vodka: Known for its neutral flavor and high alcohol content, vodka can cause feelings of relaxation and reduced inhibitions.
- Gin: A spirit flavored with botanicals, gin can cause a sense of euphoria and increased sociability.
- Rum: A sweet and potent liquor, rum can cause feelings of warmth and relaxation.
- Tequila: A strong and often polarizing liquor, tequila can cause feelings of confidence and increased energy.
- Triple sec: A sweet and citrusy liquor, triple sec can cause feelings of happiness and relaxation.
When combined, these liquors create a potent mix that can have a profound impact on the body.
The Science of Intoxication: How Long Island Iced Tea Affects the Body
When you drink a Long Island Iced Tea, the liquors are absorbed into your bloodstream, where they’re carried to your brain and other organs. The effects of the drink can be felt within minutes, and can include:
- Relaxation and reduced inhibitions
- Increased sociability and feelings of euphoria
- Warmth and relaxation
- Confidence and increased energy
- Happiness and relaxation
However, as the drink takes hold, you may also experience negative effects, such as:
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Slurred speech and impaired coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and fatigue
The severity of these effects depends on a variety of factors, including your weight, tolerance, and drinking habits.
Factors That Influence Intoxication
- Weight: The more you weigh, the slower you’ll become intoxicated. This is because your body has more mass to absorb the liquor.
- Tolerance: If you’re a regular drinker, you may have built up a tolerance to the effects of liquor. This means you’ll need to drink more to feel the same effects.
- Drinking habits: If you’re used to drinking slowly and pacing yourself, you may be less likely to become intoxicated quickly.
Calculating Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Your BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. It’s calculated based on the amount of liquor you’ve consumed, your weight, and the time it takes for your body to process the liquor.
A BAC of 0.08% is considered the legal limit for driving in most states. However, the effects of Long Island Iced Tea can be felt at much lower BAC levels.
| BAC Level | Effects |
|---|---|
| 0.02-0.05% | Relaxation, reduced inhibitions, and increased sociability |
| 0.05-0.08% | Dizziness, disorientation, and impaired coordination |
| 0.08-0.12% | Nausea, vomiting, and increased risk of injury |
How Drunk Does Long Island Iced Tea Really Get You?
So, just how drunk does Long Island Iced Tea get you? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your weight, tolerance, and drinking habits.
However, as a general rule, a Long Island Iced Tea can increase your BAC by 0.05-0.10% per drink. This means that if you weigh 150 pounds and drink two Long Island Iced Teas in an hour, your BAC could be as high as 0.10-0.15%.
To put this in perspective, a BAC of 0.10-0.15% can cause significant impairment, including:
- Slurred speech and impaired coordination
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased risk of injury
Conclusion
Long Island Iced Tea is a potent drink that can have a profound impact on the body. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how drunk you’ll get, it’s clear that this drink can cause significant impairment.
If you’re planning to drink Long Island Iced Tea, be sure to pace yourself, eat before drinking, and have a designated driver. And remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to drinking.
Final Thoughts
Long Island Iced Tea is a drink that’s not to be taken lightly. While it can be a fun and enjoyable drink, it’s also a drink that demands respect.
So the next time you’re tempted to order a Long Island Iced Tea, remember the potential risks and take steps to protect yourself. Your body – and your liver – will thank you.
What is Long Island Iced Tea and how is it made?
Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail made with a combination of five different types of liquor: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec. The drink is typically mixed with cola and lemon juice, and garnished with a lemon wedge. The exact recipe may vary depending on the bartender or the establishment serving it.
The drink is often served in a tall glass filled with ice, and the combination of liquors gives it a strong and distinctive flavor. Despite its name, Long Island Iced Tea does not actually contain any tea, but rather gets its name from its resemblance to iced tea in appearance. The drink is often associated with the Long Island region of New York, where it is said to have originated.
How much alcohol is in a Long Island Iced Tea?
A standard Long Island Iced Tea recipe typically includes 1.5 ounces of each of the five types of liquor, which adds up to a total of 7.5 ounces of liquor per drink. This is a significant amount of alcohol, and it’s not uncommon for a Long Island Iced Tea to have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 20-25%.
To put this in perspective, a standard beer typically has an ABV of around 5%, and a glass of wine typically has an ABV of around 12%. This means that a Long Island Iced Tea can be equivalent to drinking several beers or glasses of wine in a single serving.
How drunk can you get from drinking Long Island Iced Tea?
The amount of intoxication that can be expected from drinking a Long Island Iced Tea will vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s weight, tolerance, and drinking experience. However, due to the high amount of liquor in the drink, it’s not uncommon for people to feel the effects of intoxication after just one or two drinks.
In general, a person who weighs around 150 pounds can expect to feel the effects of intoxication after drinking one Long Island Iced Tea, and may be considered legally drunk after drinking two. However, this can vary widely depending on individual factors, and it’s always important to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Is Long Island Iced Tea stronger than other cocktails?
Yes, Long Island Iced Tea is generally considered to be one of the stronger cocktails available. The combination of five different types of liquor gives it a high ABV, and the drink is often served in large quantities. This makes it a popular choice for people who are looking to get drunk quickly, but it also increases the risk of over-intoxication and other negative consequences.
In comparison to other popular cocktails, Long Island Iced Tea is generally stronger than drinks like the Cosmopolitan or the Mojito, but may be similar in strength to drinks like the Long Island Iced Tea’s cousin, the Tokyo Iced Tea.
Can you make a weaker version of Long Island Iced Tea?
Yes, it is possible to make a weaker version of Long Island Iced Tea by reducing the amount of liquor in the recipe or by adding more mixer. Some people prefer to make a “Lite” version of the drink by using only 0.5 ounces of each liquor, or by adding more cola or lemon juice to dilute the drink.
Another option is to substitute some of the liquor with a lower-proof alternative, such as using rum-flavored syrup instead of actual rum. This can help to reduce the overall ABV of the drink while still maintaining its flavor.
Is Long Island Iced Tea safe to drink?
Like any cocktail, Long Island Iced Tea can be safe to drink in moderation. However, due to its high ABV and large serving size, it’s possible to over-intoxicate quickly. This can increase the risk of negative consequences such as injury, illness, or impaired judgment.
To drink Long Island Iced Tea safely, it’s recommended to pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and eat food while drinking. It’s also important to never drink and drive, and to have a plan in place for getting home safely.
Can you drink Long Island Iced Tea if you’re a beginner drinker?
It’s generally not recommended for beginner drinkers to start with a strong cocktail like Long Island Iced Tea. The high ABV and large serving size can make it difficult to gauge your level of intoxication, and it’s easy to over-intoxicate quickly.
If you’re new to drinking, it’s better to start with a weaker cocktail or a beer, and to gradually work your way up to stronger drinks as you become more comfortable with your limits. It’s also important to drink responsibly and to never drink and drive.