Thirsty Thursday: Coney Island Iced Tea

By: Roberto Ferdman
Coney Island Iced Tea

It’s more than just alliteration; it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Long Island Iced Teas aren't for the faint of heart. They aren't for the faint of liver, either. Unless, that is, they come as masterfully balanced as Michael Chiarello's. Starting with the usual suspects — light rum, vodka, gin, tequila and soda — Michael's Coney Island Iced Tea rounds off each sip with sweet orange liqueur, tart lemon juice and fresh mint. Calling it refreshing would be a terrible understatement. Pour a glassful and you'll see, before giving in to the temptation to have another.

Tea time just got pushed back a few hours, and for good reason.

Bottoms up, folks.

6 servings

Ingredients:

3 ounces light rum

3 ounces vodka

3 ounces gin

3 ounces tequila

3 ounces orange liqueur

3 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice

Ice

Cola

6 small sprigs fresh mint, optional

Directions: 

In a pitcher, blend the liquors and the lemon juice. Fill 6 highball glasses with ice.

Pour the mixture into each glass about 2/3's of the way and top with a splash of cola to fill the glass.

Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Get the Recipe:
More Refreshing Cocktail Recipes:
Best Summer Sips

Next Up

Thirsty Thursday: Have a Horchata

Ingrid Hoffman makes her Horchata Mexican-style, with rice as the base. Vanilla and cinnamon add sweet, aromatic flavors.

Thirsty Thursday: A Beer and a Ball Cocktail

Cooking Channel's Beer and a Ball cocktail offers variety, but it will also help you hold onto the traditional values of beer-filled Oktoberfest.

Guide: How to Stock a Bar

The tools and ingredients you need to mix your favorite drinks

The Food-Focused Bride: Cocktails, Wine and Beer

Cooking Channel's bride-to-be covers the various alcohol options for the big day.

New World Record Set for Most Expensive Cocktail

Australian bartender Joel Heffernan has concocted something so ridiculous that it costs nearly $13,000 for just one glass.

5 Tips for Making Punch

Punch is perfect for serving a crowd. Here are Cooking Channel's essential tips for pouring a "liquid party" into a bowl, plus our best punch recipes.

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here