Stop Hating the Long Island Ice Tea...

So in my travels from bar stool to bar stool - no jokes about helping me push in my bar stool, please - I have learned that when you order a L.I., you are being judged.  Most bartenders, females mainly, consider it a "rookie's" drink and you will be looked down upon.  Frankly, I don't understand just judgement.

Like any well-made drink, a L.I. can be delicious!  I especially enjoy a well-made L.I. on a Summer afternoon on the deck of my favorite hotel pool (Donovan House, thank you).

The key is to order well to avoid being labeled reckless frat boy.  When I surveyed the bartenders - mostly of the female type - they all agreed, order "top shelf" and you won't get immediately judged.  Also, know what tastes good and order specifically to your tastes.

My favorite recipe is made this way:

1 jigger Ciroc vodka

1 jigger Tanqueray 10 gin

1 jigger Bacarddi rum

1 jigger triple sec liqueur

1 teaspoon Patron Silver tequila

2 teaspoons orange juice

2 fluid ounces Coca-Cola

1 wedge lemon

1 wedge orange

FYI, a jigger is 1.5 ounces of liquor.  Also, "top shelf" is your choice, I put my favorite use your own.  Cheers!