Ingredients
- .5 oz Vodka
- .5 oz Gin
- .5 oz White Rum
- .5 oz Aged Tequila
- .5 oz Sugar Syrup
- .5 oz Triple Sec
- .5 oz Lime Juice
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice
- 2 oz Lemonade
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- Pour 0.5 oz of vodka, 0.5 oz of gin, 0.5 oz of white rum, 0.5 oz of aged tequila, 0.5 oz of sugar syrup, 0.5 oz of triple sec, and 0.5 oz of lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled three-quarters with ice.
Top with Cranberry Juice:
- Top with 2 oz of cranberry juice.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Without a specific recipe, pinpointing the exact origin of Mike`s Long Beach is impossible. The 'Long Beach' moniker typically points to the Long Beach Iced Tea, a well-known variant of the Long Island Iced Tea, which emerged around the 1970s in the United States, likely in the bar scene of Long Island, New York.
The Long Island Iced Tea family is famous for its potent mix of multiple clear spirits and a splash of cola, deceptively resembling iced tea. The Long Beach version swaps the cola for cranberry juice. What 'Mike' brings to the table, and how it separates this particular drink, remains unknown without the recipe details.
If it follows the Long Beach Iced Tea lineage, you'd typically order or serve it in a casual bar setting, perhaps a beachside joint or anywhere someone wants a strong, easy-drinking cocktail without fuss. It's a party drink, not a contemplative sipper.
What it tastes like
Describing the flavor profile of Mike`s Long Beach is a non-starter without the ingredient list. If it's a standard Long Beach Iced Tea, expect a tart, fruity punch from cranberry, masking a significant alcoholic kick from multiple spirits. It's usually sweet, but balanced by the tartness.
Assuming a standard Long Beach Iced Tea recipe, its ABV would be substantial, easily comparable to several beers. With around 2 ounces of base spirits plus an ounce of triple sec, you're looking at a drink that's considerably stronger than a typical 5% beer. Approach with respect, or a designated driver.
The technique
Without instructions, the precise build for Mike`s Long Beach is a mystery. However, if it's a Long Beach Iced Tea, it's typically a 'build in glass' situation. Combine spirits and mixers directly over ice in a tall glass, then top with cranberry. No shaking, no straining, just pour and serve.
The one technique tip that matters most for a drink of this type is proper dilution. Fill your glass with plenty of fresh ice before you start pouring. This ensures it stays cold and palatable, rather than turning into a lukewarm, boozy mess.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any decent mid-shelf vodka will do for a drink like this. Think Smirnoff, Gordon's, or similar workhorse brands.
- Skip
- Don't bother with your top-shelf sippers here. The nuance will be lost in the mix. Likewise, avoid anything that tastes like industrial alcohol.
- Why
- Vodka provides a clean, neutral alcoholic base without adding its own distinct flavor. It's the silent workhorse, adding potency without complication.
Cranberry Juice
- Use
- Standard cranberry juice cocktail is fine. Ocean Spray or similar brands are the go-to. If you want less sugar, look for a 'light' version, but adjust for sweetness.
- Skip
- Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice will be too tart unless you're specifically building for that. Avoid anything with artificial sweeteners that leave a weird aftertaste.
- Why
- Cranberry juice defines the 'Long Beach' part of the drink, providing the signature tart and fruity counterpoint to the spirits. It's essential for balance and flavor.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Long Island Iced Tea
- The OG
- The foundational drink. Swap cranberry juice for cola. Keep everything else the same for a darker, caramel-noted version.
Tokyo Iced Tea
- Melon twist
- A vibrant green variation. Replace the triple sec with Midori melon liqueur and top with lemon-lime soda instead of cranberry or cola.
Adios Motherfucker
- Blue and boozy
- This one adds Blue Curaçao for color and a citrus kick, often topped with lemon-lime soda. Visually striking and just as potent.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Gin, light rum, or tequila can usually step in without completely derailing the drink's character. Adjust for subtle flavor shifts.
Cola will turn it into a Long Island Iced Tea. For another tart fruit option, try pomegranate or even a splash of grapefruit, though it will taste different.
Any orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier works. Even a dash of orange bitters and some simple syrup could pinch hit in a bind.
A large rocks glass or even a pint glass will do. Just ensure it's big enough to hold the drink plus plenty of ice for proper dilution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Mike`s Long Beach?
The specific recipe for Mike`s Long Beach is not available in our current database. Typically, a Long Beach Iced Tea contains vodka, gin, light rum, tequila, triple sec, and cranberry juice.
Is Mike`s Long Beach a strong drink?
Assuming it's a Long Beach Iced Tea variation, yes, it's a very strong drink. It contains multiple ounces of high-proof spirits.
What's the difference between a Long Beach Iced Tea and a Long Island Iced Tea?
The primary difference is the mixer. A Long Beach Iced Tea uses cranberry juice, while a Long Island Iced Tea uses cola.
Why is it called an 'Iced Tea' if there's no tea in it?
It's a misnomer. The drink's appearance, especially the Long Island Iced Tea with cola, resembles iced tea, but it contains no actual tea.
Can I make a Mike`s Long Beach less strong?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of each spirit, or increase the amount of cranberry juice and ice. It will still be boozy, just less intensely so.
What kind of ice should I use?
Plenty of fresh, solid ice cubes. The more ice, the better the dilution and chill, preventing it from becoming watery too quickly.
Is this a good party drink?
Absolutely. Drinks in the Long Island family are popular for their potency and easy-drinking nature, making them a hit at casual gatherings.
What's the best way to serve Mike`s Long Beach?
Over plenty of ice in a tall glass, often garnished with a lemon wedge or a few cranberries if you're feeling fancy.
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