Long Island Iced Tea has disputed origins. Tea. However, numerous sources attribute the origin to one or both of two inventors in the 1970s or 1920s. The most believable is that Robert "Rosebud" Butt claims to have invented the drink as an entry in a contest to create a new mixed drink including Triple Sec, in 1972 while he worked at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, NY. Local rumors also ascribe the origin to either Butt or another bartender at the Old Beach Inn, Chris Bendicksen. It remains a kick sand in your face and get drunk kinda drink with 4 spirits and a cordial that make this drink about 22 proof when all is said and done. Back in the 20’s when many spirits were passed off as “tea” to avoid the stigma of drinking there were some similar drinks and even if they were a precursor to this drink it is more of a nod then a true twist on those drinks.
