Backyard Iced Tea

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A cool, brisk and refreshing combination of iced tea, lemonade and rum, the Backyard Iced Tea hits all the right summer notes.

I talk about the summer season a lot here at Twist & Toast. It’s definitely my favorite time of year. The pool is open, friends come over more often, the weekends are filled with laughter, sunshine and of course, a cocktail or two. Living in Los Angeles also means that our summers last a little bit longer, and also start sooner than most places. At least, that’s what it feels like anyway. Today is only the second week of April, and right now it’s 77 degrees outside my door, with a bright blue sky dotted with white, fluffy clouds. There’s also a heatwave forecast for the coming week or two. School might still be in, but it already seems like summer is making an early visit.

And speaking of cocktails, part of the fun of enjoying the warmer months is being able to lounge outside in some comfy, billowy clothing while sipping on a cold drink. There are almost too many adult beverages in existence for one summer alone, so sometimes it can be difficult to choose any one to make or serve. Of course, there are reliable stalwarts like the Margarita and Mojito, but there’s also a few other fantastic and refreshing libations that aren’t as well known, but just as good.

Tonight’s cocktail is a perfect and potent number that you might want to try out at your next barbecue: the Backyard Iced Tea. Simple enough, the drink combines iced tea with lemonade around a spiced rum base. With a taste that balances the familiar sweet flavors of lemonade along with the bitter thirst-quenching bite of an unsweetened tea, the addition of rum to the mix gives each sip a tropical bite.

You have all summer to bask in the classics, so why not start the season with something a little different?

What Is The Best Rum To Use In A Backyard Iced Tea?

You’ll want a rum that’s inexpensive, but not cheap. A spirit that mixes nicely, but can also be sipped neat and on its own. There are some great options you can choose from at your local liquor store. Since we’ll want a darker, spiced rum for this recipe, going with a higher proof Kraken is ideal, as the full-bodied liquor is both cost-effective and an excellent product. If you want a softer flavor for your Backyard Iced Tea, try mixing a few with some Bacardi Silver instead, which is a clear white rum.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Fill a highball glass with ice before pouring your cocktail in, then garnish with a plump and juicy lemon wedge on the rim.

IS THIS SIMILAR TO AN ARNOLD PALMER OR JOHN DALY COCKTAIL?

It’s close. While all three drinks include a mixture of lemonade and iced tea, the Arnold Palmer includes no alcohol, while a John Daly is mixed with vodka.

Other Summertime Drinks Worth Trying

When you tell all your friends about the party you’re throwing this weekend, don’t forget to pick out the cocktails you’ll be making ahead of time. The Backyard Iced Tea is a great choice, but what other refreshing and ice-cold sippers can you serve that’ll put a smile on everyone’s face? Let Twist & Toast offer up a few ideas with these easy-to-make recipes.

• Lonkero Long Drink – This Finnish delight was invented for the 1952 Summer Olympics.
• Shandy Beer – Some suds mixed with lemonade is both simple and perfect.
• Orange Crush – This East Coast creation is a fizzy, citrus-filled favorite.
• Bikini Martini – A tropical-tasting and good-looking poolside treat.