The infamous is revered and reviled in equal measure for its sickly sweet taste and for inspiring nights you almost can't help but forget. This drink, popular among college students and those who seek the strongest drinks possible, regardless of taste, is controversial, to say the least. In fact, some bartenders even refuse to make it, and many more probably wish they could say no when patrons request it.
Ask any bartender, and they'll likely have a list of drinks they hate making. One of the most common offenders is the Long Island Iced Tea. With around eight ingredients, this drink is a beast to prepare, especially in a busy bar where bartenders are trying to push orders out as quickly as possible.
The even bigger challenge is dealing with the increasingly rowdy patrons who order it; since Long Island Iced Teas are so alcoholic, they may contribute to bad behavior more than lower-ABV beverages. How does alcohol affect behavior? With more than twice the alcohol content of what the considers to be one standard alcoholic beverage, the Long Island Iced Tea is the perfect drink for those who want to get drunk quickly. Due to its blend of liquors, people often can't even taste the alcohol, making it easier to consume more than usual.
While this may signal a good time for many, it also creates an ideal environment for various bad behaviors to emerge. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects brain areas responsible for movement, memory, self-control, and basic fu.