Why Bartenders Hate Making Long Island Iced Teas

For many of us, having a reliable favorite drink to order in a bar is comforting. Whether you find yourself hanging out in a dive or inside the glittering walls of Buckingham Palace, having your usual order ready can come in handy. Some might prefer beer while gin hits the spot for others, and nothing short of a bottle of champagne will do if you're feeling extravagant or celebratory.

When picking a go-to drink, there are lots of popular options (manhattans, margaritas, and espresso martinis are among the best, according to Liquor.com). However, if you're not an elegant member of the aristocracy with a busy schedule of cocktail parties, experimenting with different concoctions can also be part of the excitement when indulging in cocktails.

Before you get carried away with testing an array of wild drink variations, be sure to avoid drinks bartenders hate making to keep them on your side. With that in mind, you might want to think twice before ordering a Long Island iced tea (via Twisted).

Being courteous to staff is one of the golden rules when drinking in a bar. Not only is it good manners, but it also increases your chances of being served at a crowded establishment while tussling for the bartender's attention. In these circumstances, Long Island iced teas are definitely drinks to avoid.

Billed by The Manual as a popular way for young people to have a cheap night out, the Long Island iced tea is a powerful cocktail, packing vodka, tequila, rum, gin, a splash of triple sec, and cola. But it's precisely this combination that bartenders despise — the many ingredients make the drink a chore to create, which is particularly problematic during busy times, according to Twisted.

Good Food also reports that some bartenders find Long Island iced teas too unappetizing to drink, so they often recommend alternatives (such as a Tom Collins) that taste better and, conveniently, are simpler to make.