Steer wrestling, a practice credited to legendary cowboy and rodeo star Bill Pickett, usually involves leaping onto a steer from the back of a specially trained horse. At the Madison

Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to

Sponsored

A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

In my mind, no drink is more Southern than a sweet iced tea. As many of you already know, this cocktail doesn’t actually contain tea, but it tastes very similar

Eastern

Madison County Championship Rodeo

In my mind, no drink is more Southern than a sweet iced tea. As many of you already know, this cocktail doesn’t actually contain tea, but it tastes very similar

Food

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

In my mind, no drink is more Southern than a sweet iced tea. As many of you already know, this cocktail doesn’t actually contain tea, but it tastes very similar

Recipes

Topsail Island Iced Tea Recipe

The classic Long Island Iced Tea gets a local twist with nods to products made in North Carolina.

by Amy Brinkley
topsail island iced tea

In my mind, no drink is more Southern than a sweet iced tea. As many of you already know, this cocktail doesn’t actually contain tea, but it tastes very similar to sweet tea and packs a strong punch.

I limit myself to just one glass when enjoying this cocktail because it has five different types of liquor, and the sweetness of the Pepsi and tartness of the lemon juice can slightly mask the strength of the alcohol.

I use NC-based vodka from TOPO Distillery and rum from Muddy River Distillery in addition to tequila, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and Pepsi.

Here’s my take on a classic Long Island Iced Tea that incorporates several NC flavors. Cheers!

1 part TOPO Distillery vodka
1 part Muddy River Distillery light rum
1 part tequila
1 part gin
1 part triple sec
½ part lemon juice
Splash of Pepsi to taste
Lemon wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish

Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and pour into chilled glass. Top with Pepsi. Garnish with lemon wedge and maraschino cherry.

This story was published on May 26, 2015

Amy Brinkley

Amy Brinkley

Brinkley lives in coastal North Carolina, and blogs about all things food. She is regular contributor on the Our State website, Parade Magazine’s CommunityTable.com, and SheKnows.com.