Long Island Iced Tea recipe doesn’t contain any actual tea? Despite its name, this powerhouse cocktail is a mix of five different liquors combined with lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola. The result? A dangerously smooth drink that tastes refreshing yet hits hard.
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe was created in 1972 by bartender Robert “Rosebud” Butt at The Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, NY. Since then, it has become a staple at parties, bars, and summer gatherings, loved for its strong yet balanced flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy classic cocktail recipe or a drink that impresses guests, this one checks all the boxes.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect Long Island Iced Tea recipe from ingredients to expert tips and even some tasty variations.
Table of Contents
What Is a Long Island Iced Tea?
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is a mixed drink known for its high alcohol content and smooth taste. Unlike most cocktails that use one or two spirits, this drink combines vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec. These are balanced with lemon juice, sweet and sour mix, and a splash of cola, giving it its signature amber hue.
Alcohol Content
Because it includes five different liquors, this is one of the strongest alcoholic mixed drinks you can make. The total alcohol content is around 2.5 ounces per drink, which is significantly higher than most standard cocktails.
Taste Profile
Despite its high alcohol content, a homemade Long Island Iced Tea has a surprisingly smooth and citrusy taste. The combination of spirits blends well, creating a drink that is slightly sweet, tart, and lightly carbonated from the cola.
Common Misconceptions
- Does it contain tea? No, the name comes from its resemblance to traditional iced tea in both color and smoothness.
- Is it too strong to enjoy? Not if made correctly. The balance of citrus and sweet ingredients prevents it from tasting overly boozy.
- If you enjoy easy mixed drinks at home, this one is a must-try. You can also check out the Vegas Bomb Recipe if you’re looking for another strong party drink that packs a punch.
Ingredients for the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea
The key to the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe is using the right ingredients in the correct proportions. Here’s what you’ll need:
Liquors:
- Vodka – Provides a neutral alcohol base.
- Gin – Adds a subtle herbal complexity.
- Tequila (Blanco) – Brings an earthy, agave note.
- White Rum – Contributes a light sweetness.
- Triple Sec – An orange-flavored liqueur that adds a citrus balance.
Mixers & Enhancers:
- Lemon Juice (Freshly Squeezed) – Enhances the acidity and freshness.
- Simple Syrup (or Sweet & Sour Mix) – Balances out the tartness.
- Cola – Provides color and a subtle caramel finish.
- Ice & Lemon Wedge (for garnish) – Essential for presentation and dilution.
Choosing the Right Liquors
While you don’t need to buy the most expensive bottles, using mid-shelf brands ensures a bar-quality cocktail recipe without the harsh bite of cheap liquor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Long Island Iced Tea
Making a Long Island Iced Tea at home is simple, but accuracy is key. Here’s how to do it right:
Equipment Needed:
- Cocktail shaker – For mixing the ingredients.
- Strainer – To remove excess ice and create a smoother drink.
- Highball or hurricane glass – The ideal serving glass for this cocktail.
- Jigger – For accurate measurements.
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This helps chill the drink and ensures even mixing.
- Add the liquors: Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. These balance the flavors and smooth out the alcohol.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps the drink cold while preventing dilution.
- Top with cola and stir gently. The cola should enhance the drink’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.
Pro Tip:
For a smoother experience, use crushed ice instead of cubes. It helps blend the flavors better and slightly dilutes the drink, making it easier to sip. If you prefer lighter cocktails, you might also enjoy the Skinny Margarita Recipe—a refreshing alternative with fewer calories.
Final Thoughts on the Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is a classic cocktail that delivers a perfect mix of strength and smoothness. Whether you’re making it for a party or just want to master classic bar drinks, this is one cocktail worth knowing.
- If you’re interested in more popular happy hour drinks, check out the Adrenal Cocktail Recipe for a unique citrus-infused drink.
- Stay tuned for Stage Two, where we’ll cover expert tips, popular variations, and FAQs about the Long Island Iced Tea recipe.
Expert Tips for the Best Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is all about balance. Since it combines multiple spirits, getting the right mix is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable drink. Whether you’re making this cocktail at home for the first time or looking to perfect your bartending skills, these expert tips will ensure you get the best results.
Use High-Quality Spirits
The best Long Island Iced Tea starts with good-quality liquor. Since this cocktail blends five different spirits, you don’t need top-shelf brands, but mid-shelf options will make a noticeable difference. Cheap alcohol can make the drink taste harsh, while premium liquors are often unnecessary because their subtleties get lost in the mix.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Some prefer their Long Island Iced Tea recipe on the sweeter side, while others enjoy a tart kick. You can easily adjust this by modifying the ratio of simple syrup and cola. Adding more simple syrup creates a smoother, sweeter drink, while reducing it allows the citrus flavors to shine. If you want a lower-calorie version, consider using a Skinny Margarita Recipe as an inspiration for cutting back on sugar without sacrificing flavor.
Use Filtered Water for Ice
Ice may seem like a small detail, but it can affect the overall taste of your homemade Long Island Iced Tea. Tap water can carry unwanted flavors, so using filtered or distilled water to make your ice ensures a cleaner taste. This is especially important if you’re serving the drink at a party or special occasion.
Adjust the Strength of Your Drink
- For a stronger cocktail: Reduce the amount of cola and add a little extra alcohol.
- For a lighter version: Increase the sweet and sour mix or swap regular cola for diet cola to cut back on sugar while maintaining the classic taste.
Popular Variations of the Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is versatile, making it easy to modify for different tastes. Whether you prefer fruitier flavors, tropical twists, or a colorful presentation, these variations put a unique spin on the classic cocktail.
Classic Variations
Texas Tea
A Southern favorite, Texas Tea follows the Long Island Iced Tea recipe but includes bourbon. This addition gives the drink a smokier, richer taste and makes it even stronger.
Long Beach Tea
If you love a fruitier cocktail, Long Beach Tea is the way to go. Instead of cola, this version swaps in cranberry juice for a refreshing and slightly tart twist. It’s a great option for those who enjoy drinks like the Long Beach Tea Recipe, which shares a similar citrusy profile.
Hawaiian Iced Tea
For a tropical spin, Hawaiian Iced Tea replaces cola with pineapple juice. This makes the drink smoother and fruitier, perfect for summer parties or poolside gatherings.
Tokyo Tea
This eye-catching version swaps out triple sec for Midori, a melon-flavored liqueur. Tokyo Tea has a bright green color and a slightly sweeter, more exotic taste.
Electric Iced Tea
Want a drink that stands out? Electric Iced Tea uses blue curaçao instead of triple sec, giving it a bold blue color. The citrusy notes remain, but the drink takes on a fun, visually appealing twist.
Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Card
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Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Card
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is a classic cocktail known for its strong yet smooth taste. Made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola, this refreshing mixed drink is perfect for parties and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz white rum
- ½ oz gin
- ½ oz tequila (blanco)
- ½ oz triple sec
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup (or sweet & sour mix)
- 2–3 oz cola
- Ice (for shaking and serving)
- Lemon wedge (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with cola and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use mid-shelf spirits for a smoother taste without overspending.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the ratio of simple syrup and cola.
- Use filtered water for ice to avoid unwanted flavors.
- To make a lighter version, increase the sour mix or use diet cola.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails & Mixed Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g
Keywords: Long Island Iced Tea recipe, easy cocktail recipe, strong alcoholic drink, homemade Long Island Iced Tea, best Long Island Iced Tea, bartender cocktail guide, refreshing summer drink, mixed drink recipe, classic cocktail recipe, party cocktail
FAQs About Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is a classic cocktail that often sparks questions, especially for those trying it for the first time. From its alcohol content to ingredient swaps, here are the most commonly asked questions with straightforward answers.
How many shots are in a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea recipe includes five different spirits, each typically measured at ½ ounce per serving. That means the drink contains a total of 2.5 ounces of alcohol, which is equivalent to around three standard shots of liquor. Since the mix of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec blends smoothly with the lemon juice and cola, it’s easy to forget just how much alcohol is packed into one glass.
If you’re planning a party and want to offer a strong mixed drink, this is one of the best choices. For another bold cocktail, check out the Vegas Bomb Recipe—a high-energy drink that’s always a hit at gatherings.
Is Long Island Iced Tea the strongest cocktail?
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is one of the strongest mixed drinks you can order at a bar. With five types of liquor and little mixer to dilute it, the alcohol content is significantly higher than most cocktails. However, some drinks, like the Zombie or AMF (Adios Motherf), contain even more alcohol.
What do bartenders think about Long Island Iced Tea?
Bartenders have mixed feelings about the Long Island Iced Tea recipe. On one hand, it’s a classic bar drink that remains popular, especially with those who want a strong alcoholic mixed drink that still tastes smooth. However, it can be frustrating to make in busy bars because it requires measuring five different spirits.
Some bartenders view it as a drink for beginners since its sweet and citrusy flavor can mask the taste of alcohol. Others appreciate it as a go-to party cocktail that always gets people talking. If you’re looking for an alternative that bartenders also love, try the Adrenal Cocktail Recipe—a drink that packs a punch but offers a refreshing citrus twist.
What is a substitute for triple sec in Long Island Iced Tea?
If you don’t have triple sec on hand, there are several alternatives that work well in the Long Island Iced Tea recipe:
Cointreau – A smoother, higher-quality orange liqueur with a slightly richer taste.
Grand Marnier – A mix of cognac and orange liqueur, adding depth to the cocktail.
Orange Curaçao – A close match to triple sec but slightly sweeter.
Blue Curaçao – A fun alternative that gives the drink a bright blue color, turning it into an Electric Iced Tea.
For a unique variation, consider swapping triple sec for Midori to create a Tokyo Tea, a version of the Long Island Iced Tea recipe with a vibrant green hue.
- If you’re looking for more strong and flavorful drinks to serve at parties, check out the Vegas Bomb Recipe—another bold cocktail that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
The Long Island Iced Tea recipe is the ultimate cocktail for those who love a strong yet balanced drink. With its unique combination of spirits and mixers, this classic cocktail remains a favorite at bars, parties, and casual get-togethers. Whether you prefer the traditional version or enjoy experimenting with different flavors, there’s a Long Island Iced Tea variation for everyone.
If you’re interested in trying more classic bar drinks, explore the Adrenal Cocktail Recipe for a refreshing citrus-based drink. For those who enjoy light and flavorful alternatives, the Skinny Margarita Recipe is a fantastic option.
Have you tried making a Long Island Iced Tea at home? Share your experience in the comments below! Let us know your favorite variations or any tips you use to perfect this legendary cocktail.
