A bold and refreshing Long Island Iced Tea, blending multiple spirits with citrus and cola for a perfectly balanced and invigorating cocktail. Despite its name, this classic drink contains no tea—instead, it delivers a smooth, strong, and subtly sweet flavor that makes it a favorite among cocktail lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Strong and flavorful – A perfect balance of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec.
- Refreshing and citrusy – Fresh lemon juice and cola add brightness and depth.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 5 minutes with simple mixing.
- Great for parties – A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale up.
- Classic cocktail – One of the most famous and beloved highball drinks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz cola
- Ice cubes
- 1 lemon wedge (for garnish)
Directions
- Fill a tall glass (highball or Collins) with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with cola and lightly stir again.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Top-Shelf Long Island Iced Tea – Use premium spirits for a smoother, refined flavor.
- Stronger Version – Increase the spirits to 3/4 oz each for extra punch.
- Sweeter Taste – Add a splash of orange juice or more simple syrup.
- Less Alcoholic – Reduce spirits by half and increase cola for a lighter version.
- Blue Long Island Iced Tea – Substitute triple sec with blue curaçao for a vibrant twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Best enjoyed fresh; however, you can mix the spirits and store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as alcohol prevents freezing.
- Reheating: Served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
Why is it called Long Island Iced Tea?
Despite not containing tea, it resembles iced tea in color and was created in Long Island, New York in the 1970s.
Can I use diet cola?
Yes, diet cola works well and slightly reduces the calorie count.
Is Long Island Iced Tea really strong?
Yes! It has multiple spirits, making it one of the strongest cocktails at around 22% ABV.
Can I make a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by 4-6 and mix in a large pitcher before serving over ice.
Can I skip one of the spirits?
Yes, but the unique balance of five spirits gives the cocktail its signature taste.
What’s the best way to stir this cocktail?
Gently stir to combine flavors without losing carbonation from the cola.
What other sodas can I use?
You can substitute cola with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for a different twist.
What’s the best glass for serving?
A Collins or highball glass works best for this cocktail.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Replace the spirits with iced tea, lemon juice, and soda for a mocktail version.
How do I make this cocktail more citrusy?
Increase the lemon juice or add a splash of fresh lime juice.
Conclusion
The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic, bold, and refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for parties. Whether you prefer a traditional version, a fruity twist, or a lighter take, this drink is always a hit. Try it today and enjoy a perfectly balanced, high-energy cocktail!
