Long Island Iced Tea

If you’re looking for a refreshing drink that combines a little bit of everything, the Long Island Iced Tea is just what you need. Despite its name, this drink doesn’t have any tea in it, but it brings a fun mix of flavors that are sure to make any occasion a little more exciting.

This cocktail has become a favorite for its ability to blend several spirits into one delicious drink, making it a go-to for parties, barbecues, or a chill evening at home.

What makes the Long Island Iced Tea so special is the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, paired with a smooth finish that hides the strong alcohol content. The mix of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec gives it a bit of an edge, while the lime juice and a splash of cola bring it all together.

It’s like the ultimate multitasker of cocktails — versatile and fun, and always ready to impress. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just enjoying a laid-back night with friends, this drink fits right in.

I love making this drink because it’s easy to whip up and always brings a bit of excitement to the moment. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something a little extra without spending hours at the bar.

Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and strength to suit your preferences, making it as mild or bold as you like. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for this classic cocktail on a warm evening or when you want to treat yourself after a long week.

What is Long Island Iced Tea?

Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail known for its surprising combination of several hard liquors, yet it tastes smooth and refreshing, almost like a sweet iced tea. Despite the name, there’s no actual tea involved — just a mix of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec, all shaken up with lime juice, simple syrup, and a splash of cola.

The result is a well-balanced drink that has a little kick but is still easy to sip on during casual get-togethers or celebrations.

This drink stands out from similar cocktails like the “Long Island Lemonade” or “Adios Motherfucker” due to the cola addition. The cola gives the drink its darker, iced tea-like appearance and adds a sweet fizz, making it a bit more mellow than drinks with only citrus or clear mixers.

It’s a party favorite because it delivers multiple flavors in one glass, making it perfect for those who want variety without having to juggle a bunch of different drinks.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a Party Favorite: The Long Island Iced Tea is a crowd-pleaser. Its unique mix of ingredients makes it a fun and unexpected drink, perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
• Smooth and Refreshing: Don’t be fooled by the strong spirits — it tastes surprisingly light! The combination of lime juice, syrup, and cola gives it a sweet and tangy taste that’s super easy to enjoy.
• Simple to Make: Even if you’re not a pro behind the bar, the Long Island Iced Tea is easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a shake, you’ll have a drink that feels fancy but doesn’t require a lot of effort.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re lounging by the pool, having a date night at home, or celebrating with friends, this drink fits perfectly.
• A Bold Flavor in Every Sip: The best part about the Long Island Iced Tea is how it packs so much flavor into one glass. You get a mix of citrus, sweetness, and a bit of fizz from the cola, all balanced with the warmth from the spirits. It’s like a party in your mouth with every sip!

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Rum
• 1/2 oz Tequila
• 1/2 oz Gin
• 1/2 oz Triple Sec

For the Mix:

• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 oz Simple Syrup
• Splash of Cola

For Garnish:

• Lime wedge or Lemon twist (optional)

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Ingredient Notes:

• Simple Syrup: You can make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and water, heating until the sugar dissolves. Or, you can buy it pre-made at the store — it’s easy to keep on hand for cocktails!
• Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor. I love using fresh lime — it adds that zesty, tart kick that brightens up the drink!
• Cola: Choose your favorite cola — whether it’s classic or diet, it will add that sweet fizz to balance out the spirits. The cola is key to getting that signature Long Island Iced Tea taste!
• Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur is a must for that sweet, citrusy note. You can use Cointreau or another brand if you prefer, but it adds a nice complexity to the drink.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Cocktail Shaker: To mix all the ingredients together and ensure everything is well combined. A good shake is key to getting the right balance of flavors. I love using a Boston Cocktail Shaker because it’s super durable and has a great seal, so no spills!
• Strainer: You’ll need this to strain the cocktail into your glass, especially if you’ve used a shaker. It helps keep the ice and any pulp out of your drink.
• Jigger or Measuring Cups: To measure out the ingredients accurately, ensuring the perfect proportions of each liquor and mixer, the OXO Jigger is a great choice — it’s clear, easy to use, and has markings for both ounces and milliliters, which makes it super versatile.
• Tall Glass: This is where you’ll pour your cocktail. A highball or Collins glass works best, as it gives you enough space for the ice and the cola splash.
• Bar Spoon or Stirrer: For giving your drink a final gentle stir once it’s poured into the glass, mixing the cola and spirits together without losing that fizzy texture.

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients
   • Gather all your ingredients: vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and cola.
2. Combine the Spirits
   • In your cocktail shaker, pour in the vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec. These five spirits are the base of your Long Island Iced Tea, so make sure each one is measured out properly.
   • Pro Tip: Don’t overfill your shaker — about halfway full with liquid is perfect for mixing!
3. Add Lime Juice and Simple Syrup
   • Next, add the fresh lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker. The lime juice will give your cocktail that refreshing tang, while the simple syrup balances out the flavors with a bit of sweetness.
   • Pro Tip: Fresh lime juice is a game-changer! It really makes the drink pop.
4. Shake It Up
   • Add ice to the shaker, filling it about halfway. Then, put the lid on securely and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want to make sure all the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.
   • Pro Tip: Be patient while shaking — this is where the magic happens! The more you shake, the better the flavors blend together.
5. Strain Into a Glass
   • Once the mixture is well-shaken, use a strainer to pour the cocktail into a tall glass filled with ice. This helps keep the drink smooth and free of any extra ice shards.
6. Add Cola
   • Top off your drink with a splash of cola. This gives the Long Island Iced Tea its signature dark color and adds a fizzy, sweet finish.
   • Pro Tip: Start with a small splash of cola, and add more if you prefer a sweeter, lighter taste.
7. Garnish and Serve
   • For a little extra flair, garnish your drink with a lime wedge or a twist of lemon. This not only looks great but also adds an extra hint of citrus.

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Skip the Shake: I can’t stress this enough — give that cocktail shaker a good, strong shake! The ice helps chill the drink quickly, and shaking really blends the flavors together. A quick shake won’t cut it, so give it a solid 15 seconds. Trust me, it makes a difference!
• Adjust the Sweetness: Not everyone likes their drinks super sweet, so feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup you use. I recommend starting with the 1 oz measurement and tasting it. If you like it sweeter, add a little more syrup. It’s all about your personal taste!
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a game-changer! You can really taste the difference in this drink, so skip the bottled stuff if you can. Fresh lime juice gives the cocktail that sharp, zesty flavor that’s perfect with the other ingredients.
• Cola Tip: When adding the cola, go slow and taste as you go. You don’t want to overwhelm the cocktail with too much sweetness or fizz. Start with a splash and then add more if you like it lighter or with more fizz.
• Keep It Chilled: To keep your Long Island Iced Tea extra cold, fill your glass with ice first, then pour the cocktail over it. This ensures your drink stays chilled without watering it down too quickly.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Substitute the Spirits: While the classic recipe calls for vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec, you can mix things up! For example, you can swap the rum for bourbon for a deeper flavor or use flavored vodkas (like citrus) to add a fun twist.
• Lemonade Long Island Iced Tea: If you’re not a fan of cola, try using lemonade instead for a lighter, citrusy variation. It adds a refreshing spin and is perfect for summer!
• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you’re looking to skip the alcohol, you can still enjoy the flavors of a Long Island Iced Tea! Replace the spirits with sparkling water or soda, and add extra lime juice and a touch of simple syrup for sweetness.
• Add Fruit: For a fruity version, try muddling a few berries (like strawberries or raspberries) at the bottom of the glass before pouring the cocktail in. It adds a fresh burst of flavor and makes for a fun twist on the original.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for BBQs: I love serving a Long Island Iced Tea at outdoor BBQs. It’s the ideal drink to pair with grilled meats like burgers or chicken. The refreshing, citrusy flavors cut through the smoky richness of the food perfectly!
• Great for a Girls’ Night In: Whether you’re catching up on your favorite shows or having a mini spa night, this drink is always a hit. It’s fun to make and even more fun to sip while you chat with friends.
• Pair with Light Appetizers: Serve this cocktail alongside light appetizers like shrimp cocktail, bruschetta, or a cheese platter. The balance of flavors in the drink complements these snacks beautifully.
• Serve at Summer Gatherings: Long Island Iced Teas are a summer classic! If you’re hosting a pool party or a garden gathering, this is the drink to serve. It’s easy to make in batches and keeps your guests refreshed all day.
• Solo Treat: Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying this cocktail solo after a long day. Serve it in your favorite glass, throw on some relaxing music, and unwind with a drink that’s as bold as your day was!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Since Long Island Iced Tea is made with fresh ingredients, it’s best enjoyed right after it’s made for the best taste and fizz. However, if you need to store leftovers, keep it in the fridge (without the cola) for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, add the cola fresh so you can keep that fizzy kick!

I love making a batch for a party, but I always hold off on adding the cola until I’m ready to serve. If you add it too early, it can lose its sparkle, and I personally love that bubbly feeling with each sip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Long Island Iced Tea ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mix (vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup) in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the cola when you’re ready to serve to keep that refreshing fizz!

Can I substitute the cola with something else?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of cola, try using lemonade, ginger ale, or even sparkling water for a lighter version. These options still provide that fizzy, refreshing element but with a different twist on the flavor.

How strong is a Long Island Iced Tea?

It’s definitely a strong drink, but the balance of sweetness and lime juice helps mellow out the alcohol. If you prefer a lighter version, you can adjust the amount of alcohol or cola to suit your taste.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Long Island Iced Tea?

Yes! Simply leave out the alcohol and replace it with sparkling water or soda. Add extra lime juice and simple syrup for sweetness. It’s a fun, refreshing option for those who want to skip the booze but still enjoy the flavor.

What’s the best type of glass for serving?

A tall highball or Collins glass works best for a Long Island Iced Tea. It gives plenty of room for ice and cola, and allows you to appreciate the drink’s refreshing look!

Can I add fruit to my Long Island Iced Tea?

Definitely! You can muddle some berries like strawberries or raspberries at the bottom of the glass for a fun, fruity twist. You can also garnish with a citrus slice or mint for extra flair.

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I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Let me know in the comments — do you prefer your Long Island Iced Tea extra sweet, or do you like it a little more on the tart side? Happy sipping!