Few cocktails carry as much legend, punch, and party spirit as the Long Island Iced Tea. Despite its name, there’s no tea involved—just a bold blend of spirits, citrus, and cola that mimic the color of iced tea while delivering a surprisingly smooth (and seriously strong) drink.
Why the Long Island Iced Tea Endures
It’s iconic for good reason. By mixing several base spirits in equal harmony—vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec—balanced with lemon and cola, the Long Island Iced Tea becomes more than the sum of its parts. It’s refreshing, a bit mischievous, and an undeniable crowd-pleaser when made right.
🍸 Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz light rum
- 0.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz tequila (silver)
- 0.5 oz triple sec (orange liqueur)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Cola, to top
- Ice
- Garnish: lemon wedge
Preparation Steps
- Fill a tall Collins or highball glass with ice.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with chilled cola to fill the glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately.
Tip: For the smoothest balance, stick with equal-pour spirits, fresh lemon juice, and just enough cola to top—it keeps your drink tasting bright, not cloying.
✨ Fun Variations
- Texas Tea: Add a splash of bourbon for even more kick.
- Long Beach Iced Tea: Swap the cola topping for cranberry juice.
- Tokyo Tea: Replace cola with lemon-lime soda and add a splash of Midori for a green twist.
- Peach Iced Tea: A dash of peach schnapps and iced tea (instead of cola) creates a softer, fruit-forward version.
🍋 The Spirit of Long Island
Bold, fun, and undeniably potent, the Long Island Iced Tea has earned its place as a cocktail classic. Perfect for summer parties, beach days, or a lively evening with friends, it’s the kind of drink that guarantees good conversation (and a little mischief). Just remember—behind its sweet disguise, it packs quite a punch. Sip wisely!