Ordinary Drink
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a potent cocktail that combines equal parts vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec, mixed with lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of cola for color. Despite its name, this refreshing drink contains no tea, but its bold flavors and high alcohol content make it a popular choice for those seeking a lively night out. Served over ice in a tall glass, it's often garnished with a lemon wedge for an extra touch of zest.
- sweet
- strong
- citrusy
- refreshing
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
The Long Island Iced Tea is a ordinary drink built on vodka, celebrated for its sweet and strong character — a consistently top-searched party. Whether you're after a reliable beach gatherings option or simply want to master a classic, this 5-minute recipe is straightforward enough for home bars yet refined enough to impress. Perfect if you've been searching for the best summer.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 1/2 ozVodka
- 1/2 ozTequila
- 1/2 ozLight rum
- 1/2 ozGin
- 1 dashCoca-Cola
- Twist ofLemon peel
Method
Preparation
- 01
Mix all contents in a highball glass and sitr gently. Add dash of Coca-Cola for the coloring and garnish with lemon or lime twist.
Origin
History & Origins
Created in the 1970s during a bartending competition to sell more drinks, the Long Island Iced Tea is famous for combining seven spirits. It became notorious for its high alcohol content masked by sweetness, making it a party favorite despite its dangerous potency.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Measure carefully
From Elena
use equal parts of all spirits
Fresh lemon juice essential
Shake well with ice
Top with cola for authenticity
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Thai Long Island Iced Tea
Adds lime juice and fish sauce for Asian twist
Green Long Island Iced Tea
Uses melon liqueur instead of triple sec
Virgin Long Island Iced Tea
Non-alcoholic version with multiple juices
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Long Island Iced Tea has a flavor profile that is sweet, strong, citrusy, refreshing. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Long Island Iced Tea is ideal for beach gatherings, barbecues, music festivals. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Long Island Iced Tea. If you cannot source Vodka, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Long Island Iced Tea variations include Thai Long Island Iced Tea, Green Long Island Iced Tea, Virgin Long Island Iced Tea. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Long Island Iced Tea is traditionally served in a Highball glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Highball glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Long Island Iced Tea is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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Similar Flavor Profiles
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