Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
One cocktail masquerades as iced tea but packs a punch strong enough to knock out your inhibitions. The Long Island Iced Tea—a deceptive, delicious, and dangerously easy-to-drink concoction.
Why settle for one liquor when you can have five? Let’s break down why this party legend deserves a spot in your repertoire.
The Long Island Iced Tea is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s sweet, tangy, and strong—without tasting like straight liquor.
The magic? A perfect balance of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cola. It’s a symphony of chaos that somehow works.
Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. No fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients—just pure, unapologetic fun.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes (because alcohol cooks itself in your soul)
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 (but let’s be real, you’ll want another)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice. The colder, the better—nobody likes a watered-down disappointment.
- Add all the liquors. Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec—dump ’em in. This isn’t a time for hesitation.
- Pour in the sour mix. If you’re fancy, use equal parts fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Shake like you mean it. 10-15 seconds should do it. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of cola. Just enough to give it that iced-tea illusion.
- Garnish with lemon. Squeeze it in or just let it float there looking pretty.
- Drink responsibly. Or don’t—we’re not your mom.
Nutritional Values
Calories: ~250-300 (it’s a cocktail, not a salad)
Carbs: 20g (blame the triple sec and cola)
Sugar: 15g (sweetness is non-negotiable here)
Alcohol content: ~22% ABV (translation: strong enough to forget your ex’s name)
Storage Instructions
This isn’t a meal-prep situation. Long Island Iced Teas are best fresh. If you must, mix the liquors and sour mix ahead, but add cola and ice right before serving. Otherwise, you’ll get a flat, sad mess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdoing the cola. A splash is enough—this isn’t a soda fountain.
- Using cheap liquors. Skimping = hangover city. Mid-shelf is your friend.
- Forgetting the sour element. Without acidity, it’s just sweet rocket fuel.
- Shaking with cola. Add it last, or you’ll lose the fizz.
Alternatives
- Texas Tea: Swap cola for peach schnapps and lemon-lime soda. Sweetness overload.
- Long Beach Tea: Replace cola with cranberry juice. Tart and pretty.
- Virgin Version: Just kidding. This cocktail has no soul without alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea?
Absolutely! Multiply the recipe by 8 for a crowd. Add cola individually per glass to keep it fizzy.
Why is it called Long Island Iced Tea?
Legend says a bartender in Long Island, NY, created it during Prohibition to disguise liquor as iced tea. Sneaky.
Can I skip one of the liquors?
Sure, but it won’t be a true Long Island. IMO, gin is the most skippable—but purists will side-eye you.
What’s the best cola to use?
Classic Coke or Pepsi works. Fancy craft colas? Waste of money—the other flavors drown it out.
How strong is this compared to other cocktails?
Stronger than your average margarita, weaker than straight whiskey. Pace yourself.
Final Thoughts
The Long Island Iced Tea is the ultimate party trick—a cocktail that looks innocent but plays dirty. It’s fast, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress (or at least get people talking).
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or drowning your sorrows, this recipe delivers. So grab your shaker, embrace the chaos, and let the good times roll. Cheers!
