Long Island Iced Tea

Rarely does a drink have a reputation as big as the Long Island Iced Tea, and honestly, it earns it. The first time I saw one made, I remember thinking it sounded like chaos in a glass. Then I tried it and got why people love it, because it goes down smooth and tastes way lighter than it looks on paper.

This is one of those cocktails that feels like a magic trick. You mix several clear spirits with lemon juice and simple syrup, then top it with cola and suddenly it tastes like a spiked iced tea. I love this because it’s a great “one drink covers the whole night” option when you want something bold but still easy to sip.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic for a reason. It’s balanced, it’s fast, and it checks the box when you want a drink that feels fun without being fussy. Even though it’s strong, the citrus and cola smooth out the edges and keep it easy to drink.

• It uses common bar ingredients many people already have
• It tastes like cola and iced tea even with multiple spirits
• It’s quick to build right in the glass
• It works well for parties and group hangouts
• The lemon juice keeps it bright and cuts through the sweetness
• You can adjust the strength easily by changing the cola amount

Once you nail the ratios, you’ll see why this drink stays popular. It’s one of those cocktails that feels simple, but the balance is what makes it work.

Ingredients

This cocktail works because every ingredient has a job. The spirits create the backbone, the triple sec adds citrus depth, and the lemon juice plus simple syrup bring that classic sweet and tart balance. Cola finishes it off with color and a familiar flavor that pulls everything together.

• ¾ oz. vodka
• ¾ oz. white rum
• ¾ oz. gin
• ¾ oz. tequila
• ¾ oz. triple sec
• ¾ oz. lemon juice
• ¾ oz. simple syrup
• Cola
• Lemon wedge or slice for garnish

Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference here. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and make the drink feel overly sweet once the cola is added. If your cola is very sweet, keep your simple syrup closer to the listed amount and avoid extra.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This cocktail is forgiving, but smoother spirits make it taste cleaner. You don’t need top shelf bottles, but you do want decent mixing spirits so the drink stays balanced. If you are missing one spirit, you can still make a good version with small adjustments.

• Tito’s Vodka for a clean, neutral base that blends easily
• Bacardi Superior for a classic white rum that won’t overpower
• Beefeater Gin for a crisp gin flavor that holds up in mixed drinks
• Olmeca Altos Plata or Espolòn Blanco for a solid tequila choice
• Cointreau as a triple sec upgrade for stronger orange flavor
• Use lime juice instead of lemon in a pinch, but expect a sharper finish

If you want to lighten the drink, use a bit more cola or add a splash of soda water before topping. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the simple syrup slightly and keep lemon juice the same.

Equipment and Glassware

The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the easiest cocktails to make because it is built right in the glass. A quick stir is all it needs, which is great when you are serving more than one person. The right glass also matters since you want room for ice and cola.

• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Highball Glass

A highball glass is ideal because it gives you space to build the drink properly. Use plenty of ice, since this drink tastes best very cold and the chill helps the flavors blend.

How to Make It

This is a straightforward build, but measuring matters because there are several spirits involved. The goal is balance, not just strength. Take a moment to measure and stir well so everything blends evenly.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until nearly full.
2. Add vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Stir well for about 10 seconds to combine and chill the mix.
4. Top with cola, adding enough to bring color and soften the drink.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice and serve right away.

A common tweak is adjusting the cola amount. More cola makes it lighter and easier to sip, while less cola makes it stronger and more spirit forward.

Pro Tips

This drink can taste amazing or messy depending on small details. The best Long Island Iced Teas are cold, balanced, and not overly sweet. These tips help keep everything in check and make your cocktails taste consistent.

• Measure each spirit so the drink stays balanced
• Use fresh lemon juice for a cleaner finish
• Do not skip the stir because it blends the spirits before adding cola
• Add cola slowly to control color and sweetness
• Use plenty of ice to keep it cold and smooth
• Choose decent mixing spirits because cheap bottles show up in this recipe
• Taste before topping fully so you can adjust lemon or syrup if needed
• Remember it’s strong and serve responsibly

Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll start to find your preferred balance. Some people like it more citrusy, while others want more cola, and both can work.

Variations

The Long Island Iced Tea has a lot of popular variations for a reason. The base format is flexible, so you can change one piece and still keep the same easy style. These versions are great when you want something familiar but not identical.

• Texas Tea: add a splash of bourbon for extra warmth
• Miami Iced Tea: replace cola with cranberry juice for a fruitier finish
• Blue Long Island: use blue curaçao instead of triple sec, then top with lemon lime soda
• Long Beach Tea: top with cranberry juice and a splash of cola
• Non alcoholic version: mix lemon juice, simple syrup, a little iced tea, and cola over ice

If you are experimenting, make only one change at a time. That way you can tell what really improved the drink.

When to Serve and Pairings

This drink is best for social settings where people want something familiar and easy to sip. It works well at parties, BBQs, and game nights because it’s quick to make and hard to ignore. The flavor also pairs well with salty and spicy foods.

• Pair with burgers, fries, or wings
• Great with tacos, nachos, and salsa
• Works well with pizza and cheesy appetizers
• Serve with salty snacks like chips or pretzels
• Pair with lighter cocktails like a Vodka Soda or a Classic Margarita for variety

If you are building a small drink menu, include one lighter option. That gives guests a choice if they want something less strong.

Storage and Serving Notes

A Long Island Iced Tea is best made fresh and served right away. Once cola is added, the flavor changes as it sits and the drink loses its sparkle. If you want to prep for a group, you can batch part of the mix to speed things up.

For batching, combine the spirits, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a sealed container and keep it cold. Pour over ice to order, then top with cola and garnish. Always stir gently after pouring so it stays mixed without losing too much carbonation.

FAQs

This cocktail has a big reputation, so people tend to ask a lot of questions about it. The goal is not to make it as strong as possible, but to make it taste balanced. These answers help you get a better result without guessing.

Why is it called a Long Island Iced Tea if there’s no tea?
It’s named for its look and flavor, since the cola gives it a tea like color and taste.

Can I make it less strong?
Yes, add more cola and use a little less of each spirit. You can also reduce the number of spirits, though the taste will change.

Should I shake it instead of stirring?
Stirring works well since it’s built in the glass. Shaking can add extra dilution and make it taste different.

What’s the best cola to use?
Use your favorite cola, but avoid extremely sweet versions if you prefer a sharper drink. Diet cola also works if you want less sweetness.

Can I make a pitcher for a party?
You can batch the spirits, lemon juice, and syrup, but add cola to each glass. That keeps the carbonation and flavor fresher.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like the Long Island Iced Tea, you probably enjoy cocktails that are easy to sip and easy to serve. These drinks keep that same party friendly vibe, but each one has its own twist. They are great options to keep readers clicking and trying new recipes.

• Adios Motherfucker
• Tokyo Tea
• Zombie
• Irish Trash Can
• Tropical Long Island