Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a legendary cocktail that defies expectations. Despite its innocent, tea-like appearance, this powerhouse packs a punch with a blend of five spirits, a splash of citrus, and a cola top-off. It’s a party in a glass—crisp, citrusy, and remarkably smooth, making it a favorite for those seeking both flavor and fun.
- Vodka15 ml (0.5 oz)Unflavored, good quality
- Gin15 ml (0.5 oz)London Dry recommended
- White Rum15 ml (0.5 oz)Light rum works best
- Tequila15 ml (0.5 oz)Blanco or silver
- Triple Sec15 ml (0.5 oz)Orange liqueur
- Fresh Lemon Juice25 ml (0.75 oz)Freshly squeezed
- Simple Syrup15 ml (0.5 oz)1:1 sugar to water
- Cola30 ml (1 oz)To top, use chilled cola
- Ice30 ml (1 oz)Enough to fill the glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Highball or Collins glass
Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
Add the vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine.
Strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with chilled cola to fill the glass (about 1 oz, or to taste).
Gently stir with a bar spoon to blend.
Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge.
- It’s deceptively smooth and refreshing despite its high alcohol content.
- Perfect for parties—one glass goes a long way!
- A classic crowd-pleaser that instantly livens up any gathering.
- Balances the flavors of several spirits with citrus and cola for a harmonious finish.
- Easy to customize with flavored sodas or garnish twists.
The Long Island Iced Tea’s history is as bold as its flavor. Most credit its invention to the 1970s at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York, where bartender Robert "Rosebud" Butt reportedly created the cocktail for a contest to include Triple Sec in a mixed drink. However, some tales link it back to the 1920s Prohibition era, claiming it was crafted as a covert cocktail that looked like harmless iced tea. Regardless of its true origins, the Long Island Iced Tea quickly earned its place in bars worldwide for its complex taste and notorious strength.
Lemon wedge – It adds a pop of color, a bright citrus aroma, and a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness of the drink.
Approx. 275 calories per serving. Contains about 33g carbohydrates (mostly from the cola and simple syrup), negligible fat and protein, and about 22% ABV (alcohol by volume).