Learn how to make the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for summer parties, this classic cocktail is easy to make and so delicious.
Long Island Iced Tea is a beloved classic cocktail known for its potent mix of spirits and refreshing taste.
Perfect for summer gatherings and parties, this drink combines vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec with a splash of cola, creating a delightful beverage that packs a punch.
In this guide, I’m sharing how to make the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe, complete with expert tips and variations to suit any palate. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a cocktail enthusiast, this recipe is sure to impress.
With the arrival of summer grilling season, I couldn’t resist sharing a refreshing liquid delight to complement your next backyard BBQs. Wait until you try this iconic cocktail! And yes, it packs quite a punch so please drink responsibly.
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What Is a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail known for its potent blend of multiple spirits, resulting in a strong and flavorful drink.
Does a Long Island Iced Tea Have Tea In It?
Despite its name, the beverage doesn’t actually contain any tea. Instead, it combines equal parts of several clear spirits together with a splash of lemon and a topping of cola.
Some recipes include simple syrup too, but I don’t think it needs it. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex, boozy concoction that is both refreshing and deceptively smooth.
So it can sneak up on you real quick!
Despite its high alcohol content, the Long Island Iced Tea remains a beloved choice for those seeking a strong and enjoyable mixed drink.
Is a Long Island Iced Tea Only Alcohol?
A Long Island Iced Tea cocktail is nearly entirely alcohol, but there are a couple of other ingredients. The liquor in this drink is mixed with lemon juice and a bit of cola for the look – and taste – of iced tea.
How Much Alcohol Does a Long Island Iced Tea Have?
The Long Island Iced Tea is known for being a strong cocktail with significant alcohol content. The classic recipe typically includes equal parts of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec, each measuring about 1/2 to 1 ounce.
This means that the total alcohol content from these spirits alone is approximately 2 1/2 to 5 ounces depending on the recipe. While the addition of lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola dilutes the alcohol to a degree, this cocktail still packs a punch.
Because I’m not big on mixed drinks, I prefer a cocktail that is less potent, so I dilute mine more. But this recipe is easy to adjust depending on the recipient and size of the glass.
It’s always important to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and be aware of your limits.
Which Alcohol Does a Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Contain?
A Long Island Iced Tea recipe typically contains the following spirits.
- Vodka
- Rum
- Tequila
- Gin
- Triple Sec
So you can see why the drink is so strong. Because there are five different types of alcohol, this recipe will sneak up on you if you drink too much too quickly so be aware of your consumption.
How to Make Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Because it is a potent combination of spirits with a refreshing taste, this classic cocktail is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply want to enjoy a well-crafted drink at home, this is a fun one to serve and enjoy.
Here’s what you need to sip, savor, and master the art of making a Long Island Iced Tea like a seasoned mixologist.
Best Long Iced Tea Ingredients
- vodka
- rum
- tequila
- gin
- triple sec
- lemon juice
- cola
- lemon wedges and mint leaves (for garnish)
- ice cubes
One of the reasons I love to make this cocktail in the warmer months is because I have lots of fresh mint growing in the garden. So this gives me a great excuse to use it!
Tools Needed to Make a Long Island Iced Tea at Home
Another great thing summer cocktail is that you don’t need any fancy tools to make it at home. I recommend using a cocktail shaker and a shot glass to measure the ingredients. A citrus juicer can also be helpful to add in the lemon juice.
But other than that, you really just need a glass to pour it into!
Making Homemade Long Island Iced Tea: Step-by-Step Directions
While there are several types of alcohol in this recipe, it’s really easy to make because it’s made with equal parts. Here’s how to make this refreshing and boozy cocktail.
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until the shaker starts to sweat.
- Fill a highball glass or mason jar with ice cubes and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top it off with a splash of cola. I prefer to go heavier on the cola for myself to dilute the alcohol mix so it is a little less potent.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and mint leaves.
- Give it a gentle stir before sipping.
Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Variations
While the classic recipe is undeniably delightful, you can always add own take on this iconic beverage. Here are a few ideas for inspiration to get creative with one of the best summer cocktails.
- Fruity Twist: Experiment with muddled berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of summery flavors.
- Herbal Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint, basil, or even lavender to lend an aromatic touch.
- Tropical Vibes: Replace the cola with pineapple juice for a tropical vacation in a glass.
- Bubbly Bliss: Swap the cola for lemon-lime soda to give your drink a fizzy lift.
- Arnold Palmer: Embrace the flavor of the classic half-lemonade, half-tea drink by adding more lemon juice or even a splash of lemonade to your cocktail.
- Spiced Tea: Add a splash of ginger ale instead of cola to this drink for a fun twist on a classic iced tea flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Long Island Iced Tea
Creating the best Long Island Iced Tea involves carefully balancing the flavors of the ingredients to make one of the best summer cocktails. Here are some cocktail tips to make the perfect drink!
- Quality Spirits: Use high-quality vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec to ensure a smooth taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that balances the sweetness of the cola. Don’t use ready-made lemon juice. It’s not the same!
- Cola Proportion: Add just enough cola to enhance the flavor without overpowering the spirits.
- Sweet and Sour: Adjust the sweetness and acidity by tweaking the amount of simple syrup or lemon juice.
- Use Filtered Water: Make your ice with filtered water, if possible. While tap water works just fine the taste of water additives can affect the flavor of your cocktail.
- Extra Sweetness: If you prefer the taste of sweet tea, try adding a bit of sour mix or even some honey to your cocktail.
Experiment with these elements to perfect one of the most popular cocktails for the season.
How to Serve Long Island Iced Teas
Any great cocktail is only made better by its presentation. You really can’t go wrong with a Long Island Iced Tea, but there are a few simple touches that can make this drink even better.
What is the Name of the Glass for Long Island Iced Tea?
This classic drink is traditionally served in a Collins glass or a hurricane glass. If you don’t have that kind of glass, I love to serve mine in mason jars. The key is making sure you have plenty of room for lots of ice.
What Good Goes with Long Island Iced Tea?
Classic BBQ food is the perfect complement to a Long Island Iced Tea. Anything from burgers and hot dogs to grilled chicken, steak or ribs would be delicious.BBQ sides also go really well with this drink. Check out some of my favorite BBQ recipes.
Homemade Long Island Iced Tea FAQs
Here are the most commonly asked questions with answers about making the perfect Long Island Iced Tea recipe! Whether you’re curious about the best spirits to use, looking for tips on balancing flavors, or wondering how to create exciting variations, I’ve got you covered.
What is the Best Vodka for a Long Island Iced Tea?
Since the Long Island Iced Tea recipe contains several different spirits and ingredients, you’ll want a vodka that complements the overall taste without overpowering it.
Here are a few brands of vodka that work well in this cocktail.
- Ketel One
- Absolut
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Grey Goose
- Svedka
Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the best vodka for your Long Island Iced Tea. If it were up to me, I’d go with Tito’s. It’s clean with a slightly sweeter note than some of the other brands.
But feel free to experiment with different brands and see which one you enjoy most. Remember, the goal is to find a vodka that enhances the overall balance and taste of the cocktail without overpowering the other flavors.
Should a Long Island Iced Tea Be Shaken or Stirred?
The alcohol in a Long Island Iced Tea should be shaken vigorously for about 30 seconds when making this cocktail. This ensures the flavors really mix together.
Just make sure you shake it before adding the cola, otherwise you’ll have a fizzy mess! You can gently stir your drink once the cola is added to blend everything together.
Is Texas Tea the Same as Long Island Iced Tea?
Yes, Texas Tea is essentially the same cocktail as Long Island Iced Tea. The name “Texas Tea” is sometimes used as a regional variation of this popular beverage.
Both cocktails are made with a combination of spirits. But the Texas Tea typically includes vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and sometimes whiskey or bourbon, along with other ingredients such as lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola.
While the specific ratios and ingredients may vary slightly between individual recipes, the overall concept and flavor profile is roughly the same. Both cocktails are known for their strong and potent nature.
So, if you encounter a menu or someone referring to a Texas Tea, you can expect it to be pretty similar to a Long Island Iced Tea.
What is the Difference Between a Long Island Iced Tea and a Long Beach Iced Tea?
Aside from having very similar names, these drinks include a lot of the same ingredients. The main difference is that Long Beach Iced Tea includes cranberry juice instead of cola, adding tart sweetness and a really pretty color.
The Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Shot Glass Or anything that can measure an ounce
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce Vodka
- 1 Ounce Rum
- 1 Ounce Triple Sec
- 1 Ounce Tequila
- 1 Ounce Gin
- 2 Ounces Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- Cola
- Lemon Sliced or Wedge for Garnish
- Mint For Garnish
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Fill a highball glass or mason jar with ice cubes and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top it off with a splash of cola.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and mint leaves.
- Give it a gentle stir before sipping.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts About Making This Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
In conclusion, the Long Island Iced Tea stands out among popular cocktails for its unique blend of spirits and refreshing taste. This easy cocktail recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious mix of flavors that can be enjoyed by all.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to make the best Long Island Iced Tea, impressing your guests and leveling up your cocktail-making skills. Cheers to crafting and savoring one of the best classic cocktails around!
Have you ever made a Long Island Iced Tea before? Do you have any twists on the recipe? I would love to know more in the comments below.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear! And feel free to share this post with anyone you think would find it helpful too.
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
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