long island iced tea recipe easy

Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

The Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is a classic cocktail known for its smooth taste despite containing multiple spirits. Made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec, then balanced with citrus and a splash of cola, this drink offers a surprisingly refreshing flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for an easy bar-style drink to make at home or a single-serve cocktail option, it follows the traditional preparation method used worldwide. This Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors blended into a well-balanced drink without one spirit overpowering the others.

long island iced tea recipe australia
long island iced tea recipe australia

Ingredients

  • 15 ml (½ oz) vodka
  • 15 ml (½ oz) white rum
  • 15 ml (½ oz) gin
  • 15 ml (½ oz) tequila
  • 15 ml (½ oz) triple sec
  • 30 ml (1 oz) sweet and sour mix
  • Splash of cola
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Strain into a tall Collins or hurricane glass filled with ice.
  5. Top with a splash of cola to achieve the classic iced tea color.
  6. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
long island iced tea recipe
long island iced tea recipe

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: No cooking required
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 1 cocktail

Tips for the Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

  • Use fresh ice and a well-chilled glass for better balance and dilution.
  • Do not overpour the spirits; equal measurements maintain flavor harmony.
  • Adjust the cola depending on how strong you want the drink.
  • Shake thoroughly to properly integrate the citrus and alcohol.

Variations

  • Top Shelf Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: Use premium spirits for a smoother finish.
  • Blue Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: Replace triple sec with blue curaçao.
  • Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: Add strawberry syrup or puree for a fruity twist.
  • Texas Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: Include a splash of bourbon for extra strength.
  • Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Pitcher: Multiply ingredients and mix in advance for parties.
  • Desert Island Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: Often includes additional fruit flavors or juices depending on regional variations.

This cocktail remains popular because it combines strong spirits into a balanced drink that tastes lighter than it actually is, making careful measurement essential.