Craving a potent, refreshing cocktail that packs a punch without tasting like straight booze? Look no further than this best Long Island Iced Tea recipe – a homemade version that’s even better than what you’d get at your favorite bar. Originating from the 1970s in Long Island, New York, this iconic drink cleverly disguises five types of liquor in a tea-like appearance, thanks to the splash of cola on top. It’s sweet, tart, and deceptively smooth, making it perfect for summer parties, backyard barbecues, or unwinding after a long day.
This easy recipe uses equal parts vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec, balanced with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup for that signature flavor. No fancy bar tools required – just a shaker, ice, and a tall glass. Whether you’re a cocktail newbie or a mixology pro, this best Long Island Iced Tea recipe delivers bar-quality results at home. Plus, it’s customizable for sweetness or strength. Sip responsibly – one is usually enough!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 (easily scalable for pitchers)
Ingredients for the Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
For the ultimate homemade twist on this classic, we’ve curated a balanced list of ingredients. Use high-quality spirits for the smoothest sip. Here’s everything you’ll need, presented in a handy table for quick reference:
Cocktail Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka | ½ ounce | Neutral, like Tito’s or Smirnoff |
| White rum | ½ ounce | Light and clean, e.g., Bacardi |
| Gin | ½ ounce | London dry style, like Beefeater |
| Tequila (blanco) | ½ ounce | Silver tequila, e.g., Jose Cuervo |
| Triple sec | ½ ounce | Orange liqueur, like Cointreau |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 ounce | From 1 lemon; bottled works in a pinch |
| Simple syrup | ½ ounce | Homemade (equal parts sugar & water) or store-bought |
| Cola | 2–3 ounces | To top; use Coca-Cola for authenticity |
| Ice cubes | As needed | For shaking and serving |
For Garnish (Optional)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon wedge | 1 | For squeezing and visual appeal |
| Mint sprig or cherry | 1 | For extra flair |
Equipment
| Equipment | Purpose | Recommended / Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail shaker | Chilling & mixing the drink perfectly | Standard 2-piece or Boston shaker |
| Jigger (or measuring shot glass) | Accurate ½ oz & 1 oz measurements | Double-sided jigger is best |
| Hawthorne strainer | Straining into the glass cleanly | Comes with most shakers |
| Highball or Collins glass | Classic tall serving glass (12–16 oz) | Any tall glass works |
| Long bar spoon | Gentle stirring after adding cola | Regular spoon is fine |
| Ice scoop or tongs | Keeping things sanitary | Clean hands work in a pinch |
| Juicer (handheld) | Fresh lemon juice in seconds | Fork + muscle power as backup |
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Easy Guide to the Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid), a jigger for measuring, and a highball or Collins glass.
- Measure the spirits: Pour ½ ounce each of vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec into the shaker. This equal-parts base is what makes the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe so iconic.
- Add the mixers: Squeeze in 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and ½ ounce of simple syrup. The acidity from the lemon cuts through the booze, while the syrup adds subtle sweetness.
- Fill with ice: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker – about halfway full. This chills everything quickly.
- Shake it up: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. You want it frosty and well-mixed, but not watered down.
- Strain into glass: Fill your highball glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice, leaving room at the top.
- Top with cola: Slowly pour 2–3 ounces of cola over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. It mimics the look of iced tea!
- Garnish and serve: Add a lemon wedge on the rim, maybe a mint sprig for aroma. Stir gently before sipping. Enjoy your homemade best Long Island Iced Tea recipe immediately for maximum refreshment.
Pro Mixing Tips for the Perfect Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Even beginners can nail this with a few insider tricks. Here’s a bullet-point list to elevate your game:
- Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled is okay, but fresh adds brightness that makes this the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe around.
- Chill everything: Pop your spirits in the fridge beforehand to keep the drink ice-cold without dilution.
- Don’t overs hake: 10–15 seconds is plenty; longer melts the ice too much.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the mix before adding cola – add more simple syrup if it’s too tart.
- Scale for crowds: Multiply ingredients by 8 for a pitcher. Stir instead of shaking, and add cola per glass.
- Avoid cheap spirits: Mid-shelf liquors prevent harsh flavors; this isn’t the place for bottom-shelf booze.
- Layer the cola: Pouring over a spoon preserves carbonation and creates that classic tea hue.
Serving Ideas to Impress with Your Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
This cocktail shines at social gatherings. Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Party punch: Make a big batch in a punch bowl with floating lemon slices – perfect for BBQs or game nights.
- Themed nights: Pair with ’70s music for a retro vibe, or serve at beach-themed parties.
- Food pairings: Balance the sweetness with salty snacks like pretzels, cheese platters, or buffalo wings.
- Mocktail version: Skip the booze for a kid-friendly “iced tea” – great for inclusive events.
- Garnish bar: Let guests customize with lime, orange slices, or even a splash of cranberry juice.
Storage Tips for Leftover Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Mix
While best enjoyed fresh, you can store extras smartly:
- Fridge storage: Keep the shaken base (without cola) in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. Add cola and ice when serving.
- Avoid freezing: The alcohol content prevents proper freezing, and it can separate.
- Batch prep: Mix spirits and lemon ahead for parties; store in the fridge up to 2 days.
- Signs it’s gone bad: If it smells off or separates oddly, toss it – but it’s rare with booze!
- Portion control: Make single servings to avoid waste, as the fizz from cola fades quickly.
Proper storage keeps your best Long Island Iced Tea recipe ready for round two.
Delicious Variations on the Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Keep it exciting with these twists – all easy to incorporate into the base recipe:
- Texas Tea: Swap simple syrup for bourbon – adds a smoky kick.
- Electric Iced Tea: Use blue curaçao instead of triple sec for a vibrant blue hue.
- Hawaiian Iced Tea: Replace cola with pineapple juice for a tropical vibe.
- Skinny Version: Use diet cola and skip the simple syrup for fewer calories.
- Berry Infused: Muddle fresh raspberries before shaking for a fruity upgrade.
- Herbal Twist: Infuse gin with cucumber or add a basil leaf for freshness.
These variations make the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe endlessly adaptable.
Substitutes for Ingredients in the Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
| Original Ingredient | Substitute | Amount Adjustment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple sec | Cointreau or Grand Marnier | Same | Slightly sweeter |
| Lemon juice | Lime juice | Same | More tropical |
| Simple syrup | Honey or agave | Reduce to ¼ oz | Thicker texture |
| Cola | Root beer or ginger ale | Same | Different fizz |
| White rum | Dark rum | Same | Richer flavor |
| Tequila | Mezcal | Same | Smoky alternative |
Healthier Options for a Lighter Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
While indulgent, you can tweak for better-for-you sips:
- Lower calorie: Use zero-calorie cola and stevia-based simple syrup.
- Low-carb/keto: Opt for diet cola and sugar-free syrup; skip if strict keto due to alcohol.
- Antioxidant boost: Add a splash of pomegranate juice instead of some cola.
- Reduced alcohol: Halve the spirits and double the lemon juice for a milder version.
- Natural sweeteners: Use fresh orange juice in place of triple sec for vitamin C.
- Hydration hack: Serve with a side of water – alcohol dehydrates!
Expert Notes on Mastering the Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
As a cocktail enthusiast who’s mixed hundreds, the key is balance – equal spirits prevent any one from dominating. From my experience, fresh citrus is non-negotiable for that zing. If it tastes too strong, add more cola gradually. Pro tip: Use a jigger for precision; eyeballing leads to inconsistency. This homemade easy recipe is forgiving, so experiment confidently!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 9% |
| Sugars | 20g | N/A |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
| Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Alcohol | ~22g | N/A |
| Sodium | 10mg | <1% |
Conclusion
The absolute best Long Island Iced Tea recipe you’ll ever make at home, ready in just 5 minutes and guaranteed to outshine anything from your local bar. With perfectly balanced spirits, fresh lemon brightness, and that signature cola finish, this easy homemade version delivers the iconic sweet-tart punch without any guesswork. Whether you’re shaking up one glass for yourself or batching a pitcher for a party, this beginner-friendly classic will instantly become your go-to cocktail.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the origin of the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe?
A: This cocktail hails from the 1970s, credited to bartender Robert “Rosebud” Butt at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, NY. It’s named for its iced tea-like look, not ingredients. Our homemade version captures that classic essence perfectly.
Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe?
A: Yes! Replace spirits with equal parts iced tea (black or herbal), add extra lemon juice and simple syrup, then top with cola or lemon-lime soda. It’s refreshing and family-friendly.
Q: How strong is the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe?
A: Quite potent – about 2.5 standard drinks per serving due to the five spirits. Always drink responsibly, especially as the cola masks the alcohol taste. Limit to one per sitting.
Q: What’s the difference between sour mix and fresh lemon in the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe?
A: Sour mix is a pre-made blend of lemon/lime juice and sugar, convenient but often artificial. Fresh lemon provides brighter, natural flavor – we recommend it for the ultimate taste, but sour mix works for speed.
Q: Can I batch the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe for a party?
A: Absolutely! Multiply ingredients by the number of servings . Mix everything except cola in a pitcher, chill, then pour over ice and top with cola per glass to keep it fizzy.
Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring shot glass
- Hawthorne strainer
- Highball or Collins glass
- Long bar spoon
- Ice scoop or tongs
- Juicer (handheld)
Ingredients
- Vodka
- White rum
- Gin
- Tequila blanco
- Triple sec
- Fresh lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Cola
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wedge
- Mint sprig or cherry
Instructions
- Gather your tools: You'll need a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid), a jigger for measuring, and a highball or Collins glass.
- Measure the spirits: Pour ½ ounce each of vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec into the shaker. This equal-parts base is what makes the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe so iconic.
- Add the mixers: Squeeze in 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and ½ ounce of simple syrup. The acidity from the lemon cuts through the booze, while the syrup adds subtle sweetness.
- Fill with ice: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker – about halfway full. This chills everything quickly.
- Shake it up: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. You want it frosty and well-mixed, but not watered down.
- Strain into glass: Fill your highball glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice, leaving room at the top.
- Top with cola: Slowly pour 2–3 ounces of cola over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. It mimics the look of iced tea!
- Garnish and serve: Add a lemon wedge on the rim, maybe a mint sprig for aroma. Stir gently before sipping. Enjoy your homemade best Long Island Iced Tea recipe immediately for maximum refreshment.
