Long Island Ice Tea Recipe: Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail known for its deceptive taste and high alcohol content. Despite its name, this drink contains no actual tea—its color and taste come from a mix of spirits and cola. It’s a favorite at parties and bars due to its refreshing taste and powerful kick.
If you’re looking to make this drink at home, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredients to serving tips.
Ingredients Required
To make a perfect Long Island Iced Tea, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Spirits:
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz white rum
- ½ oz gin
- ½ oz tequila
- ½ oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
Mixers and Other Ingredients:
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz cola (for color and flavor)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wedge (for garnish)
These ingredients combine to create a smooth, refreshing, and slightly citrusy cocktail with a robust punch.
Tools Needed
Before you start mixing, gather these essential tools:
Essential Bar Tools:
- Cocktail shaker – To mix and chill the ingredients
- Jigger or measuring cup – For accurate proportions
- Bar spoon – To stir the drink
- Strainer – To filter out ice from the shaker
Glassware:
- Highball glass – The standard glass for serving Long Island Iced Tea
- Collins glass – Another good alternative
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Long Island Iced Tea:
Step 1: Fill the Shaker with Ice
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. This helps to chill the drink properly.
Step 2: Add the Spirits
Pour the following spirits into the shaker:
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz white rum
- ½ oz gin
- ½ oz tequila
- ½ oz triple sec
These five spirits form the strong base of the cocktail.
Step 3: Add the Mixers
Next, pour in:
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
Shake well to blend the ingredients and chill the drink.
Step 4: Pour into a Glass
Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
Step 5: Add Cola and Garnish
- Top with 1 oz cola to give it the signature iced tea appearance.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Your Long Island Iced Tea is ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea
- Balance the spirits – Too much of one type can overpower the drink.
- Use fresh lemon juice – It enhances the citrusy zing and makes a difference in taste.
- Don’t overpour cola – A little is enough for color and mild sweetness.
- Shake well – This ensures all flavors blend smoothly.
Variations of Long Island Iced Tea
If you love this drink, you might want to try these fun variations:
1. Tokyo Tea
- Replace cola with melon liqueur and lemon-lime soda.
2. Long Beach Iced Tea
- Swap cola for cranberry juice for a fruity twist.
3. Texas Tea
- Add bourbon whiskey for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Best Occasions:
- Summer parties
- Beach get-togethers
- Cocktail nights
Food Pairings:
- Nachos with cheese – A salty snack to balance the sweetness.
- Grilled seafood – Complements the citrusy flavors.
- Spicy wings – Pairs well with the strong alcohol content.
FAQs about Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
1. What ingredients are needed for a Long Island Iced Tea?
To make a classic Long Island Iced Tea, you’ll need vodka, tequila, rum, triple sec, gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of cola for that signature taste.
2. How do I make a Long Island Iced Tea?
Start by filling a shaker with ice. Pour in equal parts of vodka, tequila, rum, triple sec, and gin. Add a splash of simple syrup and lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a highball or hurricane glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of cola and garnish with a lemon slice.
3. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Long Island Iced Tea?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, replace the alcoholic components with similar flavored non-alcoholic spirits or use a mix of iced tea, lemon juice, and a non-alcoholic triple sec.
4. What is the best way to serve Long Island Iced Tea?
Long Island Iced Tea is best served over ice in a tall glass, like a highball or hurricane glass, to keep it cool and refreshing. Garnishing with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint can enhance the flavor and appearance.
5. Are there any variations to the traditional Long Island Iced Tea recipe?
Yes, there are several variations. For a tropical twist, add a splash of pineapple juice or replace cola with ginger ale. Some versions use lime juice instead of lemon, and others incorporate amaretto for a slightly sweeter taste.
6. How strong is a Long Island Iced Tea?
Long Island Iced Tea is quite potent, as it contains multiple types of alcohol. It’s important to enjoy it responsibly due to its high alcohol content.
Now that you have a complete guide, go ahead and make your own Long Island Iced Tea!
