Long Island Cocktail Recipe: Let’s be honest – the Long Island Iced Tea is infamous. This cocktail isn’t your average nightcap. It’s bold, boozy, and built for those who want their drink to pack a punch. Despite the name, it doesn’t contain a drop of tea. So, why all the fuss?
The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most potent cocktails you can find. It looks tame, almost like a glass of sweet iced tea, but don’t be fooled. Underneath that innocent, amber hue is a lineup of five different spirits, perfectly balanced to go down smooth while delivering a swift kick. If you’re into cocktails that are strong yet surprisingly easy to sip, this one’s for you.
Whether you’re hosting a party, trying to impress guests, or just looking to sharpen your bartending skills, this guide will walk you through everything – from the ingredients and tools you need to a foolproof step-by-step recipe. And don’t worry, we’ll throw in tips, mistakes to avoid, and even some cool variations to try.
Why Is It Called Long Island Iced Tea?
The name can be a bit misleading. There’s no tea involved. So, why call it “iced tea” at all?
It all comes down to the drink’s appearance. When cola is added at the end, it gives the drink a dark amber color that closely resembles iced tea. The “Long Island” part? That’s where it supposedly originated — Long Island, New York. There’s a bit of debate about that, but more on that in the next section.
The name adds to the cocktail’s mystique. Imagine sipping what looks like a harmless glass of iced tea, only to discover you’ve been hit with five different liquors. That’s what makes this drink legendary.
The Origin Story: A Boozy Legacy
The Long Island Iced Tea’s backstory is just as layered as the drink itself. There are two popular origin tales:
- Long Island, New York – 1970s: The most widely accepted origin credits bartender Robert “Rosebud” Butt with inventing the drink during a contest to create a new mixed drink using Triple Sec. He whipped up this potent combo, and the rest is history.
- Prohibition-era Tennessee – 1920s: Some argue it actually dates back to the 1920s in a community called Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee. “Old Man Bishop” is said to have created an early version with whiskey and maple syrup.
Either way, the cocktail became a bar staple by the 1980s and hasn’t looked back since.
Who Should Drink a Long Island?
This isn’t a drink for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a light buzz, maybe try a mojito or a spritz. But if you’re out to feel something fast and strong, this is your guy.
- Best for: Party-goers, seasoned drinkers, and anyone with a high alcohol tolerance.
- Not ideal for: Casual sippers or those looking for a mild cocktail.
A Long Island isn’t about sipping slowly while contemplating life — it’s about turning up the fun a few notches.
Is It Really That Strong? Let’s Talk Alcohol Content
Short answer: Yes. It’s strong.
Each standard Long Island contains:
- Vodka
- Rum
- Gin
- Tequila
- Triple Sec
That’s five different types of liquor in one glass, typically ½ oz of each. Add it up, and you’re looking at a cocktail with around 22-28% ABV (alcohol by volume) – depending on how it’s mixed.
For context, a glass of wine is around 12% ABV. You see the difference?
This is why bartenders often warn you not to have more than two. It sneaks up on you – fast.
Flavor Profile: What Does a Long Island Taste Like?
You’d think five liquors would taste like a disaster, right? Surprisingly, no.
Thanks to the balance of citrus and cola, it has:
- A sweet and sour kick
- A smooth finish
- A hint of citrusy brightness
- Zero burn from the alcohol (when made right)
It’s boozy, yes. But it’s also dangerously drinkable. That’s the magic of the Long Island.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft the perfect Long Island, you need a balance of boozy and bubbly. Here’s the breakdown:
Alcohol Base:
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz White Rum
- ½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Tequila (Silver/Blanco)
- ½ oz Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
Non-Alcoholic Mixers:
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup or Sweet & Sour Mix
- Top with Cola (about 1-2 oz)
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon Wedge
- Lime Wheel
- Mint Sprig (for aesthetics)
These ingredients make one standard Long Island cocktail.
Tools You’ll Need for Mixing
Before you dive into mixing, get these tools ready:
- Cocktail Shaker (optional but recommended)
- Jigger or shot glass (for measuring)
- Highball or Collins glass
- Bar Spoon (for stirring)
- Ice (lots of it!)
Having the right tools ensures consistency and that bar-quality finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make the Perfect Long Island Cocktail
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start with a tall highball or Collins glass. Fill it to the brim with ice — the more, the better. Not only does it keep the drink cold, but it also slightly dilutes the alcohol as it sits.
Pro tip: Chill the glass ahead of time for an extra refreshing experience.
Step 2: Add the Alcohols
One by one, pour the following into your shaker or directly into the glass:
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz White Rum
- ½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Tequila
- ½ oz Triple Sec
Keep your hand steady and pour carefully. You don’t want to overdo it with any one spirit — balance is everything here.
Step 3: Add Sweet & Sour Mix
Next, pour in your 1 oz lemon juice and 1 oz simple syrup (or use 2 oz of pre-made sweet & sour mix). This is where the magic happens — it blends the sharp edge of the spirits and gives the drink its signature zing.
Shake it in a cocktail shaker with ice if you want a more uniform mix.
Step 4: Top With Cola
After shaking or stirring, pour the mix into your ice-filled glass. Then, top it with 1-2 oz of cola. This gives the drink its iconic iced-tea color and adds sweetness and fizz.
Don’t overdo the cola — just enough to top it off is perfect.
Step 5: Stir Gently
Use a bar spoon to stir the drink gently. You want to integrate everything without flattening the cola. One or two gentle swirls should do the trick.
This step makes sure you’re not sipping pure tequila from the top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add a lemon wedge or lime wheel to the rim of the glass. Not just for looks — a light squeeze of citrus over the drink brightens the flavor.
Optional: Add a straw and a sprig of mint for flair.
That’s it. You’ve made a classic Long Island Iced Tea. Sip responsibly!
Best Time to Serve a Long Island
When’s the perfect moment to bring out the Long Island Iced Tea? Let’s put it this way — this drink isn’t for your average Sunday brunch. It’s a cocktail made for the after dark crowd or any time the vibe demands a little chaos in a glass.
Ideal occasions:
- Parties & Celebrations: Whether it’s a house party, birthday bash, or bachelor/bachelorette event, the Long Island is a showstopper that gets the crowd going.
- Barbecues & Summer Nights: That iced-tea look fits right in at outdoor summer gatherings.
- Pre-Gaming: Want a quick buzz before hitting the club? A Long Island will fast-track your night.
- Game Nights or Poker Nights: If the stakes are high, the drinks should be, too.
That said, don’t serve this cocktail if your guests are lightweights. One glass can hit harder than expected — so keep water and snacks nearby and maybe warn first-timers before handing them one.
Tips for Making It Taste Better
Sure, the classic recipe works, but if you want to take it from “just okay” to “damn, that’s good,” here’s how:
1. Use Premium Spirits
You don’t need top-shelf everything, but avoid the super cheap stuff. Mid-tier brands like Tito’s (vodka), Bacardi (rum), Bombay (gin), and Espolòn (tequila) make a noticeable difference.
2. Fresh Lemon Juice Over Bottled
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice gives it that crisp zing. Bottled juices often taste flat or artificial.
3. Homemade Simple Syrup
Boil equal parts sugar and water for 1 minute, cool, and store. It’s cheap, easy, and way better than store-bought mixes.
4. Don’t Overpour the Cola
It should complement the drink, not drown it. 1-2 oz max, added last.
5. Chill All Ingredients
Cold ingredients = less ice melting = a smoother taste that doesn’t get watery fast.
6. Shake or Stir?
Shaking helps blend everything, especially the citrus and syrup. Stirring is fine if you’re in a rush, but shaking gives it that bar-quality mouthfeel.
Variations You Can Try
If you’ve mastered the original and want to mix things up, try these creative twists on the Long Island:
The Texas Tea
What’s different?
Add ½ oz bourbon to the original recipe. That’s six liquors in one drink. It’s even bolder, with a hint of smokiness from the whiskey.
Long Beach Iced Tea
What’s different?
Swap the cola for cranberry juice. It’s lighter, fruitier, and slightly more refreshing. Perfect for summer days or beach vibes.
Tokyo Tea
What’s different?
Replace Triple Sec with Midori (melon liqueur) and use lemon-lime soda instead of cola. This version is neon green and tastes like a sweet, boozy candy.
Electric Iced Tea
What’s different?
Swap the cola for blue curaçao and Sprite or 7-Up. This one turns a vivid blue and tastes citrusy with a hint of sweetness.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced bartenders can mess up a Long Island if they’re not careful. Here are the top things to avoid:
1. Too Much of Any One Spirit
Equal parts is key. Overdoing one liquor throws the balance off and makes the drink harsh.
2. Using Dark Rum or Aged Tequila
Stick with white/light versions. Dark spirits muddy the flavor and appearance.
3. Flat Cola
Old, flat soda ruins the fizz and freshness. Always use a fresh bottle or can.
4. Skipping the Sour Mix
Don’t just mix the liquors and cola — you need that citrusy punch to cut through the booze.
5. Serving It in a Small Glass
This isn’t a martini. Use a tall glass with plenty of ice to balance out the alcohol content and dilution.
How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Version
Yes, there’s a “mocktail” version for those who want the flavor without the buzz. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Orange Juice (to mimic Triple Sec)
- 1 oz Black Tea (for depth)
- Top with Cola
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake everything except the cola with ice.
- Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with cola.
- Stir gently and garnish with lemon.
It’s refreshing, complex, and surprisingly close to the real thing.
Nutrition Facts and Calories
Here’s a quick look at what you’re consuming in a standard 8 oz Long Island Iced Tea:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260-300 kcal |
| Alcohol | ~22-28% ABV |
| Sugars | 20-25g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-30g |
| Fats/Protein | 0g |
| Serving Size | 1 Glass (8-10 oz) |
This drink is calorie-heavy because of the sugar and alcohol. It’s not for everyday sipping, but perfect for occasional indulgence.
FAQs about Long Island Cocktail Recipe
1. Can I batch Long Island Iced Tea for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need and mix everything (except the cola) in a pitcher. Add ice and cola just before serving.
2. What’s the difference between a Long Island and a Long Beach Iced Tea?
The main difference is in the mixer. Long Island uses cola, while Long Beach swaps it for cranberry juice.
3. Is it okay to skip one of the liquors?
Technically yes, but the taste will be off. The unique balance of all five liquors is what makes the Long Island special.
4. How can I lower the alcohol content?
Cut each liquor amount in half and add more sour mix or cola to dilute it. You’ll get the taste without as strong of a punch.
5. Can I make it sweeter or less sweet?
Absolutely. Adjust the simple syrup and cola to suit your taste. More syrup = sweeter; less cola = stronger.
Conclusion
The Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail legend — bold, boozy, and surprisingly drinkable. Whether you’re making it for the first time or fine-tuning your recipe, the key is all in the balance. Equal parts liquor, fresh citrus, just the right splash of cola, and a whole lot of ice.
It’s a drink that demands respect. Treat it right, and it’ll treat you to a night you won’t forget (or maybe one you will — depending on how many you have). Remember, quality ingredients, the right technique, and a little creativity can turn a basic Long Island into a signature cocktail.
Now go mix one up and enjoy responsibly. Cheers!
