Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail recipe
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Long Island Iced Tea is a high-octane highball that disguises its strength behind the look of a tall, cola-tinted refresher. You’ll often hear competing stories about its beginnings: one places it in Prohibition-era America as a way to make a mixed drink look like an innocent iced tea, while another ties its modern fame to Long Island, New York, where it becomes a bar staple thanks to its big, party-ready profile. However you frame it, it’s best known as the “everything in the well” cocktail that still manages to taste surprisingly cohesive.
On the palate, the white rum, gin, tequila blanco, and vodka build a clean, punchy base that’s lifted by Cointreau’s orange sweetness. Lemon juice brings sharp brightness, while sugar or simple syrup smooths the edges and rounds out the citrus. A top-up of cola adds caramel-like sweetness and a gentle bitterness that pulls the whole mix into that familiar “iced tea” illusion.
You’ll find it suits lively nights, house parties, and any occasion where you want one tall drink that lasts. Served in a highball glass, it appeals if you like citrus-forward, cola-touched cocktails that drink easy but land with authority.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
White rum, gin, tequila blanco, and vodka stack into a clean, boozy core, while Cointreau and lemon juice bring bright orange-citrus lift over simple syrup’s sweetness, all softened and darkened by a cola top-up. It works because the lemon’s sharpness and cola’s caramel fizz mask the spirits and the syrup rounds the edges; ideal for drinkers who want a deceptively easy, strong highball.
Method
How to make a Long Island Iced Tea
- White rum 15ml, Gin 15ml, Tequila blanco 15ml, Vodka 15ml, Cointreau 15ml, Cola Top up, Lemon juice 30ml, Sugar / simple syrup 20ml
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- Fill a tall glass (like a highball or hurricane glass) with ice
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- Pour in 15ml each of vodka, white rum, gin, tequila blanco, and Cointreau
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- Add 30ml of fresh lemon juice and 20ml of simple syrup
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- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients
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- Top up the glass with cola to fill—around 60–90ml depending on your glass size
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- Give it one final gentle stir to blend the flavours
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- Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice, and serve with a straw
Power tips
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Find out more- Layer your spirits in the Long Island Iced Tea for a more visually appealing drink, starting with the lighter liquors first.
- Use a high-quality cola brand as a cheap, overly sweet cola can compromise the balance of the cocktail.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
Why is it called Long Island Iced Tea?
Long Island Iced Tea is named after the American East Coast's Long Island, not because it contains tea, but because its appearance closely resembles that of iced tea. The cocktail's origin is often disputed, but it's believed to have been invented in the 1970s by a bartender named Robert 'Rosebud' Butt during a contest to create a new mixed drink with triple sec.
Can I substitute any of the spirits in a Long Island Iced Tea?
While the traditional recipe includes five types of spirits (vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and Cointreau), substitutions can alter the flavor, making it a variant of the original. For example, using a flavored vodka or spiced rum can give a unique twist, but for the authentic taste of a Long Island Iced Tea, it's best to stick to the classic recipe.
What type of occasions is Long Island Iced Tea best suited for?
Long Island Iced Tea is a strong, high-alcohol content cocktail that's popularly served at parties, bars, and summer gatherings. Its refreshing quality makes it ideal for hot weather occasions, casual get-togethers, and is particularly favored for its potent mix providing a quicker intoxication.
Is Long Island Iced Tea a strong drink?
Yes, Long Island Iced Tea is considered a strong drink due to its high alcohol content, coming from a potent mix of five different spirits. Despite its deceptive sweetness and similarity in appearance to iced tea, it packs a significant punch and should be consumed responsibly.
How can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Long Island Iced Tea?
To make a non-alcoholic version of a Long Island Iced Tea, you can substitute the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic spirits or use a combination of teas (like black or peach tea) and lemonade to mimic the original flavors. Adding a splash of cola will give it the characteristic color and a hint of the original taste.
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