Long Island Iced Tea

Introduction

The Long Island Iced Tea is the ultimate party cocktail—a vibrant, bold drink that perfectly balances multiple spirits and tangy citrus for a smooth finish. Despite its name, there’s no actual tea involved; instead, this classic combines vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec, topped with cola for a famously sippable result. It’s a crowd pleaser, a conversation starter, and a must-have for any spirited gathering.

Deliciously Unique Long Island Iced Tea

What makes this drink stand out is its incredible layering of flavors. While it boasts a strong kick, its mix of citrus, sweetness, and cola offers a refreshing, almost sneaky approachability—making it a favorite for both casual get-togethers and festive occasions. The Long Island Iced Tea is famous for its punch, but people come back for its unexpectedly smooth character.

Preparing the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea

The secret to a great Long Island Iced Tea is balance. Use measured pours—typically ½ ounce of each spirit—to ensure the cocktail is strong, but not overwhelming. Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest citrus flavor. Shake your spirits and citrus with ice before topping with cola for that signature, fizzy finish.

Assembling Your Long Island Iced Tea

Fill a tall glass with ice, then add your vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Secure a shaker tin on top and give the mix a few vigorous shakes. Strain into your glass and top with a splash of cola. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge for a polished look.

Serving Suggestions for a Show Stopping Long Island Iced Tea

Serve your Long Island Iced Tea in a highball or Collins glass packed with ice, finished with a lemon wheel or wedge. This cocktail pairs well with salty snacks like pretzels, nuts, or fried appetizers, making it perfect for happy hour or a summer barbecue.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each Long Island Iced Tea serves one and typically contains around 250-280 calories, depending on the amount of simple syrup and cola you use. Due to its potency, limit yourself to one or two per occasion.

Deliciously Unique Long Island Iced Tea (Recap)

This cocktail is the perfect blend of complex spirits and crisp cola, delivering both strength and refreshment. It’s beloved for its smooth, tangy flavor and party-ready presentation—a true show stopper.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—the easiest way to prep for your next gathering or cocktail night.

Instructions

1. Fill a highball or large Collins glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec directly to the glass.
3. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.
4. Using a shaker or a mixing tin, shake the spirits, lemon juice, and syrup with ice (optional, but enhances flavor meld).
5. Pour the mixture back over the ice-filled glass if you used a shaker.
6. Top with cola to taste (about 1 to 2 ounces, just enough to give color and fizz).
7. Gently stir to combine and garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

Weekly Meal Planning

Cocktail nights can be just as organized as meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe along with party snacks or dinner entrees to build a complete gathering menu. CookifyAI auto-generates smart shopping lists that cross-reference ingredients from all your recipes, perfect for party prep or weekly enjoyment.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates precise ingredient needs for cocktails and food recipes
• Organizes your shopping list by ingredient type and store section
• Helps avoid duplicate bottles (no more buying extra gin by accident!)
• Makes entertaining stress-free and cost-efficient

Pro tip: If you’re planning an event, schedule your cocktail and food recipes together. CookifyAI combines everything needed into one optimized list so you’re ready for anything.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes