Long Island Iced Tea
Introduction
The Long Island Iced Tea is an iconic cocktail that defies expectations: it tastes like a refreshing glass of tea but packs a punch with a medley of spirits. Loved for its unique blend and citrusy kick, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser for parties, summer get-togethers, or an upscale weekend treat at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple assembly, you’ll have a cocktail that’s bold, well-balanced, and effortlessly impressive.
Why the Long Island Iced Tea Stands Out
What sets the Long Island Iced Tea apart is its surprising harmony. Despite including five different liquors, the drink manages to be smooth and balanced, with a hint of lemon tang and a gentle sweetness. It’s the ideal option when you’re looking for something festive and flavorful—without a lot of fuss.
The Key to Achieving the Perfect Blend
The real secret behind a great Long Island Iced Tea is proportion. Combining equal parts of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec, then adding lemon juice and simple syrup, results in a complex and smooth flavor profile that isn’t harsh or overpowering. A splash of cola adds the characteristic color and ties all the flavors together with just the right touch of sweetness.
How to Mix Your Long Island Iced Tea
Start by adding all the liquors, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly so the flavors combine and chill evenly. Pour into a tall glass—preferably filled with ice—then top off with cola and garnish with a wedge of lemon. The finished cocktail should be crisp, cold, and perfectly blended.
Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Long Island Iced Tea
Presentation counts for this classic! Serve in a tall highball or hurricane glass filled with plenty of ice. A fresh lemon wheel or twist adds flair, while a sprig of mint can bring a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous aroma. For gatherings, set out pre-measured mixers and let guests build their own for added fun.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes 1 serving, containing approximately 250 to 300 calories (depending on your cola and syrup). Because the drink contains several types of alcohol, enjoy it responsibly and savor the flavors.
Long Island Iced Tea (Recap)
The Long Island Iced Tea’s strength lies in its balance—multiple spirits coming together in a cocktail that’s as refreshing and sippable as it is festive. When made correctly, it’s the perfect way to bring a bit of bar-quality magic to your home entertaining.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless entertaining.
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to blend and chill.
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with cola to taste, typically 1–2 ounces, to achieve the classic iced tea color and slight fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge (and a sprig of mint if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy.
Weekly Meal Planning
The Long Island Iced Tea isn’t just for special occasions—it also fits beautifully into your weekend drink plans or themed dinner parties. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which evenings to serve and automatically generate smart shopping lists that combine ingredients across all your planned meals and cocktails.
Planning Benefits:
- CookifyAI combines all your drink and food ingredient needs for a stress-free shopping experience
- Organizes your list by grocery section, so you never miss an item
- Reduces waste by tracking overlapping ingredients in multiple recipes (like lemons or simple syrup)
- Keeps your weekly entertaining organized and efficient
Pro tip: When planning a cocktail night, schedule all your recipes so you buy just the right amount of mixers, syrups, and garnishes for the week. It’s the easiest way to elevate your hosting game.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy the perfect Long Island Iced Tea—flavorful, effortless, and always impressive. Cheers!