The Long Island Iced Tea combines five different spirits in one glass and still tastes like iced tea – at least visually. Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, and Triple Sec are mixed with lemon juice and a splash of cola. The result is a smooth, surprisingly harmonious drink that’s stronger than it looks. Perfect for long evenings when you don’t plan to go home early.
And this is what you need for the Long Island Iced Tea
1.5 cl Vodka
1.5 cl Gin
1.5 cl white Rum
1.5 cl Tequila Blanco
1.5 cl Triple Sec
3 cl lemon juice
2 cl sugar syrup
Cola to top up
Lemon slice for garnish
This is what matters
The trick to a proper Long Island is balance: each spirit only contributes 1.5 cl, so none dominates. The cola is only added as a topper – max 3 to 4 cl, otherwise the drink becomes too sweet and loses its structure. Many bars fill the glass entirely with cola, leaving you with just sugar water. The lemon juice must be fresh, otherwise the acidity turns artificial. And: always shake first, then add the cola. If you add the cola to the shaker, you’ll end up with foam instead of a drink.
Variations
- Long Beach Iced Tea — cranberry juice instead of cola, fruity with a light pink hue.
- Tokyo Iced Tea — Midori melon liqueur instead of Triple Sec, with Sprite instead of cola, green and sweeter.
- Texas Iced Tea — Bourbon instead of Vodka, for more depth and woody notes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the drink called Iced Tea if there’s no tea in it?
The cola gives the drink an amber color like iced tea, and the lemon enhances the visual illusion. Flavor-wise, it has nothing to do with tea – the name is pure camouflage.
Can I omit or replace the spirits?
Theoretically yes, but then it’s no longer a Long Island. The five spirits are the signature. If you leave one out, you’ll have a different drink – not necessarily worse, but different.
How strong is a Long Island Iced Tea?
With 7.5 cl of pure spirits, it’s significantly stronger than a regular long drink. The sweetness masks the alcohol, so be careful – one is often enough.
