If you are looking for the perfect Long Island iced tea recipe then look no further! Since moving to my new home on Long Island, I’ve become obsessed with all things local – including the famous Long Island cocktail. Long Island iced tea became popular during the 1970’s and it’s been a classic every since, gaining International Bartender Association (IBA) status.
History of the Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
It’s up for debate as to which Long Island the drink originated from with two stories claiming origin of the famous Long Island iced tea. One from Long Island, New York in 1972 and another from Long Island, Tennessee.
If you are curious as to why Long Island iced tea is named after tea, since it contains none, it’s because of the tea like hue of the finished cocktail.
With a mix of four liquors and a splash of cola and lemon, this classic cocktail really does pack quite a punch. I’ve provided variations to the classic Long Island Iced tea recipe here too, which include a longer drink and delicious flavor variations.
Ingredients for Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Long Island iced tea really is in a league of it’s own when it comes to strength and ingredients. Cocktails are often carefully crafted by mixologists and this one has bartenders split due to the the amount and combination of liquors. But, there’s no question as whether it’s a success. The liquors come together to make a r&cocktail. Which is probably why it been called ‘dangerously boozy’!
I’ve included the recipe with ingredients and instructions below. However, to make your own long island iced tea, you’ll need the following ingredients: vodka, light rum, tequila, gin, Coca Cola, syrup, lemons and ice.
Making Long Island Iced Tea
To start with you’ll need a tall glass, or if you prefer, a large pitcher and glasses. For a more traditional recipe, use equal parts of all five liquors – but feel free to experiment with different amounts if that’s what you prefer! Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes and add each measure of liquor and the syrup – stirring gently after adding each one. Once they are combined together and the glass is filled halfway with the mixture of spirits and ice cubes, top it off with Coca Cola for a dash of sweetness and add the same measurement of freshly squeezed lemon juice. To garnish your drink take a slice of lemon and float it on top before serving.
Variations of Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
If a classic Long Island Iced Tea isn’t quite your thing, or if you feel like having some fun with the recipe, then there are plenty of variations out there to try. The most popular alternative, known as the cousin of Long Island Iced Tea, is Long Beach Iced Tea. This consists of cranberry juice instead of Coca Cola which makes for a slightly more refreshing drink.
Other options use vanilla vodka, or even swapping the vodka for amaretto for added flavor. You can use lime, orange or grapefruit juice instead of lemon; or try replacing the light rum with dark rum to give it an extra kick. If you want a longer drink increase the amount of mixer or decrease the size of the liquor measurements.
And of course, if you’re on a low or no sugar diet you can switch Coca Cola for a no sugar variation. My favorite is Coca Cola Zero.
There are so many options available at your fingertips (or should we say taste buds!) you can create endless variations until you find one that you love. Why not have some fun experimenting?
Variations to the Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
- Cranberry juice instead of Coca Cola
- Vanilla vodka instead of regular vodka
- Amaretto instead of vodka
- Dark rum instead of white rum
- Experiment with the syrup – try maple, vanilla or regular
- Increase then amount of mixer for a longer drink
- Reduce liquor measurements to make it less potent
- Switch lemon for lime, orange or grapefruit
Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce white rum
- 1/2 ounce white tequila
- 1/2 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 1/2 syrup
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Splash of Coca Cola
- Slice of lemon
Method for making Long Island Iced Tea
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes
- Add in each measure of liquor and the syrup – stirring gently after adding each one
- Once they are combined top it off with Coca cola and freshly squeezed lemon juice and briefly stir
- Add a slice of lemon slice to garnish
- Serve your long island iced tea with a reusable straw
To Make a Pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea
Repeat the steps above with the increased measurements as below:
- 1 & 1/2 ounce vodka
- 1 & 1/2 ounce white rum
- 1 & 1/2 ounce white tequila
- 1 & 1/2 ounce gin
- 1 & 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 1 & 1/2 syrup
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 lemon
- Top with Coca Cola
- Slices of lemon
Conclusion
Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail with many variations. With this recipe, you can make it your own and enjoy experimenting with different flavors. So go ahead and give it a try – cheers!