Name: Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: Bold and Refreshing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 oz vodka; 1/2 oz gin; 1/2 oz white rum; 1/2 oz tequila (blanco); 1/2 oz triple sec; 1 oz fresh lemon juice; 1 oz simple syrup; 2 –3 oz cola; Ice cubes; Optional: Lemon wedges (mint); Suggested Pairings: Pretzels (sparkling water)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Long Island Iced Tea is a classic, bold cocktail, perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual sipping. This potent mix of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, and cola delivers a surprisingly smooth, refreshing flavor with a deceptive tea-like appearance. Presented in a white ceramic pitcher or tall glasses, garnished with lemon wedges, this Long Island Iced Tea offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, and ideal for home mixologists seeking a crowd-pleasing drink that brings a zesty, spirited kick to the table.

Ingredients

For the Long Island Iced Tea:

1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz white rum
1/2 oz tequila (blanco)
1/2 oz triple sec
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
2–3 oz cola (to top)
Ice cubes

For Serving:

Optional: Lemon wedges, mint sprigs
Suggested Accompaniments: Pretzels, cheese platter
Suggested Pairings: Sparkling water (for pacing), iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic pitcher or tall glasses
Suggested Equipment: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, tall glasses or pitcher, stirring spoon

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
Taste and Adjust: Pour a small sample into a glass, taste, and adjust the sweetness with an additional 1/2 tsp simple syrup or tartness with 1/2 tsp lemon juice for a balanced flavor.
Strain and Top: Strain into a white ceramic pitcher or tall ice-filled glasses. Top each with 2–3 oz cola, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish: Add lemon wedges and mint sprigs, if desired, for a vibrant touch.
Serve: Serve in a white ceramic pitcher or tall glasses with pretzels, a cheese platter, sparkling water, or iced tea.

Tips for Better Long Island Iced Tea

Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor; bottled juice lacks freshness.
Taste the cocktail before adding cola to balance sweetness and tartness, as spirits and lemons vary.
Shake well to blend the spirits and ensure a smooth sip.
Use high-quality, mid-range spirits for the best flavor without overpowering the mix.
Use a white ceramic pitcher or tall glasses for a refreshing presentation highlighting the tea-like hue.
Make ahead: Mix spirits, lemon juice, and syrup up to 4 hours in advance; refrigerate and add cola just before serving.
Serve well-chilled over plenty of ice to maintain flavor and dilution balance.
Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic pitcher with lemon wedges for a bold, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Non-Alcoholic Long Island Iced Tea: Replace spirits with 2 oz iced tea, 1 oz orange juice, and 1/2 tsp each of almond and vanilla extracts; top with cola.
Low-Sugar Long Island Iced Tea: Replace simple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia (adjust to taste); use diet or zero-sugar cola.
Lime Long Island Iced Tea: Swap lemon juice for lime juice and garnish with lime wedges.
Berry Long Island Iced Tea: Add 1 oz cranberry juice and garnish with fresh berries for a fruity twist.
Spicy Long Island Iced Tea: Muddle 2 slices of jalapeño in the shaker for a spicy kick.
Herbal Long Island Iced Tea: Infuse simple syrup with fresh rosemary or basil for an aromatic note.
Peach Long Island Iced Tea: Replace triple sec with peach schnapps for a sweeter profile.
Clear Long Island Iced Tea: Use lemon-lime soda instead of cola for a lighter, clearer drink.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store premixed base (without cola) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day; add cola and ice just before serving.
Do not freeze, as alcohol and carbonation lose quality.
Serve chilled over ice for the best flavor; avoid keeping at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Use leftovers as a base for punches or dilute with extra soda for a lighter drink.
Pair with salty snacks like pretzels to complement the bold, tangy flavor.
Presented in a white ceramic pitcher or tall glasses with vibrant garnishes for a refreshing, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1 cup each):

Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin A: 0% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
Calcium: 0% Daily Value
Iron: 0% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. High in alcohol and sugar; try non-alcoholic or low-sugar versions. Pair with water for moderation.

Conclusion

This Long Island Iced Tea recipe offers a bold, refreshing cocktail, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a classic drink. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The balanced spirits, zesty lemon, and fizzy cola delight every sip. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its spirited, versatile appeal.