Long Island Iced Tea Recipe – Bold, refreshing, and famously strong, the Long Island Iced Tea stands as one of the most iconic cocktails in the world. Loved for its unexpected smoothness despite being made with multiple spirits, this drink delivers a perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and complexity.
Created in the 1970s and popularized in bars across America, it’s a cocktail that looks innocent thanks to its tea-like color—but packs a surprising punch. This detailed Long Island Iced Tea Recipe walks you through everything you need to know to craft a bar-quality version at home.
Recipe Overview
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Cuisine: American
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Course: Cocktail / Beverage
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Servings: 1 drink
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Calories: Approximately 220–300 calories
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
For One Long Island Iced Tea
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½ oz vodka
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½ oz white rum
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½ oz tequila (silver/blanco recommended)
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½ oz gin
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½ oz triple sec
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1 oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup or 1 oz sour mix
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Cola (a splash, to top)
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: lemon wedge or lemon wheel
Equipment
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Highball glass or tall Collins glass
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger for measuring
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Strainer
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Bar spoon
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Citrus juicer
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Measure all the spirits using a jigger. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
Ensure you have a tall glass filled with ice ready before shaking the drink.
2. Add Ingredients to the Shaker
Into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
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Vodka
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White rum
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Tequila
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Gin
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Triple sec
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Lemon juice
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Simple syrup or sour mix
Shaking chills the spirits and integrates the citrus, creating a smoother drink.
3. Shake Well
Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the shaker feels frosty. This step is important because the LIIT contains multiple spirits that need proper blending.
4. Strain Into Glass
Fill a tall highball or Collins glass with fresh ice.
Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
5. Top With Cola
Add a splash of cola—just enough to give the drink its classic amber “iced tea” color. Too much cola will overpower the drink, so pour lightly.
6. Garnish & Serve
Add a lemon wedge or wheel to enhance the citrus aroma.
Serve immediately and enjoy safely—this cocktail is stronger than it tastes!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18–32 g |
| Sugars | 16–28 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5–15 mg |
| Alcohol (ABV) | ~22–28% |
| Fiber | 0 g |
Note: Alcohol level is significantly higher than standard cocktails—sip responsibly.
Tips for the Best Long Island Iced Tea
1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Bottled sour mix works, but fresh lemon makes the drink brighter and more balanced.
2. Measure Carefully
This drink contains multiple spirits, and too much of any one liquor can ruin the balance.
3. Don’t Overdo the Cola
A splash is enough—just enough to add color and subtle flavor.
4. Serve Over Plenty of Ice
This keeps the drink cold and slightly tamps down the alcohol strength.
5. Choose a Tall Glass
A tall highball glass allows for proper dilution and visual appeal.
6. Shake Before Topping
The spirits and citrus must be shaken before cola is added, otherwise the drink tastes unbalanced.
Conclusion
The Long Island Iced Tea remains one of the most recognizable and beloved cocktails worldwide—an impressive mix of five spirits that somehow tastes smooth, refreshing, and incredibly drinkable. With the right ingredients, proper measurements, and the method above, you can create a bar-quality version at home in just a few minutes.
