The Ultimate Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients My Foolproof Recipe

By Kendra ThompsonAugust 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Craving a Cocktail?

Ever find yourself scrolling, searching for the perfect drink? Let's get real. This Long Island Iced Tea recipe is it. It's that classic, boozy, sweet and-sour combo that just hits the spot.

The Lowdown on This Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail

The Long Island Iced Tea, despite its tea-like appearance, packs a punch. Some say it came about in the 70s, others claim it was earlier.

Either way, it’s a cocktail known around the world. You will need around 5 minutes. The Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe makes one seriously satisfying cocktail.

Why You Need This in Your Life

This cocktail is a great way to get the party started. If you're looking for something that's easy to make and sure to impress, this is it.

What makes this Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe truly special? It is the balanced blend of five spirits and fresh citrus.

It is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The Star of the Show: Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients

Now, what are the Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients ? You will need vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup and cola.

This Homemade Long Island Iced Tea requires some basics.

Gathering Your Arsenal: Equipment Check

Grab your cocktail shaker, jigger, a Collins glass, and ice. We're about to mix up something amazing. Don’t let it scare you away.

This Long Island Iced Tea With Vodka is easier than you think!

Right then, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up the ultimate Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail . This isn’t rocket science, promise! We’re aiming for the best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe this side of, well, Long Island.

Essential Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients

So, to nail that Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe , these Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients are non-negotiable. Honestly, without them, it's just not the same!

Vodka: 0.5 oz (15 ml) . Get something decent, not the stuff that tastes like nail polish remover, yeah?
Gin: 0.5 oz (15 ml) . London Dry is your best bet. Tanqueray is always a winner.
White Rum: 0.5 oz (15 ml) . Light rum, nothing too fancy.
Tequila: 0.5 oz (15 ml) . Blanco or silver is what you want here.
Triple Sec: 0.5 oz (15 ml) . Cointreau is lush if you're feeling boujee, but any decent triple sec will do.
Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 oz (30 ml) . Seriously, fresh is always better. No bottled stuff allowed!
Simple Syrup: 1 oz (30 ml) . Equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. Easy peasy!
Cola: To top. Coke or Pepsi, whatever floats your boat.
Lemon wedge: For garnish, darling.

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Zing

For a proper Long Island Tea , you'll want that perfect balance. Lemon juice gives the zing, and the simple syrup counters the sour.

You can always tweak the simple syrup to your liking. Some people dig it sweeter, and that's totally fine! Also, I've played around with a dash of orange bitters before, adds a subtle something.

Gear Up: Your Cocktail Arsenal

Don't worry, you don't need a full-on professional setup. You can easily create a Homemade Long Island Iced Tea .

Cocktail Shaker: A must. Honestly, you can get a cheap one, as long as it seals properly.
Jigger or Measuring Spoons: Accuracy is key. Those little spoons from your baking set will do just fine!
Collins Glass: That tall, skinny glass. Any tall glass will work if you're in a pinch.
Ice: Loads of it. The colder, the better.

And there you have it, everything you need to get cracking on this Long Island Iced Tea recipe steps ! Are you ready to master How to make Long Island Iced Tea ?

Alright, let's get this cocktail shaker moving! Are you ready to learn How to make Long Island Iced Tea ? It's easier than you think.

We're making a killer drink today: The Ultimate Long Island Iced Tea. Forget those sugary pre-made mixes! We're going back to basics with real ingredients.

This Long Island Iced Tea cocktail is sweet, sour, and packs a boozy punch. Get ready to channel your inner bartender.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for the Win

Before we start, let's get organized. This is a must for the Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe . Measure out all your long island iced tea ingredients .

Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference. Seriously, skip the bottled stuff. It's just not the same. Have your simple syrup ready to go.

And grab your ice. Oh my gosh, I almost forgot! Make sure your cola is chilled. Honestly, a warm cola will ruin the whole thing.

Safety first! Be careful when handling glassware. We don't want any accidents.

Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Steps

Combine the Spirits: In your cocktail shaker, add 0.5 oz / 15 ml Vodka , 0.5 oz / 15 ml Gin , 0.5 oz / 15 ml White Rum , 0.5 oz / 15 ml Tequila , and 0.5 oz / 15 ml Triple Sec .
Add the Sweet & Sour: Pour in 1 oz / 30 ml Fresh Lemon Juice and 1 oz / 30 ml Simple Syrup .
Shake it Up: Add ice to the shaker. Then, shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds . It needs to be well chilled.
Strain: Fill your Collins glass with ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
Top It Off: Gently top with cola. Leave about an inch of space.
Garnish: Add a lemon wedge.
Serve: Serve immediately. Enjoy responsibly! Remember, this Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is strong.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Long Island Iced Tea

Fresh is best. Seriously, the lemon juice has to be fresh.
Don't cheap out on the booze. Use decent quality stuff for the best flavor.
Sweeten to your taste. Adjust the simple syrup if needed. Some like it sweeter.
Avoid over shaking. It will water down your drink.

Long Island Iced Tea Variations

Want to mix it up? Try a Long Beach Iced Tea. Just swap the cola for cranberry juice.

Well, there you have it. The ultimate Homemade Long Island Iced Tea . Now go forth and impress your friends. Cheers! I'm confident that your version of the Long Island Tea will be as great as if it were from Long Island.

Don't forget about the long island iced tea ingredients .

Recipe Notes That'll Make You a Long Island Iced Tea Pro

Alright, so you're ready to tackle the Long Island Iced Tea recipe ? Fantastic! But before you dive in headfirst, let’s chat about some insider tips and tricks.

These are the things I've learned from, let's say, extensive research (ahem). This will make your Homemade Long Island Iced Tea the star of any gathering.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so you’ve mixed your Best Long Island Iced Tea Recipe . Now, how do you make it look as good as it tastes?

First, chill that Collins glass! I'm talking ice cold . Trust me, it makes a difference. A frosty glass makes the Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail look and feel extra refreshing.

Garnish is key. That lemon wedge is a classic, but don't be afraid to get fancy. A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Serve it with some spicy chicken wings or potato skins for a real treat. Or, pair it with a light summer salad for something lighter.

Storage Tips: Keep That Party Going

Listen, a Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you happen to have leftovers (highly unlikely, but you know...), here's the lowdown:

Refrigerate any unused mix (before adding cola) in an airtight container for up to 24 hours . The cola will lose its fizz.

Sadly, freezing isn't ideal. The lemon juice can get weird. Reheating? Nah, just add fresh cola and ice.

Variations: Shake It Up!

Want to put your own spin on the Long Island Tea ?

Switch things up! For a Long Island Iced Tea variations , use diet cola and a sugar-free simple syrup. Need another adaptation? Substitute peach schnapps for the triple sec for a peachy twist.

Or, try cranberry juice instead of cola for a Long Beach Iced Tea!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Honesty

Okay, let's be real. A Long Island Iced Tea With Vodka isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

Each serving clocks in around 250-300 calories, mostly from the alcohol and sugar. There's no fat or protein. The sugar content is roughly 20-30 grams.

The good news? The fresh lemon juice does offer a bit of vitamin C.

The next time you are wondering How to make Long Island Iced Tea , just remember that all the long island iced tea ingredients must be measured, and have fun.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to become a Long Island Iced Tea recipe steps master. Now go forth, mix, and enjoy! Cheers, darling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential Long Island Iced Tea ingredients I absolutely need?

To make a classic Long Island Iced Tea, you'll need vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and cola. Think of it as a "kitchen sink" cocktail a little bit of everything! Don't skip the fresh lemon juice, it really elevates the flavor.

Using quality liquors will also prevent that "rough" taste some folks associate with this drink.

Can I substitute any of the Long Island Iced Tea ingredients if I'm missing something?

Absolutely! If you're out of triple sec, Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur will work in a pinch. For a Long Beach Iced Tea, swap the cola for cranberry juice for a sweeter, fruitier twist.

As for the base spirits, the cocktail is fairly forgiving, but try to stick as close to the recipe as possible for that classic Long Island taste - it's a bit like swapping tea for coffee in a full English breakfast, it changes the whole experience.

Why does my Long Island Iced Tea taste so strong, and how can I make it less so?

A Long Island Iced Tea is inherently a potent drink, hence its reputation! To make it less strong, you can slightly reduce the amount of each spirit or increase the amount of cola and simple syrup to balance the flavors.

Also, be sure you're measuring accurately; eyeballing it can easily lead to a drink that packs more of a punch than intended. Think of it like baking a cake precise measurements are key!

What's the best way to store leftover Long Island Iced Tea?

Given the carbonation from the cola, Long Island Iced Teas are best consumed immediately. However, if you really have leftovers, store the spirit lemon-syrup mixture (before adding cola) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with fresh cola.

Remember, the carbonation will disappear quickly, so the taste won't be quite the same as a freshly made one.

How many calories are in a Long Island Iced Tea, and can I make a lighter version?

A Long Island Iced Tea typically contains around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the sweetness. For a lighter version, use diet cola and a sugar-free simple syrup substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

These small tweaks can cut down on the sugar and calories significantly, making it a guilt free treat! Cheers to that!