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Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail

How to Make the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail

The cocktail favorite, Long Island Iced Tea, does not actually contain any iced tea. However, when you mix together several types of alcohol and add cola, it resembles iced tea in appearance. This cocktail is perfect to serve in a pitcher for parties or to mix in tall glasses for individual servings.

Just like a classic Margarita, the Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most popular cocktails around.

TALL GLASS OF LONG ISLAND ICED TEA

Why is the Long Island Iced Tea So Popular?

This drink is famous for good reason. It offers a unique combination of flavors and a higher alcohol content compared to most highball drinks. Enjoy it responsibly, as the effects can be felt quickly.

The Long Island Iced Tea is made by combining equal parts of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec, along with sweet and sour mix. It is topped off with cola and served in a tall glass over ice, giving it the appearance of iced tea, even though it contains none.

Expert Tips & FAQs

  • It’s important to note that a standard highball glass is tall and skinny, holding about 9 ounces. Many tall glasses you find are 12-16 ounces, and some can hold almost 20 ounces!
  • To make a 2-quart pitcher, adjust the ingredients to: 6 ounces of each alcohol, 12 ounces of sweet and sour mix, and 16 ounces of cola (more to top off if needed).

Ingredients You Will Need

listed ingredients for making a long island iced tea

Measurements and the full ingredients list are provided in the printable recipe at the end of this post. This recipe makes an 8-ounce glass.

  • The spirits in this drink include equal parts of vodka, tequila, light rum, gin, and triple sec.
  • You will also need sweet and sour mix or equal amounts of lemon juice and simple syrup.
  • Cola is used to top it off, and a lemon is added for garnish, contributing to the “iced tea appearance”.

How to Make a Long Island Iced Tea

These step-by-step photos and instructions will help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to print out the recipe!

  1. Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec, gin, and sweet and sour mix. We recommend using a jigger to measure everything accurately.

adding vodka to a cocktail shaker

  1. Attach the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
  2. Strain the shaker over ice into a highball glass or Tom Collins glass.

adding cola to a long island iced tea

  1. Top the cocktail with your favorite cola and garnish the glass with a lemon wheel. Don’t forget to add some fun colorful straws!

Remember, this cocktail packs a punch, so consume responsibly. If you’re not drinking at home, ensure you have a designated driver. The alcohol content in a Long Island Iced Tea is significant, and sipping it through a straw can make the effects hit you faster than you might expect!

3 tall glasses of long island iced tea

More Mixed Drinks You Might Enjoy

I have a variety of cocktails on this blog. If you’re thirsty for more, check out all my cocktail recipes here. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Tequila Sunrise
  • Moscow Mule
  • Sex on the Beach
  • Lemon Drop
  • Cosmopolitan
  • Iced Tea Cocktail
  • Coconut Mojitos

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