Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is a popular and potent mixed drink known for its high concentration of alcohol. It combines vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec, with a splash of sour mix and cola. The combination of ingredients creates a flavor that is surprisingly similar to that of iced tea, which masks its strong alcoholic content. It is a refreshing yet powerful choice, often served in a tall glass over ice.
Long Island Iced Tea

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Long Island Iced Tea is a highball cocktail and a modern classic. Despite its name, it does not contain any tea, but its appearance is strikingly similar.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, this is a large and deceptively strong drink. It is typically garnished simply with a lemon wedge.
Serving size
Approximately 250-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The most widely accepted origin story credits Robert "Rosebud" Butt with the invention of the drink. He claims to have created it as an entry in a contest to create a new mixed drink with triple sec in 1972 while he was working at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York. An alternative, earlier claim comes from the 1920s during Prohibition in a community named Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Origin
Long Island, New York, USA, circa 1972.

Long Island Iced Tea

The drink is almost universally known as the Long Island Iced Tea. It is frequently shortened to the acronym LIIT, especially when ordering in a loud bar.
Original name
Long Island Iced Tea
Alternative names
  • LIIT
  • Long Island Ice Tea

Characteristics overview

This drink has a sweet and sour flavor profile dominated by citrus and cola, which cleverly masks the complex blend of five spirits. Its appearance mimics iced tea, and its light carbonation makes it very refreshing.
Flavor
Citrusy, sweet, tart, spirit-forward, cola
Aroma
Citrus, cola, subtle botanicals
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Sharp, clean, lingering sweetness
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Amber, brown, similar to iced tea
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The cocktail has a high alcohol strength, balanced by moderate sweetness and sourness from the citrus and cola. It has a light carbonation and a noticeable citrus fruitiness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is built on a foundation of five white spirits: vodka, gin, white rum, blanco tequila, and triple sec. Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup provide the balance, while a splash of cola gives it its signature color and taste.
  • Vodka15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A neutral vodka works best.
  • Gin15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A London Dry style is classic.
  • White Rum15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Also known as light or silver rum.
  • Blanco Tequila15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Also known as silver tequila. 100% agave is preferred.
  • Triple Sec15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Cointreau or another high-quality orange liqueur can be substituted.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Can be adjusted to taste.
  • ColaA splash to top, approximately 30 ml / 1 oz
    Just enough to add color and a hint of flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

A standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger and strainer, is all you need to assemble this drink before serving.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accuracy
  • Strainer to pour into the glass without ice shards

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: shake all ingredients except the cola with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass. A final splash of cola provides the signature iced tea appearance.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the vodka, gin, white rum, blanco tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill a Highball or Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Top the drink with a splash of cola.
7. Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a lemon wedge or slice adds a fresh citrus aroma and complements the drink's flavors.
  • Lemon wedge or slice, placed on the rim of the glass

Dietary Information

This drink is vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it contains a significant amount of alcohol and usually contains caffeine from the cola.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily due to the triple sec, simple syrup, and cola.
Calories
Averagely 275 kcal / 1150 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 19g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is a staple for parties and nights out. Its potent nature makes it a popular choice for social gatherings where a strong but easy-to-drink cocktail is desired.
  • Party
  • Summer Gathering
  • Night Out

Pairing suggestions

The robust and refreshing nature of the Long Island Iced Tea makes it a great companion for classic American bar and comfort foods. Its sweetness and acidity cut through rich and fatty flavors, making it an excellent match for burgers, fried items, and salty snacks.
  • Salty bar snacks like french fries or onion rings
  • Burgers and sandwiches
  • Fried chicken or wings

The Potent Pretender: The Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

The Long Island Iced Tea is a world-famous cocktail that commands respect for its potent combination of five distinct spirits. Despite its strength, the skillful balance of sweet and sour ingredients, topped with cola, creates a surprisingly smooth and refreshing drink that mimics the appearance and taste of its namesake. Originating in the 1970s, it has remained a party favorite, celebrated for its ability to deliver a powerful punch in a deceptively pleasant package. It's a testament to the art of mixology, where disparate ingredients unite to create something unexpectedly harmonious.

Variations

Texas Tea

An extra shot of bourbon or whiskey is added to the standard recipe.

You May Also Like

El Diablo

A tantalizingly spicy and fruity tequila highball featuring crème de cassis and fiery ginger beer.

Mimosa

A simple and elegant sparkling wine cocktail made with chilled orange juice, perfect for brunch and celebrations.

Whiskey Smash

A vibrant and refreshing classic cocktail featuring whiskey, fresh mint, lemon, and sugar.

Mai Tai

A classic Tiki cocktail featuring a complex blend of aged rum, citrus, and almond flavors.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Diamond Fizz

A sparkling and refreshing gin-based classic, elevated with the elegance of Champagne.

Pousse-Café

A visually striking, layered after-dinner drink where liqueurs are floated on top of each other in order of specific gravity.

Arrack Punch

A historic and aromatic punch featuring the uniquely funky character of Batavia Arrack, balanced with citrus and spice.

Ray's Mistake

A famously secret and potent blended Tiki cocktail from the legendary Tiki-Ti bar, with a complex, fruity, and floral profile.