The Authentic Long Island Iced Tea

Let’s set the record straight about the Long Island Iced Tea: it’s a bit of a misnomer. First off, it’s questionable whether this drink even hails from Long Island. But one thing’s for sure: it’s definitely not made with tea. You won’t find any brewed leaves in this cocktail. Don’t let that put you off, though—read on to learn the secrets behind this iconic recipe.

What Goes Into a Long Island Iced Tea?

People often ask if there’s alcohol in a Long Island Iced Tea. Oh, there absolutely is! And plenty of it, too.

The Long Island Iced Tea is the alcoholic version of what kids used to call a 'suicide soda'—a big mix of everything from the soda fountain in one oversized cup filled with ice. At first glance, the combination of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec seems like a recipe for disaster. Add a bit of sweet and sour mix and a splash of cola, and it sounds like trouble waiting to happen. And, well, it could be.

But here’s the thing: against all odds, this cocktail is a surprising hit. It’s a perfect example of how sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Mixing all these potent liquors together somehow smooths out the harshness of each one. It’s actually a marvel of cocktail science. What should be a mishmash of random ingredients somehow works—and works *really* well. So, enjoy, but drink responsibly!

How to Craft the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea

You’ll find the complete recipe with measurements below, but making a Long Island Iced Tea is surprisingly simple. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add your spirits and the sweet and sour mix. Set the cola aside for now. Secure the lid on the shaker and give it a good shake to blend and chill everything. Typically served in a Collins or hurricane glass over ice, the drink gets its signature color when you top it with a splash of cola. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice for that authentic iced tea look and enjoy—responsibly, of course.

Tips and Praise from the Dinogo Community

"This is the Authentic, Iconic LIIT recipe! Nailed it!" says rwladywolf. "The only twist I add is mixing it all in a Tom Collins glass, then rolling it into a shaker before pouring it back into the glass, topped with a lemon garnish!"

"This drink was super strong and way better than anything you’d get at a regular bar," says LazyFoodieGirl. "It might not be 'authentic,' but the first time I made it, we were out of cola, so I used ginger ale instead. Surprisingly, it turned out pretty great that way too!"

"This is absolutely delicious," raves chicaD. "It somehow masks the taste of alcohol, and that’s where the danger lies! You could easily sip these like regular iced tea—but don’t!"

More Related Recipes

Why Ice is Essential for Perfect Cocktails
Simple and Quick Cocktail Ideas for Your Home Happy Hour

Content contributed by Carl Hanson

List of Ingredients

• ½ fluid ounce vodka

• ½ fluid ounce rum

• ½ fluid ounce gin

• ½ fluid ounce tequila

• ½ fluid ounce triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)

• 1 fluid ounce sweet and sour mix

• 1 fluid ounce cola, or to taste

• 1 lemon slice

Instructions

Collect all your ingredients.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, and sour mix. Secure the lid and shake well.

Pour the mixture into a Collins or hurricane glass, then top it off with a splash of cola for color. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Garnish with slices of lemon and fresh mint leaves!

Nutritional Information (per serving)