How to Make a Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail

Despite its name, a Long Island Iced Tea contains no tea whatsoever. The drink gets its name from its amber colour, which closely resembles a classic glass of iced tea. It's a bold, boozy cocktail that combines five different spirits — vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec — with fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, and a splash of cola. The result is a surprisingly smooth drink that masks its strength behind a refreshing, citrusy flavour.

A brief history of the cocktail

The Long Island Iced Tea was created in the 1970s by bartender Robert "Rosebud" Butt at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York. Butt entered it into a contest to create a new cocktail using triple sec, and the drink quickly became a staple across bars and restaurants worldwide. Decades later, it remains one of the most popular cocktails ever made — a testament to how well its combination of ingredients works together.

What you'll need

Before getting started, make sure you have the right ingredients and tools on hand. You'll need equal parts vodka, white rum, tequila, gin, and triple sec — typically 15ml of each. To that, add 25ml of fresh lemon juice, 15ml of sugar syrup, and enough cola to top up the glass. For equipment, you'll need a cocktail shaker, a measuring jigger, a tall glass, and plenty of ice.

How to make a Long Island Iced Tea

Start by filling your cocktail shaker with ice. Measure and pour in the vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Shake the mixture firmly for around 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch. Fill your tall glass with fresh ice, then strain the cocktail over it. Top with a generous splash of cola, which adds colour and a subtle sweetness that ties everything together. Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice to finish.

Tips for the best results

Using freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a noticeable difference to the final flavour — bottled juice tends to taste flat by comparison. When it comes to cola, most bartenders recommend a brand with a bold, slightly spiced flavour, as this holds up better against the strength of the spirits. It's also worth chilling your glass beforehand to keep the cocktail colder for longer, especially on a warm day.

Common variations worth trying

Once you're comfortable with the classic recipe, there are plenty of variations to explore. A Texas Iced Tea swaps out the triple sec for peach schnapps, lending the drink a sweeter, fruitier edge. A Tokyo Iced Tea replaces cola with lemon-lime soda and adds melon liqueur for a lighter, more vibrant take. For something with a bit more colour, a Raspberry Long Island Iced Tea incorporates raspberry liqueur, giving the cocktail a vivid pink hue and a tart, fruity flavour.

Serving and enjoying responsibly

The Long Island Iced Tea is deceptively strong. With five spirits in a single glass, it contains significantly more alcohol than most standard cocktails, so it's worth savouring slowly rather than rushing. Serve it as part of a relaxed evening at home, a summer gathering, or whenever you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent. Just be sure to drink responsibly — and perhaps line your stomach beforehand.