The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most famous cocktails in the world, known for its deceptive strength and refreshing taste. But did you know there are countless variations that put unique spins on this classic?
The Classic Long Island Iced Tea
The original recipe combines multiple spirits for a surprisingly smooth drink:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz rum
- 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Cola to top
Method: Shake all ingredients except cola with ice, strain into a tall glass over ice, and top with cola.
Popular Regional Variations
Texas Tea
A stronger version that adds bourbon to the mix:
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz rum
- 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Cola to top
Long Beach Iced Tea
Replaces cola with cranberry juice for a tart twist:
- Same spirits as classic
- 1 oz cranberry juice instead of cola
- Garnish with lime wedge
Long Island Iced Tea (Clear Version)
For those who prefer a cleaner look:
- Same spirits and citrus
- Replace cola with club soda
- Add a splash of simple syrup for sweetness
Seasonal Variations
Summer Long Island
Perfect for hot weather with tropical flavors:
- 1/2 oz each: vodka, rum, gin, tequila
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ginger ale to top
Winter Long Island
Warm spices for cold months:
- Same base spirits
- 1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- Ginger beer to top
Flavor-Forward Variations
Blue Long Island
Eye-catching blue color:
- Same spirits as classic
- 1/2 oz blue curaçao instead of triple sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Lemon-lime soda to top
Electric Long Island
Bright green and electrifying:
- Same spirits
- 1/2 oz melon liqueur
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Lemon-lime soda to top
Tokyo Tea
Asian-inspired variation:
- Same spirits
- 1/2 oz melon liqueur
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Midori and lemon-lime soda
Health-Conscious Variations
Skinny Long Island
Lower calorie version:
- Same spirits
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz agave nectar
- Diet cola to top
- Garnish with lemon wheel
Virgin Long Island
Non-alcoholic version:
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Cola to top
- Garnish with lemon and orange slices
Premium Variations
Top Shelf Long Island
Using high-end spirits:
- 1/2 oz premium vodka
- 1/2 oz aged rum
- 1/2 oz craft gin
- 1/2 oz reposado tequila
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz homemade simple syrup
- Premium cola to top
Smoky Long Island
Adds complexity with mezcal:
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz rum
- 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz mezcal (instead of tequila)
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Cola to top
Creative Twists
Long Island Sangria
Wine-based variation:
- 1/2 oz each: vodka, rum, gin, tequila
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 2 oz red wine
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Club soda to top
Long Island Punch
Batch-friendly version:
- 2 oz each spirit (per serving)
- 1 oz triple sec
- 4 oz lemon juice
- 4 oz simple syrup
- 1 liter cola
- Serve over ice in punch bowl
Pro Tips for Perfect Long Islands
- Use quality spirits - Even in mixed drinks, better spirits make better cocktails
- Fresh citrus is key - Bottled juice can't compare to fresh lemon/lime
- Balance is everything - Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste
- Don't over-shake - Gentle mixing preserves carbonation
- Serve immediately - These drinks are best when fresh and cold
Glassware and Presentation
- Highball glass - Traditional choice for most variations
- Hurricane glass - Perfect for tropical versions
- Mason jar - Great for casual presentations
- Copper mug - Adds rustic charm to winter variations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cheap spirits - Quality matters even in mixed drinks
- Over-pouring - Stick to measurements for balance
- Skipping fresh juice - It makes a huge difference
- Wrong glass size - Use appropriate vessels for proper ratios
Whether you prefer the classic recipe or want to experiment with creative variations, the Long Island family of cocktails offers endless possibilities for customization. Start with the classic and gradually explore these variations to find your perfect version.