Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
1 oz
1 oz
1 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add all spirits, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice
Shake briefly and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass
Top with cola
Garnish with a lemon wedge
Glassware
Built over ice in a tall Collins glass
Garnish
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use fresh lemon juice for balance
A small cola splash keeps color and sweetness in check
Stir gently after topping to preserve carbonation
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Long Island Iced Tea.
Long Beach Iced Tea
A cranberry‑tinted LIIT—vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon and cranberry over ice.
Tokyo Tea
A visually striking, vibrant green variation of the Long Island Iced Tea, distinguished by Midori melon liqueur. This potent disco-era cocktail prioritizes bold aesthetics and sweet melon flavor over subtle complexity.
Texas Tea
The bigger, bolder, bourbon-fueled cousin of the Long Island Iced Tea. With six spirits and a fresh sour mix, it epitomizes the 'everything is bigger in Texas' philosophy while maintaining surprising balance when crafted with quality ingredients.
Other Variations
Adios Motherf***er
Uses blue curaçao and lemon-lime soda for an electric-blue take.
Changes
History & Heritage
“Robert "Rosebud" Butt claims he created the Long Island Iced Tea for a 1972 cocktail contest at the Oak Beach Inn. Its near‑equal pour of four clear spirits plus triple sec and cola mimics the look of iced tea while packing a formidable punch, making it a symbol of 1980s excess and bar‑hopping culture.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Adios Motherf***er (AMF)
A neon cousin of the Long Island—vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and blue curaçao with citrus and lemon‑lime soda.
Long Beach Iced Tea
A cranberry‑tinted LIIT—vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon and cranberry over ice.
Texas Tea
The bigger, bolder, bourbon-fueled cousin of the Long Island Iced Tea. With six spirits and a fresh sour mix, it epitomizes the 'everything is bigger in Texas' philosophy while maintaining surprising balance when crafted with quality ingredients.