Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that combines vodka, gin, rum, tequila, orange liqueur, lemon, and cola.  While the ingredients sound like a liquor cabinet hodgepodge, the result of their combining is an incredibly refreshing beverage that’s surprisingly easy to sip.  

Is there anything more “Long Island” than a Long Island-based food blog sharing a recipe for a Long Island Iced Tea?  I think not! 

Well, maybe a Long Islander sharing NY deli mac salad and potato salad, lol.

While there is some disagreement about whether the LI iced tea originated in Tennessee, or at the now-defunct Oak Beach Inn (better known as OBI) near Jones Beach, one thing is for sure:  this drink is delicious and easy to drink!

While the mix of ingredients may sound like a hot mess, their combination works really well which explains the drink’s enduring popularity.

Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients

The Long Island iced tea combines several different spirits, and the result is dependent on the quality of the ingredients.  Since this is an alcohol-forward drink we recommend using the best ingredients for your budget.

• Vodka. We used Tito’s brand vodka because it’s a great value for the price.
• Gin. Any good gin here will do.  We use Hendrick’s but Beefeater or Bombay Sapphire are also good options.
• Tequila. While we used a blanco tequila for our LI iced tea, you could also use reposado.  
• Rum. We used white rum here but you could also use dark or even spiced rum for a slightly different flavor.
• Orange liqueur.  Gran Gala was used for this recipe because its less expensive than some other orange liqueurs and tastes just as good.  You could also use triple sec which is even more budget friendly.
• Simple Syrup.  You can buy premade simple syrup or make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water and simmering until the sugar dissolves.
• Lemon. Fresh lemon juice is best here, and the lemons can also be used to garnish.
• Cola. Use your favorite brand of cola for a Long Island iced tea.

How to make it

1. Fill a highball glass with ice and add 1/2 ounce vodka, 1/2 ounce gin, 1/2 ounce rum, 1/2 ounce tequila, 1/2 ounce orange liqueur, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, and 1/2 ounce lemon juice.
2. Give the ingredients a stir, then add a splash of cola.  You can fill the glass to the top with cola if you’d like.
3. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.  Enjoy!

More classic cocktails

• Manhattan – the perfect Manhattan with amarena cherries.
• Americano – a refreshing blend of Campari, vermouth, and club soda.
• Gin martini – with blue cheese stuffed olives.

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