A Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail known for its bold mix of flavors and strength. Despite its name, it doesn't contain any tea—just a blend of spirits, sweeteners, and a splash of cola to give it that tea-like color. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong drink with a touch of sweetness and tanginess from the lemon. It’s a party favorite and a great drink to enjoy with friends!
Prepare your shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
Add the spirits. Pour vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec into the shaker.
Add the sweetener. Add the simple syrup and fresh lemon juice for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Shake it up. Shake the ingredients together vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Pour and finish. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
Add cola. Top off the glass with a splash of cola for that classic iced tea appearance.
Garnish. Add a lemon wedge to the rim of the glass for a fresh finish.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance the tartness and freshness of the cocktail. If you prefer your Long Island Iced Tea sweeter, add more simple syrup, or adjust with less lemon juice. Pre-chill your glass for an extra refreshing experience, especially on hot days. A small splash of cola is all you need—too much and the cocktail becomes too sweet. The quality of each liquor impacts the overall flavor, so opt for mid-range spirits to strike a good balance.