Long Island Iced Tea Recipe (Strong Classic Cocktail) 2026

Isabel Gaines
Long Island Iced Tea Recipe (Strong Classic Cocktail) - grandgoldman.com
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Despite what its name might suggest, the Long Island Iced Tea cocktail has nothing to do with the drink known as iced tea beyond its resemblance. In fact, this cocktail doesn't contain tea , although it's named for its similarity to the beverage.

Indeed, one theory about its possible origin is that it was created in 1920 in Tennessee during Prohibition precisely because of its resemblance to iced tea, as a way to consume alcohol discreetly.



Below, we present the formula for preparing an authentic Long Island Iced Tea, a classic combination with a powerful and refreshing flavor that should always be consumed in moderation.


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Recipe Information

  • Preparation time : 5 minutes
  • Total time : 5 minutes
  • Servings : 1
  • Category : Beverages
  • Cuisine type : American
  • Calories per serving (kcal) : 275

Ingredients of Long Island Iced Tea

  • Ice
  • The juice of 1 lime or half a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar or 15 ml of simple syrup
  • 15 ml of vodka
  • 15 ml of gin
  • 15 ml of white tequila
  • 15 ml triple sec or Cointreau
  • 15 ml of white rum
  • Coca-Cola (enough to fill the glass)
  • 2 slices of lemon or lime
  • 1 bunch of mint

Ingredients of Long Island Iced TeaLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

How to make Long Island Iced Tea

This cocktail can be prepared directly in a tall glass or, if you have a cocktail shaker, in that as well. First, fill the glass or shaker with ice.

We add sugarLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

Next, add the juice of 1 lime or half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of sugar, or 15 ml of simple syrup, which is a mixture of sugar and water in equal parts.


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We add limeLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

We add 15 ml of vodka to the previous mixture.

We add the vodkaLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

We add 15 ml of gin.


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We added ginLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

Now we add 15 ml of white tequila.

We added tequilaLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

Next, we add 15 ml of white rum.


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We add the rumLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

Finally, we add 15 ml of triple sec or Cointreau.

We added CointreauLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

Shake the mixture. If you prepared it in a glass, you can use a cocktail spoon to mix the drinks.


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We shake the mixtureLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

If we've prepared the mixture in a cocktail shaker, now's the time to transfer it to the glass. In this case, we'll leave the ice cubes from the mixture in the shaker and fill the glass with fresh ice.

We serve it in the glassLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

We top up the drink with Coca-Cola until the glass is full.


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We added Coca-ColaLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

We decorate with 2 slices of lemon or lime.

We decorate with lime slicesLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

Optionally, we can garnish the cocktail with a few mint leaves .


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We garnish with mintLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

And now we have an authentic Long Island Iced Tea ready to serve.

Freshly brewed Long Island Iced TeaLong Island Iced Tea Recipe

Easy-to-prepare summary

  1. We put ice in a glass or cocktail shaker.
  2. Add the lemon or lime juice and the sugar or syrup
  3. We add the vodka
  4. We add the gin
  5. We add the tequila
  6. We add the rum
  7. We add the triple sec or Cointreau
  8. We filled the glass with Coca-Cola
  9. We garnish with lemon or lime.
  10. We add mint
  11. We serve

 

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Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.

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For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.

And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

 

More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family

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Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.

The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook regularly because they save time while still producing great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

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Isabel Gaines

Author

Isabel Gaines

As a former restaurant owner turned reporter, Isabel brings a unique perspective to Grand Goldman. With decades of experience, her articles on cooking and homemaking are both informative and engaging, reflecting her deep knowledge and love for all things culinary.


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