Let’s get one thing straight: a Long Island Iced Tea is not for the faint of heart.

It’s bold, strong, and totally misunderstood.

It has a bit of a college student reputation (which, let’s be honest, it earned).

But when made right — with top shelf liquor, fresh ingredients, and the proper balance — it’s an excellent cocktail.

The Best Top Shelf Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

This isn’t your basic version. We’re using high-end spirits and fresh ingredients for complex flavors and a smoother sip.

This recipe makes one tall glass (or collins glass) full of strong, citrusy goodness.

Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients

White rum (or light rum) – This adds a smooth, slightly sweet base note to the drink.

Gin – Gin brings a botanical bite — think earthy, herbal, even a little citrusy depending on the brand.

White tequila – A little grassy, a little peppery, white tequila cuts through the sweetness and adds a crisp, edgy note.

Vodka – Vodka’s all about balance — it adds volume without changing the flavor too much.

Orange liqueur (like triple sec or even Grand Marnier) – This is your citrusy sweetness. Triple sec is light and zesty, while Grand Marnier is richer and more complex.

Simple syrup – Just sugar and water, but it’s key to balancing out all the alcohol.

Fresh lemon juice (or sour mix if you prefer) – This gives the cocktail its tangy brightness.

Splash of cola (or lemon-lime soda for a lighter take) – Cola doesn’t just add color — it gives that signature caramel note and tiny fizz that finishes the drink. Lemon-lime soda makes for a lighter, bubblier twist.

Ice cubes – Not just to chill — ice helps dilute the cocktail just enough so you’re not knocked – out after two sips.

Lemon wedge or lemon slices for garnish – A classic finishing touch. It adds a pop of color, a fresh aroma, and a little zesty oil if you give it a light squeeze.

How to Make It

Start by grabbing your cocktail shaker and filling it with fresh ice.

Then add all your liquors — vodka, gin, white rum, white tequila, and that citrusy orange liqueur — plus your fresh lemon juice and a splash of simple syrup.

Now comes the fun part: shake it. Like, really shake it. You want a solid 10 seconds of energy — imagine you’re at a rooftop bar impressing strangers with your cocktail skills.

Once it’s good and chilled, strain everything into a tall glass filled with more fresh ice. And yes, the type of glass matters — a collins glass or highball glass is ideal here.

To finish it off, top it with just a splash of cola. Not too much — you’re not making soda. This is just to give it that signature iced tea look.

Then add a lemon wedge or slice right on the rim and boom — you’ve got yourself a top shelf Long Island Iced Tea.

Sip with caution. And maybe don’t plan on doing anything productive for the rest of the evening.

Tips & Tricks

Always use fresh lemon juice if you can.
If you don’t have simple syrup, make your own: equal parts sugar and water, simmered until dissolved.
Use clear liquor across the board — it keeps the drink crisp and clean.
Want to get fancy? Try using Grand Marnier instead of triple sec for deeper citrus notes.
A highball glass works too if you don’t have a proper cocktail glass.

Variations to Try

Long Beach Tea: Sub out the splash of cola for cranberry juice.
Long Island Iced Tea with a twist: Use lemon-lime soda instead of cola for a bubbly, citrus-forward version.
Blue Long Island: Add a splash of blue curaçao and skip the cola for an ocean-colored stunner.
Texas Tea: Add a little bourbon to the mix. Not for the faint of heart.

Long Island Iced Tea Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What types of liquors go into a Long Island Iced Tea?

A: It’s all about equal parts: vodka, white tequila, white rum, gin, and triple sec (or other orange liqueur).

Q: Is there actual tea in it?

A: Nope! It only looks like iced tea, thanks to the splash of cola.

Q: Can I make it less strong?

A: Absolutely. Use half the amount of each spirit, or swap in lower-proof versions. You can also lengthen it with more sour mix or soda.

Q: What’s the alcohol content of a Long Island?

A: It’s high. Like, higher than your average gin cocktail or whiskey sour. That’s why the only time I really drink one is when I’m home or not planning to drive.

Q: What glass should I serve it in?

A: A collins glass, highball glass, or tall glass all work great. Just make sure it’s full of ice cubes to help mellow the drink.

Q: Why is it such a popular drink?

A: It’s refreshing, versatile, and delivers serious bang for your buck. And let’s be real — it’s been a bar classic for decades.

Long Island Iced Tea

Christina Orso