Home Cocktails Ordinary Drink Long Island Tea
Long Island Tea cocktail
Alcoholic Ordinary Drink Highball glass Medium

Long Island Tea

The Long Island Tea is a potent cocktail that cleverly disguises its high alcohol content with a refreshing mix of spirits and a splash of cola. This vibrant drink is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it a popular choice for parties and gatherings.

6 Ingredients
5 min Prep Time
Highball glass Glass
On The Rocks Best Served
sweet strong refreshing

Ingredients

  • Vodka spirit 15 ml (0.5 oz)
  • Light rum spirit 15 ml (0.5 oz)
  • Gin spirit 15 ml (0.5 oz)
  • Tequila spirit 15 ml (0.5 oz)
  • Lemon juice juice Juice of 1/2 Lemon
  • Coca-Cola mixer 1 splash

How to Make a Long Island Tea

Combine all ingredients (except cola) and pour over ice in a highball glass. Add the splash of cola for color. Decorate with a slice of lemon and serve.

Bartender Tip

💡

Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter and more vibrant flavor.

History of the Long Island Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is believed to have originated in the 1970s in Long Island, New York, as a creative way to mix various spirits into a single drink. Its popularity skyrocketed in the 1980s, becoming a staple in bars and clubs.

About the Long Island Tea

The Long Island Tea is a ordinary drink that belongs to the alcoholic family of cocktails. It is traditionally prepared with Vodka, Light rum, Gin and served in a Highball glass.

Best enjoyed at parties, during celebrations.

As with all alcoholic beverages, please enjoy this cocktail responsibly.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, the Long Island Tea is actually one of the strongest cocktails, with a combination of multiple spirits that can easily sneak up on you.

Long Island Tea Variations

Long Island Iced Tea with Sweet Tea Vodka This variation incorporates sweet tea vodka, enhancing the tea-like flavor while maintaining the cocktail's signature potency. Swap: Replace regular vodka with sweet tea vodka.
Long Island Lemonade In this version, the cola is replaced with lemonade, resulting in a sweeter and more citrusy drink. Swap: Swap cola for lemonade.

Pairs Well With

Spicy chicken wings Nachos with cheese BBQ ribs

Quick Facts

~300
Calories
Very_strong
Strength
5 min
Prep Time

Common Mistake

A common mistake is using too much cola, which can mask the flavors of the spirits and make the drink overly sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Long Island Tea if it doesn't contain tea?

The Long Island Tea gets its name from its resemblance to iced tea in color and presentation, despite containing no actual tea. The combination of spirits and cola creates a similar dark hue, which can confuse those unfamiliar with the drink.

What is the best way to balance the flavors in a Long Island Tea?

To achieve a well-balanced Long Island Tea, it's essential to measure each spirit accurately and adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste. This helps to ensure that the sweetness from the cola and the tartness from the lemon complement the strong spirits without one overpowering the others.

Can I use flavored vodka in a Long Island Tea?

Yes, using flavored vodka can add a unique twist to the Long Island Tea. Popular options include citrus or berry-flavored vodkas, which can enhance the overall flavor profile and add an extra layer of complexity to the drink.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Long Island Tea?

Absolutely! A non-alcoholic Long Island Tea can be made by substituting the spirits with iced tea, lemonade, and a splash of cola. This version maintains the refreshing qualities of the original while being suitable for those who prefer to avoid alcohol.

What is the origin of the Long Island Tea cocktail?

The Long Island Tea cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1970s in Long Island, New York. It was created as a way to mix various spirits into a single drink, making it popular among party-goers looking for a potent yet flavorful option.

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