Long Island Iced Tea

Somehow reminiscent of restaurant chains, dive bars, and frat basements alike, the Long Island Iced Tea brings to mind varying memories (and feelings), depending on who you’re talking to. For some, it’s a headache in a glass that brings to mind college days gone by; for others, it’s exactly the sweet yet ultra-boozy drink they’re searching for on a night out. No matter your feelings on the classic cocktail, one thing is for sure: Its ability to hide the combination of 5 alcohols behind a refreshing sweet tea taste is nothing short of incredible. Read on to discover just how this ultra-boozy, refreshing, party-starting summer cocktail gets its signature flavor (and reputation):

What’s in a Long Island Iced Tea?
Reminiscent of a lemony sweet tea, it’s truly a mystery how this cocktail manages to hold 5 (yes, 5!) alcohols. Gin, white rum, blanco tequila, vodka, and triple sec all combine in this drink—with two additional staple ingredients—to create a surprisingly sweet and refreshing cocktail. Looking for liquor recommendations? Check out our tried-and-tested favorite gins, tequilas, rums, and vodkas.

The sour mix.
Other than the spirits and the all-important splash of Coke (glass bottle—full sugar is a must here), most bartenders utilize a sour mix to add a dose of acid. You could use a mix of simple syrup and fresh lemon juice if you’re looking to keep things simple, but a homemade sour mix with fresh squeezed lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice adds a bit more complexity that takes this drink up several notches. A store-bought sour mix will work in a pitch, but we highly recommend making the homemade version for the extra-fresh flavors.

Tip: Our sour mix can be made 2 weeks ahead, covered and stored in the refrigerator. Make it in advance, then use when ready in this cocktail and many others. 

Batch it.
This recipe makes enough sour mix for at least eight drinks, so feel free to double (or triple… or quadruple…) this recipe to make it a big-batch summer cocktail. Simply mix all of your spirits and sour mix together, then add Coca-Cola and ice when ready to serve.

Variations.
The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most riffed upon cocktails out there, with every bar and bartender adding their own flair. They’ve added in an equal amount of bourbon for a Texas Tea, swapped the Coke for a lemon-lime soda and add a little raspberry liquor like Chambord for a cocktail sometimes referred to as a Grateful Dead, or have swapped the triple sec for Midori for a Tokyo Tea…. why not do the same at home?

Made this? Let us know how it came out (and what your favorite twists on it are!) in the comments below.