Long Island Tea cocktail in a highball glass — made with Vodka, Light rum, and Gin

Long Island Tea

Long Island Iced Tea, LIIT

Difficulty Hard
Calories ~149 kcal
ABV 19.71%

Ingredients

Instructions

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.

Strong Asia StrongFlavor Brunch Vegetarian Sour

Long Island Tea is a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea that substitutes fresh lemon juice for sour mix and uses a splash of cola for color, producing a slightly more tart and less sweet drink. The combination of vodka, rum, gin, and tequila delivers substantial strength while the citrus brightens the overall profile. It is a party staple best served cold over ice.

History & Origins

Long Island Tea is closely related to the Long Island Iced Tea, sharing the same multi-spirit philosophy that emerged in American bars in the 1970s. Origin is disputed between competing claims in New York and Tennessee. The use of actual lemon juice rather than sour mix represents a bartender's preference for a fresher, more citrus-forward interpretation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright lemon juice with light spirit notes and a hint of cola sweetness. Palate: Tart and multidimensional with the interplay of four spirits balanced by fresh citrus acidity. Finish: Sour-sweet with a warming alcoholic tail and hints of cola.

tart citrus strong sweet complex

Pro Tip

Squeeze fresh lemon juice immediately before mixing to preserve the bright citrus acidity that distinguishes this version from sour mix variations.

Nutrition Facts →

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