Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that packs a punch with its blend of various spirits. Despite its name, this drink doesn't contain any tea. Instead, it combines vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, and triple sec with simple syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of cola to create a refreshing and potent beverage.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that adds a citrusy note to the drink. Simple syrup is a sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, which can be easily prepared at home if not available. Make sure to check the liquor section for vodka, tequila, white rum, and gin if you don't already have them in your home bar.

Ingredients For Barton's Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage made from grains or potatoes, providing a neutral base for the cocktail.
Tequila: A distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, adding a distinct flavor to the mix.
White rum: A light and clear rum that contributes a subtle sweetness and complexity.
Gin: A spirit made from juniper berries and other botanicals, offering a unique herbal note.
Triple sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds a citrusy sweetness to the drink.
Simple syrup: A liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from lemons, providing a bright and tangy flavor.
Cola: A carbonated soft drink that adds a touch of sweetness and effervescence.
Lemon: A slice of lemon used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and add a hint of citrus aroma.
Technique Tip for This Long Island Iced Tea
When preparing Barton's Long Island Iced Tea, ensure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. The acidity and brightness of fresh juice will balance the strong flavors of the spirits and simple syrup. Additionally, when shaking the mixture, do so vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink, ensuring a smooth and well-integrated cocktail.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
vodka - Substitute with white rum: Both are clear spirits with a neutral flavor profile, making white rum a suitable substitute.
tequila - Substitute with mezcal: Mezcal has a similar agave base but offers a smokier flavor, adding a unique twist.
white rum - Substitute with cachaça: Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane, similar to rum, and can provide a comparable taste.
gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka is a neutral spirit that can replace gin, though it will lack the botanical notes.
triple sec - Substitute with Cointreau: Cointreau is another orange-flavored liqueur that can replace triple sec with a slightly richer flavor.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that can replace simple syrup, offering a slightly different sweetness.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good substitute.
cola - Substitute with lemon-lime soda: Lemon-lime soda can add a similar sweetness and effervescence, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
lemon slice - Substitute with lime slice: A lime slice can provide a similar visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Long Island Iced Tea
How to Store / Freeze This Long Island Iced Tea
- Ensure any leftover lemon juice is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Fresh lemon juice can last up to a week when properly stored.
- Store the simple syrup in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It can last up to a month, making it convenient for future cocktails.
- If you have leftover spirits like vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, and triple sec, keep them in their original bottles with the caps tightly secured. Store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- For the cola, once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days to maintain its carbonation and flavor.
- If you have pre-mixed the cocktail (excluding the cola), you can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving.
- Do not freeze the pre-mixed cocktail as the alcohol content will prevent it from freezing properly, and it may alter the taste and texture.
- Always use fresh ice when serving the cocktail to ensure the best taste and presentation.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon slice just before serving to maintain its vibrant appearance and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the leftover Long Island Iced Tea into a cocktail shaker filled with fresh ice.
- Shake vigorously to ensure the drink is well-mixed and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of fresh cola to restore its fizz.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon slice for that zesty aroma and visual appeal.
Best Tools for Making This Long Island Iced Tea
Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly with ice.
Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and maintaining its refreshing quality.
Highball glass: The glass in which the drink is served, typically tall and narrow.
Strainer: Used to strain the mixed drink into the serving glass, keeping the ice in the shaker.
Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise amounts of each spirit and other ingredients.
Bar spoon: Useful for stirring the drink if needed and for adding the splash of cola.
Knife: For slicing the lemon garnish.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the lemon for garnish.
How to Save Time on Making This Long Island Iced Tea
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, and triple sec in advance to save time during preparation.
Use a jigger: A jigger ensures precise measurements, speeding up the process and maintaining consistency.
Batch simple syrup: Make a large batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for quick access.
Pre-squeeze lemon juice: Squeeze and store lemon juice in a bottle to eliminate the need for fresh squeezing each time.
Organize your bar tools: Keep your cocktail shaker, strainer, and other tools organized and within reach.

Barton's Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Tequila
- ½ oz White rum
- ½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Triple sec
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- 1 oz Lemon juice
- 1 splash Cola
- 1 slice Lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, triple sec, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of cola and garnish with a lemon slice.
Nutritional Value
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