Long Island Iced Tea Recipe (Classic)

Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage made from grains or potatoes.

White rum: A light-bodied rum with a sweet flavor, typically used in cocktails.

Gin: A distilled alcoholic drink that derives its predominant flavor from juniper berries.

Tequila: A distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding Tequila, Mexico.

Triple sec: An orange-flavored liqueur used in many cocktails.

Simple syrup: A liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, often used in cocktails.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from lemons, providing a tart and tangy flavor.

Cola: A carbonated soft drink with a caramel color and sweet flavor.

Lemon wedge: A slice of lemon used as a garnish.

When shaking the cocktail shaker, make sure to shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds. This ensures that all the spirits and mixers are well combined and chilled. Additionally, using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice will significantly enhance the flavor of your Long Island Iced Tea.

• vodka - Substitute with white rum: If you prefer a more consistent flavor profile, using additional white rum can maintain the balance of the drink.

• white rum - Substitute with light tequila: Light tequila can provide a similar light and slightly sweet flavor, keeping the drink balanced.

• gin - Substitute with dry vermouth: Dry vermouth can add a herbal note similar to gin, though it will be less intense.

• tequila - Substitute with mezcal: Mezcal offers a smoky flavor that can add a unique twist to the drink.

• triple sec - Substitute with Cointreau: Cointreau is another orange liqueur that can provide a similar citrusy sweetness.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup can add a similar sweetness with a slight hint of its own unique flavor.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can provide a similar tartness and acidity, though with a slightly different citrus profile.

• cola - Substitute with lemon-lime soda: Lemon-lime soda can add a different but complementary citrus flavor while still providing the necessary carbonation.

• lemon wedge - Substitute with lime wedge: A lime wedge can offer a similar visual appeal and a slightly different but still refreshing citrus aroma.

• To store your Long Island Iced Tea mix, transfer any leftover liquid into an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight seal. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.

• Keep the container in the refrigerator. The mix should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good shake before serving, as some ingredients might settle at the bottom.

• If you prefer to prepare the mix in advance, you can combine the vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Store this base mixture in the fridge and add the cola and ice just before serving to ensure the best flavor and carbonation.

• For freezing, it's best to avoid freezing the entire cocktail as the cola will lose its fizz and the texture might change. However, you can freeze the base mixture (without the cola) in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, simply place the cubes in a glass, top with cola, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

• If you have garnishes like lemon wedges prepared in advance, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for a couple of days. For longer storage, you can freeze lemon wedges on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you’ll always have a fresh garnish ready to go.

• Pour the Long Island Iced Tea into a microwave-safe glass or container.
• Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters.
• Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can alter the flavors.
• Stir gently to ensure even heating.
• If needed, add a fresh splash of cola and a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh the drink.
• Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge before serving.

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise amounts of each spirit and other ingredients.

• Strainer: Helps to strain the mixed drink into the glass, keeping the ice in the shaker.

• Highball glass: The serving glass for the Long Island Iced Tea, typically tall and filled with ice.

• Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and keeping it cold.

• Lemon squeezer: Useful for extracting fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Bar spoon: Handy for stirring the drink if needed, especially after adding the cola.

• Cutting board: A surface for cutting the lemon wedge garnish.

• Knife: Used to cut the lemon for both juice and garnish.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all liquors and mixers beforehand to save time during assembly.

Use a jigger: A jigger ensures precise measurements, speeding up the process.

Batch your drinks: If making multiple cocktails, scale up the recipe and mix in a larger container.

Chill your glassware: Keep your highball glasses in the freezer so they are ready to use.

Pre-squeeze lemons: Squeeze and store lemon juice in advance to avoid last-minute prep.

Simple syrup shortcut: Use store-bought simple syrup to save time on making your own.