Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: Your Perfect Refreshing Cocktail for Any Occasion
This post is proudly sponsored by Princess Cruises, showcasing a delightful cocktail inspiration from an unforgettable journey. All opinions and thoughts expressed are 100% my own.
Imagine sipping on a cool, refreshing Long Island Iced Tea – a timeless classic that, despite its name, contains no actual tea! Its deceptive appearance and remarkably smooth taste make it a perennial favorite, perfect for warm summer days, lively gatherings, or simply unwinding after a long day. This iconic cocktail recently became a staple during my incredible Alaska cruise with Princess, an experience that truly highlighted the joy of simple pleasures in breathtaking settings.
Embarking on an Alaska cruise has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. The allure of majestic glaciers, pristine wilderness, and unique wildlife held a special place on my bucket list. Having previously enjoyed a fantastic Panama Canal cruise with Princess, I knew I was in for another exceptional adventure. Princess Cruises consistently delivers unparalleled service, exquisite dining, and a wealth of activities, ensuring every voyage is memorable. This trip, however, promised something truly extraordinary, and it certainly delivered.
Our Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver proved to be incredibly convenient from the very start. We opted to fly into Vancouver on the morning of our sailing, and the transition from airport to ship was remarkably seamless. Utilizing the efficient bus transfer directly from the airport to the cruise terminal, we were able to walk right onto the ship with ease, even with our surprisingly early 9 AM arrival. This smooth embarkation process allowed us to begin enjoying our vacation almost immediately, eliminating any pre-cruise stress and setting a perfect tone for the adventure ahead.
Once onboard, the first order of business was to settle into our comfortable stateroom. With our bags dropped, we quickly made our way to lunch. One of the many things I appreciate about Princess Cruises is the immediate availability of dining options upon arrival. The Horizon Court buffet and the tempting Pizza and Grill areas are always open, ensuring guests can start indulging in the culinary delights right away. I was thrilled to share this experience with my friend Rachel, who was embarking on her very first cruise. Her excitement was palpable as we began exploring the ship, discovering the various pools, vibrant bars, enticing shops, and numerous other fascinating areas designed for relaxation and entertainment. Every corner of the ship offered something new and exciting to explore.
And, of course, no girls’ trip, especially one on a cruise ship, is complete without indulging in some delightful cocktails! While exploring the ship’s many offerings, it was my friend Lynne’s husband, Kurt, who reintroduced me to the Long Island Iced Tea. Interestingly, I’d only ever had one in my life, way back on my 21st birthday. But Kurt’s enthusiasm for this particular drink was contagious, and after trying it again, it quickly ascended to the top of my favorite cocktail list. The blend of spirits creates a surprisingly balanced and delicious concoction that is truly hard to resist, making it the perfect companion for a relaxing cruise.
So, what exactly goes into making this deceptively simple yet complex cocktail that tastes so much like iced tea? Let’s dive into the core ingredients that give it its signature flavor and appearance.
Essential Long Island Iced Tea Ingredients
The magic of the Long Island Iced Tea lies in its unique combination of five different white spirits, all mixed with a touch of sweet and sour, and topped with cola for that signature “tea” color. Here’s a detailed look at the core components you’ll need to create this popular drink at home:
- Gin: This botanical spirit forms one of the foundational layers, providing a juniper-forward aroma and a slightly herbal taste that adds depth to the overall profile.
- Tequila: Bringing a distinct earthy and sometimes peppery note, tequila is an unmistakable part of the Long Island Iced Tea, contributing to its complex and multi-layered flavor.
- Vodka: A neutral spirit, vodka’s role is to add alcoholic content without significantly altering the inherent flavor profile of the cocktail, allowing the other spirits and mixers to truly shine.
- Rum: Typically a light or white rum is used, offering a subtle sweetness and a touch of tropical warmth that rounds out the spirit base.
- Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur introduces a bright, citrusy sweetness. It acts as a crucial bridge, helping to meld the diverse flavors of the other spirits into a harmonious blend.
- Sweet and Sour Mix: This component is absolutely crucial for balancing the strong alcoholic base. It provides the necessary tartness from citrus and sweetness to cut through the spirits. If you don’t have a commercial mix on hand, a homemade combination of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup works beautifully, often offering a brighter, fresher taste.
- Cola: Added primarily for its characteristic dark brown color, cola is what makes the drink visually mimic iced tea. It also provides a final touch of sweetness and effervescence, contributing to the drink’s refreshing quality without overpowering the other flavors.
Mastering the Art of Making a Long Island Iced Tea
Despite its extensive list of ingredients, crafting a Long Island Iced Tea is surprisingly straightforward. Whether you’re making a single serving for yourself or preparing a pitcher for a crowd, the process remains simple and enjoyable, promising a delicious result every time. Here’s your step-by-step guide to mixing this classic cocktail to perfection:
- Gather Your Tools and Ingredients: Before you begin, ensure you have all your chosen spirits, sweet and sour mix (or your fresh lemon juice and simple syrup alternative), and cola ready to go. You’ll also need accurate measuring tools – a shot glass, a cocktail jigger, or even a tablespoon can be used (remember, 1 tablespoon equals approximately 0.5 ounces or 15ml). Having everything prepped makes the process smooth and quick.
- The “One Part” Rule for Balance: The fundamental secret to a perfectly balanced Long Island Iced Tea lies in adhering to the “one part” rule for each of the five main spirits. “One part” simply refers to your chosen unit of measurement. If you’re crafting a single glass, use about 1 ounce (30ml) of each spirit. For preparing a larger batch, such as a pitcher for a party, scale up to approximately 1/2 cup (120ml) of each. Maintaining this consistent ratio is key to achieving the drink’s distinct, harmonious flavor profile.
- Sweet & Sour Mix Alternative: Should you find yourself without a commercial sweet and sour mix, there’s no need to worry! You can easily create a fresh and often superior alternative right at home. For a single glass, simply combine approximately 1 ounce (30ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/2 ounce (15ml) of homemade or store-bought simple syrup. This offers a vibrant, tart, and sweet base that beautifully complements the spirits.
- The Cola Finish – Color and Taste: The cola’s primary role is undeniably visual – it gives the cocktail its characteristic “iced tea” appearance. Add just a splash, or enough until you achieve the desired amber hue. Beyond color, it contributes a subtle, familiar sweetness and a pleasant effervescence, helping to round out the drink. Be mindful not to add too much, as you want to enhance, not overpower, the complex flavors of the spirits.
- Mixing and Serving with Flair: To mix, combine gin, tequila, vodka, rum, triple sec, and your sweet and sour component in a cocktail shaker filled generously with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled to the touch. Strain the mixture into a tall glass (often a Collins or Highball glass) filled with fresh ice. Top with your carefully measured splash of cola and, for that classic touch, garnish with a fresh lemon wedge or slice. Serve immediately and savor every sip of this iconic drink.
Our experience on the Princess cruise was made even more enjoyable by the truly amazing bartenders. They quickly got to know our preferences, often anticipating our drink orders, and always put on a fantastic show while crafting our cocktails. Their expertise was impressive, and their friendly demeanor added so much to the onboard atmosphere. At one point, they even concocted a “Top Shelf Long Island Iced Tea” for us. This premium version replaced the standard liquors with all high-end brands and swapped out the cola for a splash of crisp Prosecco. The result was a lighter-colored, incredibly sophisticated, and utterly delicious twist on the classic. It was a true testament to their skill and creativity, demonstrating how even a familiar drink can be elevated to new heights of luxury.
Beyond the fantastic drinks, an Alaska cruise with Princess is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend. From the moment you step onboard, you’re transported to a world of adventure and relaxation. Sailing through iconic destinations like Glacier Bay National Park, you’ll be constantly mesmerized by the gorgeous scenery – towering glaciers, majestic snow-capped mountains, and lush forests teeming with potential wildlife sightings. Imagine enjoying all this with a perfectly mixed Long Island Iced Tea in hand, watching for whales breaching or eagles soaring from your private balcony or the deck. The ship itself offers a myriad of activities to keep you entertained, from lively afternoon trivia sessions and exhilarating bingo games to quiet moments in the library, engaging workshops, and even a fully immersive onboard escape room. My friend and I even managed to set a ship’s record in the escape room, adding another layer of unforgettable fun to our journey!
Princess Cruises truly excels at providing a diverse range of entertainment options that cater to every taste. Whether you prefer the thrill of casino games, the ultimate relaxation of a rejuvenating spa treatment, the energy of live musical performances and Broadway-style shows, or the exquisite flavors of specialty dining experiences, there’s always something to suit every mood. The seamless flow between exploring stunning Alaskan landscapes by day and enjoying world-class amenities and entertainment on the ship by night makes for a truly unique and luxurious vacation. Every day brought new discoveries and delightful moments, both outside on deck admiring the pristine wilderness and within the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere of the ship. This perfect balance of adventure and luxury is precisely what makes an Alaska cruise such an exceptional and highly recommended choice for your next getaway.
Explore More Refreshing Drink Recipes
If you enjoyed crafting this classic Long Island Iced Tea, you’ll love exploring other delightful cocktails. Here are some more of my favorite drink recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to celebratory moments:
- Whiskey Sour: A timeless blend of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, often garnished with an orange slice and a cherry.
- Vodka Soda: Simple, light, and endlessly customizable with various fruit garnishes – the ultimate easy-to-make mixer.
- Mai Tai: A tropical escape in a glass, combining multiple rums, orange curaçao, and fresh lime juice for an exotic flavor.
- Beer Margarita: A fun and fizzy twist on the classic margarita, adding a refreshing layer of beer for a unique taste.
- Frozen Strawberry Margarita: Sweet, tangy, and perfectly chilled, this blender cocktail is ideal for warm weather and festive occasions.
- Rosé Wine Spritzer: A light, elegant, and refreshing drink made with rosé wine and sparkling water, ideal for summer afternoons.
- White Sangria: A vibrant, fruit-filled wine cocktail perfect for sharing with friends, bursting with fresh flavors.
- Cranberry Mojitos: A festive and refreshing variation of the classic mojito, featuring the tartness of cranberries for a delightful twist.
Long Island Iced Tea
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
5 minutes
1
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz rum
- 1 1/2 oz sweet and sour mix
- splash cola
Instructions
-
Combine gin, tequila, vodka, rum, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
-
Strain the mixture into a tall glass (or Collins glass) filled with fresh ice. Add a splash of cola, just enough to achieve that signature iced tea color. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge or slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
5 minutes
Drink Recipes
American
1
349
long island iced tea
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I’ve created a fun and engaging community group on Facebook, and I’d be absolutely thrilled for you to join us! It’s a fantastic space where you can share your favorite recipes, ask culinary questions, and stay up-to-date with all the latest happenings at Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts, ensuring you never miss out on a delicious new recipe. If you’re interested in being part of our vibrant community, you can request to join right HERE.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create! Your culinary creations always inspire me!
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts Across Social Media!
Be sure to follow me on my social media channels to ensure you never miss a new post, recipe, or adventure!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram