Barsys
Long Island Iced Tea
Turn up the volume in one glass
Liquor availability depends on state—see at checkout.About
The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most famous party cocktails in the world, and for good reason. It brings together vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, orange liqueur, sweet and sour mix, and a cola finish to create a drink that looks like iced tea but drinks like a full-strength cocktail.
Despite the name, there is no tea in a Long Island Iced Tea. The color comes from the splash of cola, while the flavor comes from the layered mix of spirits and citrus. When made properly, it should taste bright, smooth, slightly sweet, and surprisingly balanced.
This version uses Reyka Small Batch Vodka for a clean base, Sipsmith London Dry Gin for crisp botanical structure, Bacardí Superior White Rum for lightness, Casamigos Blanco Tequila for smooth agave character, and Cointreau for a polished orange-citrus lift. Each spirit plays a role, but none should dominate.
Sweet and sour mix ties everything together with citrus and sweetness. The cola finish adds color, light fizz, and a familiar caramel note that rounds the drink without making it heavy.
The Long Island Iced Tea became popular in the 1970s and has stayed relevant because it delivers big energy in a simple serve. It is bold, social, citrusy, and made for moments when one drink needs to carry the mood.
It is not quiet. It was never meant to be.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken, then topped. Shake the spirits and sweet and sour mix with ice to chill and blend the drink properly. Add cola only at the end so the carbonation stays alive and the drink keeps its classic iced-tea color.
What You'll Need
For one Long Island Iced Tea cocktail:
- 15 ml Reyka Small Batch Vodka
- 15 ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin
- 15 ml Bacardí Superior White Rum
- 15 ml Casamigos Blanco Tequila
- 15 ml Cointreau
- 30 ml Sweet and Sour Mix
Ice: Cubed
Glass: Highball glass
Garnish: Lemon wedge and Top with Cola
Pro tip: Keep each spirit measured. The Long Island Iced Tea works because every alcohol is used in equal proportion. Overpour one, and the balance gets loud fast.
How to Make It
Prep time: 5 minutes
Skill level: Easy
- Add vodka, gin, white rum, blanco tequila, Cointreau, and sweet and sour mix into a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly for about 10 seconds until chilled and combined.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with cola.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
The Long Island Iced Tea is a precision cocktail hiding in party clothes. With five alcohols in the mix, even a small overpour can throw off the drink and make it taste harsh instead of balanced.
Barsys Shaker Pro helps keep each spirit measured accurately, so vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and Cointreau all land in the right proportion. You finish with sweet and sour mix, cola, and garnish for a drink that stays bold, smooth, and consistent.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
A Long Island Iced Tea can go wrong quickly because it uses multiple spirits in one glass. Too much tequila and it gets sharp. Too much gin and it turns dry. Too much sweet and sour and it loses structure.
Barsys keeps the base controlled, helping the cocktail stay smooth, citrusy, and properly balanced every time. The result is a party classic that tastes intentional, not chaotic.
Sip Setting
This is a social cocktail. It belongs at house parties, game nights, backyard gatherings, and weekends where the energy is already picking up.
The Long Island Iced Tea is not meant for slow, silent sipping. It is made for music, conversations, shared laughs, and the kind of evening that probably goes longer than planned.
Garnish Game
A lemon wedge keeps the garnish classic and functional. It adds fresh citrus aroma and lets you brighten the drink with a quick squeeze.
Keep it simple. The drink already has enough going on.
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FAQs
What is a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail made with vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, orange liqueur, sweet and sour mix, and cola.
Does Long Island Iced Tea contain tea?
No. It does not contain tea. The cola gives the drink its iced-tea-like color.
Is Long Island Iced Tea strong?
Yes. It contains multiple spirits, but proper measurement keeps the flavor balanced.
Why is cola added at the end?
Cola is carbonated, so it should be added after shaking to preserve fizz and color.
Can I use bottled sweet and sour mix?
Yes, but a fresh sweet and sour mix gives the drink a cleaner citrus flavor.
Does Barsys work with this recipe?
Yes. Barsys helps measure each spirit accurately, which is especially useful for a multi-spirit cocktail like the Long Island Iced Tea.