Only in the 1970s would someone decide that mixing brown liquor, clear liquor, citrus liqueur and Coke was a good idea. There is, to understate things, a lot going on in a Long Island Iced Tea. When choosing the right vodka for this busy cocktail, youre not looking for a taste that steals the show. What you want is a team player that blends harmoniously with the ensemble: gins grassiness, the velvety depth of rum, a bright hit of triple sec, and the complexity of tequila. Lets do it.

Grey Goose

In our humble opinion, putting Grey Goose in a Long Island Iced Tea is like wearing an Armani suit to Wendys: sure, you can totally do it, but why? Admittedly, if youve got a bottle of the good stuff at home, there are some compelling reasons to go for it. Silky, nutty, and creamy, this French vodka tastes (and is) expensive. Polished and elegant, with notes of almond and fresh bread, Grey Goose offers a long, luxurious finish thats not quite what were looking for in a Long Island Iced Tea. Its more of a go-to for martinis, and other simpler single-spirit cocktails where it can really shine.

Absolut

Brought to you from our friends from Sweden, were of the opinion that Absolut is pretty underrated. Creamy with subtle vanilla notes, it has a buttery medium-length finish and a mild graininess that gives it some backbone. Though widely available and affordable, it adds a surprising richness to your Long Island Iced Tea.

Reyka Small Batch Vodka

One of the highest-quality vodkas in its price range, Reyka hails from a pure glacial spring in the small village of Borgarnes, Iceland. The flavor profile is crisp, insanely clean and offers a short finish. Its smoothness and lack of strong aftertaste makes it a fantastic candidate for your Long Island Iced Tea. It plays nicely with lemonthe natural stuff, not concentrate!so grab a wedge and squeeze away if you want to brighten your drink up a bit. Its also one of the quieter spirits on this list, so stick to just a splash of Coke to maintain balance and avoid overwhelming the flavor.

Titos

Like Reyka, Titos a mid-tier spirit that punches above its weight flavor-wise. Titos is domestic to Reykas international, but the flavor is where the two truly part ways. Where Reyka has sharp edges, Titos are gently rounded. The taste is soft, mellow and has a noticeably sweet edge, thanks to its base of 100% corn. Titos is an incredibly forgiving pick, and great for Long Island Iced Teas because its chill enough to take a backseat and let the many other flavors shine.

Smirnoff

A very neutral pick with slight peppery undertones, Smirnoff is excellent for high-volume mixing. However, its not quite as smooth as the other brands on this list, and the finish is fast with a moderate burn. If youre into thator if flavor isnt your main focusby all means go for it.

Meili

A fan favorite amongst the Barsys staff, Meili Vodka utilizes natural spring water from Montana and an advanced, eco-friendly distillation process, Meili ensures each bottle represents both an elevated drinking experience and a respect for the environment. Known for its subtle notes and velvety finish, Meili Vodka is crafted for those who value taste, quality, and a spirit with a genuine connection to the earth.