Summer just got a whole lot cooler! With temperatures soaring and sun-kissed days stretching on, we’re looking for ways to beat the heat. And what’s better than a refreshing drink that’s both revitalizing and delicious? Enter: the Long Island Iced Tea!
This classic cocktail has been a summer staple for decades, but why settle for just one flavor when you can have 18?! In this article, we’ll be sharing our favorite Long Island Iced Tea recipes, each with its own unique twist. From fruity twists to spicy kickers, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just need a pick-me-up after a long day, these Long Island Iced Teas are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. So grab your glass, get ready to cool off, and let’s dive in!
Classic Long Island Iced Tea
Classic Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
A refreshing twist on traditional cocktails, this classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe combines the sweetness of triple sec and cola with the tanginess of lemon juice and a splash of tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 4 oz cola
– 2 oz sweetened iced tea
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Ice
– Lemon slice or wedge (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, gin, rum, and triple sec.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with cola and sweetened iced tea.
6. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Tropical Long Island Iced Tea
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the bold flavors of rum, vodka, gin, and triple sec with the subtle sweetness of pineapple juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces light rum
– 1/2 ounce vodka
– 1/2 ounce gin
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 4 ounces pineapple juice
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, vodka, gin, and triple sec to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Pour in the pineapple juice and stir gently.
6. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
7. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed cocktail, not a cooked dish.
Berry Blast Long Island Iced Tea
Combine the flavors of a refreshing Long Island Iced Tea with the sweetness of mixed berries for a unique and delicious twist on this popular cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1 1/2 ounces white rum
– 1 1/2 ounces triple sec
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
– 2 cups ice
– Lemon slices or mixed berry garnish for serving
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Add the mixed berries to the glass and stir gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with a lemon slice or additional mixed berries.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Spicy Mango Long Island Iced Tea
Elevate your tea game with this refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, infused with spicy mango flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 3 oz mango puree
– 2 oz pineapple juice
– 2 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 oz lime juice
– 1/4 oz ginger liqueur (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wedges and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, mango puree, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake well for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Peach Long Island Iced Tea
Refresh your summer with this sweet and tangy twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea. This Peach Long Island Iced Tea combines the flavors of ripe peaches, citrus, and tea for a refreshing drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz peach puree
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1 1/2 oz Long Island Iced Tea mix
– 7 oz brewed tea (black or green)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Sliced peaches for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add peach puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Add the Long Island Iced Tea mix and brewed tea.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
8. Garnish with sliced peaches.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold drink recipe!
Cucumber Mint Long Island Iced Tea
Combine the bright flavors of cucumber and mint with the smoothness of Long Island Iced Tea for a unique and refreshing twist on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 cup freshly minted cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, gin, white rum, and triple sec to the shaker.
3. Muddle mint leaves and cucumber slices in the shaker.
4. Shake well for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
6. Top with lemon-lime soda.
7. Garnish with additional mint leaves and cucumber slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Pineapple Coconut Long Island Iced Tea
Pineapple Coconut Long Island Iced Tea: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Cocktail
This refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea combines the sweetness of pineapple and coconut with the tanginess of citrus, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a taste of the islands.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1 1/2 ounces light rum
– 1 1/2 ounces triple sec
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed pineapple juice
– 1/2 ounce coconut cream
– 1/2 ounce lemon-lime soda
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
3. Shake well for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry half (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Lemon Lavender Long Island Iced Tea
Elevate your tea game with this refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe, infused with the brightness of lemon and subtle sweetness of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brewed black tea
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup white rum
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender syrup (or to taste)
– Ice
– Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brew the black tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, vodka, white rum, triple sec, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the dried lavender syrup and stir gently to incorporate.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Lemon Lavender Long Island Iced Tea over the ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of lavender.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is served chilled.
Watermelon Long Island Iced Tea
Combine the sweet and tangy flavors of watermelon with the classic Long Island Iced Tea for a refreshing twist on a summer cocktail. This unique drink is perfect for hot days or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 3 oz watermelon puree (or 2 cups diced watermelon)
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– Sliced watermelon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine vodka, rum, gin, and triple sec.
2. Add watermelon puree or diced watermelon to the pitcher.
3. Stir in lemon-lime soda and simple syrup until well combined.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Watermelon Long Island Iced Tea over ice in tall glasses, garnished with sliced watermelon.
Cooking Time: None required – just mix and chill!
Ginger Lime Long Island Iced Tea
Elevate your summer cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea. The addition of ginger and lime juice gives this drink a zesty kick that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– Splash of cola
– Lime wedges and ice for serving
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Add ginger liqueur and splash of cola.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Serve immediately and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Raspberry Lemonade Long Island Iced Tea
Combine the refreshing flavors of raspberry lemonade with the tangy zip of Long Island Iced Tea, and you’ll have a unique cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 3 oz raspberry lemonade (see below)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Ice
– Lemon slices and fresh raspberries for garnish
Raspberry Lemonade:
– 2 cups fresh raspberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine vodka, gin, rum, and triple sec.
2. Add raspberry lemonade, lemon juice, and ice to the pitcher.
3. Stir gently until well combined and chilled.
4. Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (preparing the raspberry lemonade)
Vanilla Orange Long Island Iced Tea
Quench your thirst with this refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, infused with the sweetness of vanilla and the tanginess of orange.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz rum
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey
– 1 1/2 oz tequila
– 1 oz triple sec
– 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
– Ice cubes
– Orange slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add vanilla extract and orange juice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
6. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
7. Garnish with an orange slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold drink recipe!
Cherry Cola Long Island Iced Tea
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of cherry cola with the classic flavors of Long Island Iced Tea, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 1 oz cherry cola
– 1 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, gin, rum, and triple sec.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with cherry cola and lemon-lime soda.
6. Squeeze in a splash of freshly squeezed lime juice.
7. If desired, add a splash of grenadine for an extra fruity flavor.
8. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This is a ready-to-serve cocktail.
Green Tea Long Island Iced Tea
A refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, this recipe combines the subtle flavors of green tea with a hint of citrus and a kick of spice. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed green tea
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup white rum
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 1/2 cup ginger beer
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brew the green tea according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large pitcher, combine vodka, white rum, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
3. Add the brewed green tea and ginger beer. Stir gently.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon slice or wheel. If desired, add a splash of grenadine for a pop of color.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink recipe!
Blueberry Basil Long Island Iced Tea
A refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, this recipe combines the sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of basil for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1 1/2 ounces white rum
– 1 1/2 ounces triple sec
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
– Soda water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Muddle the blueberries and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker to release the juice.
2. Add the vodka, gin, rum, and triple sec to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with additional blueberries and basil leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Strawberry Kiwi Long Island Iced Tea
This fruity take on the classic Long Island Iced Tea is perfect for warm weather and adventurous palates. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy kiwi, and citrusy vodka will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine vodka, gin, rum, and triple sec.
2. Add sliced strawberries and kiwi to the pitcher.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in lemon-lime soda.
5. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Passion Fruit Long Island Iced Tea
Experience the refreshing blend of sweet passion fruit and tangy citrus with this twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want to add a touch of tropical flair.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 3 oz passion fruit puree
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– Splash of soda water
– Ice cubes
– Passion fruit wedges and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, vodka, rum, triple sec, passion fruit puree, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with passion fruit wedges and mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready in just 5 minutes.
Grapefruit Rosemary Long Island Iced Tea
This refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea combines the tartness of grapefruit with the earthy flavor of rosemary. Perfect for a warm day or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 1/2 oz rum
– 1 1/2 oz triple sec
– 1 cup grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– Club soda
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, gin, rum, and triple sec.
3. Squeeze in the grapefruit juice and add the simple syrup.
4. Muddle the rosemary sprigs gently to release their oils and flavor.
5. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
6. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice cubes.
7. Top off with club soda.
8. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 18 refreshing Long Island Iced Tea recipes! From classic cocktails to fruity twists, there’s something for everyone. Try the Tropical Long Island Iced Tea with its blend of rum, vodka, and pineapple juice, or go berry-wild with the Berry Blast Long Island Iced Tea. Other standouts include the Spicy Mango Long Island Iced Tea, Peach Long Island Iced Tea, and Cucumber Mint Long Island Iced Tea. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a tangy twist, these recipes are sure to quench your thirst on a hot summer day.
