Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail made with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, orange liqueur, citrus juice, and cola.

Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail made with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, orange liqueur, citrus juice, and cola. It is typically served over ice in a tall glass and gets its tea-like appearance from the cola, despite containing no tea. The drink’s exact origin is disputed, with multiple claims tied to Long Island, New York, and earlier Prohibition-era stories.

Ingredients and preparation

Most modern recipes combine equal or near-equal parts of four base spirits, orange liqueur, and citrus juice, then top the drink with cola. The cocktail is shaken or stirred with ice and served in a tall glass.

Name and appearance

The drink resembles iced tea in colour when cola is added, which explains its name. It does not usually contain tea, despite the name suggesting otherwise.

Origins

The origin of Long Island Iced Tea is not settled. Published accounts commonly note claims ranging from Prohibition-era disguising of alcohol to a 1970s creation on Long Island, New York.

Variations

Recipes vary in proportions and in the choice of orange liqueur, citrus juices, and cola. Some versions use lime juice, simple syrup, or a Collins-style presentation.