The Long Island Iced Tea emerged into popular cocktail culture in the 1970s as a cheekily powerful, highball-style mixed drink that tastes far lighter than its alcohol content implies; recipes trace back to both Prohibition-era multi-spirit punches and the modern bartender Robert 'Rosebud' Butt. What makes a great Long Island is balance: bright fresh lemon, restrained sweetness, clean spirits and controlled dilution so the cola only finishes the drink rather than masking it. One practical tip is to always use fresh citrus and top with cola at the last second; if you’re in Buffalo or shopping at our store, grab fresh lemons and a quality cola for the best result.
Ingredients
| ½ oz | vodka |
| ½ oz | light rum |
| ½ oz | gin |
| ½ oz | tequila (blanco) |
| ½ oz | triple sec (or Cointreau) |
| ¾ oz | fresh lemon juice |
| ½ oz | simple syrup (1:1) |
| 2 oz | cola, to top |
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, light rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 8–12 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the shaken mixture into the glass and top with cola to taste.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately with a straw.
Shop the Bottles
Pick up everything you need at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Tonawanda, NY — same-day delivery across Buffalo, Kenmore, Williamsville, and surrounding areas, or grab them in-store.
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