Long Island Iced Tea Recipe: The Iconic Strong Cocktail

Buffalo House
2026-04-17T16:31:28-04:00

A dangerously smooth, citrus-kissed powerhouse blending five spirits and cola into an ice-cold, deceptively easy Long Island Iced Tea that packs a serious punch.
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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.

Prep5 min

Servings1 cocktail

GlassHighball glass

DifficultyMedium

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

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the vodka, light rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Shake vigorously for about 8–12 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

4. Fill a highball glass with fresh ice.

5. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass and top with cola to taste.

6. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately with a straw.

Garnish: Lemon wedge

💡 Pro tips: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and a good-quality triple sec or Cointreau for clarity and brightness; pre-batched stove-top versions lose the lively citrus edge. Shake with plenty of ice to control dilution—this is a very boozy drink, so measured dilution is what keeps it balanced. For a lighter variation, reduce the spirits by half an ounce total and increase cola slightly.

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.

Vodka

Belvedere Organic Vodka

$21.99
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Bar Water Vodka Original

$8.99
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Cutwater Vodka Transfusion

$12.99
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Gin

Breckenridge Distillery Gin

$21.99
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Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

$3.99
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Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin (Dragon Edition)

$36.99
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Tequila

Madre Blanco Tequila 100% Agave Azul

$49.99
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Zumbador Blanco Tequila 100% de Agave

$29.99
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Zumbador Reposado Tequila 100% de Agave

$31.99
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Want more cocktail inspiration? Browse our full cocktail recipes collection, or pair this drink with our latest spirits guides. For questions about any bottle, call us at (716) 770-1230.
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