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The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the most recognizable names in the world of cocktails. It’s also one of the more complex drinks regarding ingredients, making it an essential cocktail to learn for home bartenders.

a pitcher and glasses of Long Island Iced Tea garnish with slices of lemon

Why is it called a Long Island Iced Tea?

The Long Island is believed to have been created as an entry into a contest intended to spur the creation of cocktails based on Triple Sec back in 1972. The contest occurred in Long Island, hence the name which was coined by Robert Butt of the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York.

close up glass of Long Island Iced Tea garnish with slice of lemon, a pitcher and another glass on its background

How to Make a Long Island Iced Tea

As I mentioned previously, a Long Island is fairly complex in it’s ingredients given the need for five different spirits. You’ll need white rum, gin, silver tequila, vodka and triple sec for this drink so be sure to have those handy.

Follow the instructions and measurements in my recipe card below, then add lemon juice and a splash of cola to a glass with ice. Give it a light stir, and that’s all there is to it!