Classic Long Island Iced Tea with Simple Syrup & Real Tea
How to Make a Delicious Long Island Iced Tea with Real Tea
Get ready to impress your guests with a refreshing twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea recipe by using actual tea instead of cola - a perfect balance of flavors that's sure to please any palate!
This Classic Long Island iced tea recipe with simple syrup and real tea is my favourite way to give a timeless cocktail a refreshing tea twist. At first glance, it could pass for an innocent glass of iced tea, but don’t be fooled, inside the glass is a very bold harmony of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec!
The magic comes from balancing these spirits with homemade simple syrup and freshly strongly brewed black tea rather than fizzy cola. This softens the edges and adds a smooth, earthy depth. The result is a cocktail that feels both nostalgic and new, perfect for warm summer nights, lively dinner parties, or when you want to serve a drink that surprises everyone.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a Long Island iced tea at home, this version is as simple as it is impressive. No pre-made mixers here, just real ingredients that let each flavour shine. Think of it as the best Long Island Iced Tea recipe for those who want the kick of a classic with the sophistication of a tea-infused twist. Whether you’re batching it for a crowd, mixing one up for yourself, or experimenting with fun variations, this cocktail is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What are the Ingredients in Long Island Iced Tea?
A Classic Long Island iced tea recipe is famous for its strong mix of spirits and refreshing finish. The traditional version combines vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, cola, and fresh lemon for garnish. Each spirit is usually added in equal parts, creating a surprisingly smooth cocktail that looks like iced tea but carries a strong kick!
Over the years, bartenders have played with the formula by adding twists such as simple syrup, fresh fruit, or flavoured liqueurs to balance or enhance the taste. For my version, I swap in strong black tea instead of cola and fresh citrus in place of sour mix. These alternatives add a bold, earthy depth and a bright, zesty finish. It’s a refreshing upgrade that makes this cocktail perfect for summer evenings, parties, or whenever you want a drink that’s as unique as it is timeless.
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Origin of Long Island Iced Tea
The history of the Long Island iced tea is a little mysterious, with two main stories often told about how this famous cocktail was created.
🍹 The 1970s version (most popular version): Many believe the drink was first mixed in the 1970s on Long Island, New York. The story credits Robert “Rosebud” Butt, a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn in Hampton Bays. He reportedly invented the Classic Long Island iced tea recipe while competing in a contest to create a new mixed drink using triple sec.
🍹 The Prohibition-era version: Another legend traces the cocktail back to the 1920s during Prohibition, when bartenders were looking for ways to disguise strong spirits. According to this tale, a speakeasy owner known as “Old Man Bishop” crafted a cocktail that looked like iced tea but packed a hidden alcoholic punch.
Regardless of the story, the Long Island iced tea cocktail rose to fame in the 1980s and has remained a popular party drink ever since. Its refreshing flavour, high alcohol content, and easy recipe make it a staple in bars, restaurants, and at-home happy hours around the world.
Best Teas for Long Island Iced Tea
When making a Long Island Iced Tea with tea, there are several options for black tea that can work well with the other ingredients in this cocktail:
☕ English Breakfast Tea: A classic blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas. English breakfast tea is strong and full-bodied, it stands up well to the bold flavours of the cocktail. Choose a high-quality blend for the best result.
☕ Assam Tea: Rich and malty with a deep flavour. Perfect if you want a robust tea base that adds real depth to a Long Island Iced Tea.
☕ Ceylon Tea: Ceylon tea is bold and slightly astringent, with fruity and floral notes. This Sri Lankan black tea complements the strength of the spirits beautifully.
☕ Darjeeling Tea: Darjeeling tea is light, floral, and subtly spiced. Adds a delicate twist that pairs well with the citrus in the cocktail.
☕ Chai Tea: Spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and warming spices. Masala chai brings a fragrant and aromatic kick, though its boldness isn’t for everyone.
☕ Earl Grey Tea: Black tea infused with bergamot oil. Earl grey offers a floral, citrusy lift that works perfectly with the cocktail’s citrus notes.
To Cocktail Shake or Not to Shake?
A cocktail shaker is a tool used to mix ingredients together in a cocktail. Here are the steps for using a cocktail shaker:
🍹 Add ice to the cocktail shaker, filling it about halfway.
🍹 Add the ingredients for your cocktail to the shaker.
🍹 Secure the lid tightly on the shaker.
🍹 Hold the shaker with both hands and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
🍹 Strain the cocktail into a glass using a cocktail strainer or a fine-mesh sieve.
Tip: If you don't have a cocktail shaker, there are several alternatives you can use to mix your cocktail. One option is to use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid as a shaker. Another option is to use a large glass and a spoon to stir the ingredients together. However, keep in mind that using a shaker is typically the preferred method for cocktails that contain citrus or other fresh ingredients that need to be fully incorporated into the drink.
🍹 If you love tea-inspired cocktails, you may also love to try these tea-infused drink recipes ⬇️
Making Long Island Iced Tea at Home
Ingredients (Serves 2)
4 Heaped Teaspoons of Black Loose Leaf (or 4 Tea Bags)
1 fl oz Orange Liqueur
1 fl oz White Rum
1 fl oz Tequila Blanco
1 fl oz Gin
1fl oz Vodka
2-4 Tbsp Sugar or 4 Tbsp Simple Syrup - to Taste
Juice from 1 Lemon & 1 Lime
Sliced Lemons, Limes, Mint Sprigs to Garnish - Optional
Lots of Ice
Method
To brew the tea, use 1 cup of freshly boiled water and let the tea leaves steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain the leaves and add sugar to your hot tea. Set aside to cool completely.
Into your glass or cocktail shaker, add the triple sec, white rum, tequila blanco, gin, vodka, simple syrup (if using unsweet tea) and juice. Combine well.
Add the cooled black tea (or cola), simple syrup to taste, slices of citrus, and lots of ice, and enjoy!
Top Tips for Making the Best Long Island Iced Tea
Here are my top tips for making a Long Island iced tea, whether you're using black tea or cola:
🥣 Use quality ingredients: Fresh citrus juice, good spirits, and either strong black tea or cola make all the difference.
🍭 Pick the right sweetener: Simple syrup blends best, but agave nectar adds a unique flavour. If you are using granulated sugar, make sure to add it when brewing your hot tea so that it dissolves properly.
⚖️ Balance is key: A great Long Island iced tea cocktail has the right mix of sweet, sour, and strong. Taste and adjust as you go.
🪇 Shake or stir well: Shake with ice for 15–20 seconds or stir for 30 seconds to chill and blend the flavours.
🍃 Finish with garnish: Add lemon, lime, or mint for a burst of freshness and colour.
🍹 Long Island Iced Tea with Real Tea
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 4 heaped tsp black loose leaf tea (or 4 tea bags)
- 1 fl oz orange liqueur
- 1 fl oz white rum
- 1 fl oz tequila blanco
- 1 fl oz gin
- 1 fl oz vodka
- 2–4 tbsp sugar or 4 tbsp simple syrup (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lemon & 1 lime
- Sliced lemons, limes & mint sprigs (optional garnish)
- Plenty of ice
Method
- Brew the tea: Add 1 cup freshly boiled water to tea leaves, steep for 3–5 minutes, then strain. Stir in sugar while hot and allow to cool completely.
- In a glass or cocktail shaker, combine orange liqueur, white rum, tequila blanco, gin, vodka, simple syrup (if using unsweetened tea), and citrus juice.
- Add cooled black tea (or cola, if preferred), adjust sweetness with extra syrup if needed, then top with ice and garnish with citrus slices and mint.
- Stir well and enjoy your refreshing Long Island Iced Tea with a tea twist!
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Island Iced Tea
1. What Makes This Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Different from the Classic Version?
This version swaps traditional cola for real brewed black tea, giving it a deeper, smoother flavor with less sweetness and fizz. It’s perfect for tea lovers who want a sophisticated twist on the original cocktail without losing its signature punch.
2. Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of Long Island Iced Tea?
Yes! To create a mocktail version, combine brewed black tea, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water or cola. It keeps the layered flavour and refreshing feel, without all the booze.
3. Is Long Island Iced Tea Really Made with Tea?
Traditionally, no it’s named for its tea-like colour. However, my recipe actually includes brewed black tea, bringing an earthy complexity that makes it perfect for summer sipping or afternoon gatherings with a teatime twist!
4. Why Does Long Island Iced Tea Contain So Many Spirits?
Long Island Iced Tea is known for its blend of five clear spirits; vodka, tequila, gin, rum, and triple sec, which surprisingly balance each other when paired with citrus and sweetener. The tea or cola smooths it out, making it deceptively drinkable but extremely tipsy!
5. Can I Batch Make Long Island Iced Tea for a Party?
Absolutely you can! Just multiply the recipe quantities, mix everything except the ice and tea in a large pitcher, and chill. Add fresh brewed black tea (or cola) and ice just before serving to keep it crisp and cold without dilution.
6. Can I Sweeten This Recipe Naturally?
Of course, simply swap the simple syrup for honey syrup or agave nectar for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind that these will slightly change the flavor profile, adding floral or earthy undertones depending on what you use.
Also see 👉 How to Make Honey Simple Syrup
