The cocktail notebook · Gin · Vodka · Rum & cane spirit · Tequila & agave · Split base
Long Island Iced Tea
Lemon-sweet with cola and several spirit components. A mixed-spirit highball made by build.
- Base
- Vodka + tequila + rum + gin; Cointreau modifier
- Method
- Build
- Glass
- Highball, approximately 400 ml
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. IBA leaves cola top-up open; house fixes 30 ml and 1:1 syrup. Confirm glass capacity and venue alcohol-service policy.
Long Island Iced Tea recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | vodka |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | tequila |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | white rum |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | gin |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | Cointreau |
| 25 ml≈ 0.75 US fl oz | fresh lemon juice |
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | simple syrup, 1:1 by mass |
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | chilled cola, measured house top-up |
Ice: Cubed ice. Garnish: 1 lemon slice, optional.
Learning bar service? Find the Long Island Iced Tea in the free course's optional references →
How to make it
- Prepare a suitably sized highball with fresh ice.
- Measure the five alcoholic ingredients separately; do not free-pour a combined guess.
- Add lemon and syrup, then the measured cola.
- Lift gently to combine and add optional lemon.
Why it works: Several small alcoholic measures add together. The tea-like colour does not mean the recipe contains tea or little alcohol.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Overserving
measure every alcoholic ingredient.
Too sweet
verify syrup concentration and cola measure.
Overflow
confirm glass capacity with the venue ice fill.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Lemon-sweet with cola and several spirit components. Several small alcoholic measures add together. The tea-like colour does not mean the recipe contains tea or little alcohol.
Dietary and product checks
Check exact products, declared allergens and cross-contact controls before service.
Variations
- Any adaptation needs a recorded recipe and an honest description. Explain that it combines five alcoholic ingredients; avoid implying its flavour indicates low strength.
Where does the Long Island Iced Tea come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
This lesson is about precision and honest description, not celebrating a large combined pour. Names and colour can mislead a guest about ingredients. Venue serving policies take priority; a standard recipe is not evidence that the pour is lawful or appropriate everywhere.
Long Island Iced Tea questions
Does this reference contain tea?
No; its name does not describe an ingredient.
What preparation detail matters for this order?
Several small alcoholic measures add together. The tea-like colour does not mean the recipe contains tea or little alcohol.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Long Island Iced Tea is an optional reference recipe in Essential Cocktails & Bar Foundations. Retain for recognition and exact specification; number of spirits is not evidence of advanced skill.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.