If you’re in the mood for a drink that tastes nostalgic, looks impressive, and delivers a complex mix of citrus and cola flavors (without a single drop of actual liquor!), the Long Island Iced Tea is your answer. This version is a genius non-alcoholic twist that’s every bit as lively and refreshing as the legendary classic. Whether you’re hosting a party, winding down after a long day, or looking for a showstopper mocktail, this Long Island Iced Tea will have everyone reaching for seconds—no bartender necessary!

Long Island Iced Tea Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Long Island Iced Tea is that you probably have all the essential building blocks right in your kitchen. Each ingredient plays its own delicious part, from zippy fresh citrus to those deep, familiar cola notes, giving you a glass full of flavor and color.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers a bright, sharp tang that wakes up the whole drink.
Lime juice: A little lime adds zesty depth and balances out the sweetness.
Orange juice: Use freshly squeezed or top-quality 100% juice for a hint of natural sweetness and a subtle citrus aroma.
White grape juice: This surprising stand-in for triple sec provides delicate sweetness and a whiff of sophistication.
Peach iced tea or plain black tea: Brings a mellow, tannic backbone and mimics the robust complexity of the original cocktail.
Simple syrup (or honey/agave): Adjust for your preferred level of sweetness and to unify all the flavors.
Cola: Pour over the top for that signature Long Island Iced Tea color and fizziness.
Lemon wedge: The classic, sunny garnish that takes your presentation up a notch.

How to Make Long Island Iced Tea

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Start by filling a tall glass with plenty of ice—this helps keep your Long Island Iced Tea extra cold and gives it that bar-worthy effect right at home. The chill also ensures every sip stays crisp and refreshing from first to last.

Step 2: Mix the Base

Grab a cocktail shaker or a Mason jar and combine your lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, white grape juice, iced tea, and simple syrup. This base is where all those dazzling citrus and tea flavors mingle together before meeting their fizzy topper.

Step 3: Shake Well

Pop some ice into your shaker and give everything a strong, vigorous shake. Don’t be shy here—the shaking isn’t just for mixing, but also chills the mixture rapidly, which is key for the perfect Long Island Iced Tea experience. Shake until the outside feels frosty.

Step 4: Pour & Top

Strain your mixed base into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Now comes the magic: top it all off with cola. Pour gently to maintain the gorgeous layered effect and that satisfying fizz.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Finish with a bright lemon wedge (or slice) perched on the rim. Serve immediately and get ready for plenty of “Wait, this is alcohol free?!” reactions. That twist of citrus on top is the final professional flourish.

How to Serve Long Island Iced Tea

Garnishes

When it comes to making your Long Island Iced Tea truly pop, a simple but thoughtful garnish like a lemon wedge or even a curled strip of lemon zest really adds that “cocktail bar at home” vibe. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of orange peel will brighten up both the flavor and the look!

Side Dishes

This iconic drink loves the company of classic party snacks—think crispy chips, loaded nachos, or even a batch of grilled sliders. The fresh citrus and tea notes in the Long Island Iced Tea cut right through rich finger foods, making it a dream pick for any gathering or cozy night in.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unforgettable presentation, serve Long Island Iced Tea in mason jars for a laid-back, rustic feel, or opt for elegant highball glasses with lots of crushed ice. Try fun paper straws, edible flower petals, or even layer the cola at the last moment for dramatic swirls that’ll impress a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra Long Island Iced Tea base, simply store it (without the cola) in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add fresh ice and cola to each glass just before serving for the freshest flavor and fizz.

Freezing

While this drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can pour the citrus-tea base into ice cube trays and freeze it. Just pop a few cubes into a glass, top with cola, and you’ve got an extra-cold, slushie-style Long Island Iced Tea ready for hot days!

Reheating

The joy of this mocktail is all about the chill—so if you’ve stored your base in the fridge, just give it a quick shake with ice before serving. Never heat up your Long Island Iced Tea; keep everything as cool and frosty as possible for that classic refreshment.

FAQs

Can I make the Long Island Iced Tea base ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mixing the citrus, juice, tea, and sweetener together ahead makes party setup a breeze. Just leave out the cola until right before serving to keep that familiar fizz and color.

What kind of cola works best in this recipe?

Any of your favorite colas will work—classic, diet, or even a spiced craft cola if you want to get experimental. Each brings its own twist, so feel free to personalize according to your taste.

Can I use bottled lemon and lime juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed juices really do make a difference in the brightness and complexity of the final drink, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled juices will work too. Just aim for unsweetened and preservative-free if possible.

Is there a way to make this drink even more diet-friendly?

Of course! Use diet cola, reduce the simple syrup, or swap in a sugar-free alternative. You could even use stevia or monk fruit syrup if you’re looking to cut down on sugar entirely.

How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?

Simply multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you need and mix up the base in a big pitcher. Keep the pitcher in the fridge and let each guest top their glass with cola and garnish for a DIY mocktail bar everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this totally charming Long Island Iced Tea—it’s a foolproof crowd-pleaser whether you’re after big party vibes or a relaxing solo treat. Mix it up, pour over ice, and enjoy the magic of a real classic, no spirits required!

Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Long Island Iced Tea is a refreshing cocktail that combines citrus juices, tea, and cola for a flavorful and balanced drink with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Citrus Mix:

½ oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
½ oz orange juice (fresh or 100% juice)

Additional Ingredients:

½ oz white grape juice (to mimic triple sec)
½ oz peach iced tea or plain brewed black tea
1 oz simple syrup (or honey/agave)
Cola, to top
Lemon wedge, for garnish

Instructions

Chill Your Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice.
Mix the Base: In a shaker or jar, combine lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, grape juice, iced tea, and simple syrup.
Shake Well: Add ice and shake vigorously.
Pour & Top: Strain into your prepared glass, then top with cola.
Garnish & Serve: Add a lemon wedge or slice on the rim and enjoy immediately.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American