Refreshing Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe in 5 Mins
A twist on the classic cocktail, this strawberry long island iced tea recipe is the most refreshing drink. Perfect on a hot summer day and made in a matter of minutes!
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Jump to RecipeLong Island Iced Tea.
The long island iced tea is a classic cocktail that originated during the 1920’s Prohibition Era, in Long Island, as the name implies. However, whether it is New York’s or Tennessee’s Long Island, that is a feud you can read more about if you want to. 😉 What is undeniable is the freshness of this drink makes it ideal for winding down on a hot day.
The popular cocktail is made of equal parts vodka, gin, rum, triple sec (or orange liqueur), and tequila, with lemon juice. It gets shaken then poured over ice in a highball glass, topped with soda and garnished with a lemon wedge. The blend of different spirits and thirst-quenching quality make this a delicious classic recipe!
Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.
To make this twist on a classic, you need a cocktail shaker, a highball glass, and a standard jigger or scale to measure in ounces. I have this mixology kit, but anything you have works. If you do not have a drink shaker at hand, simply place all ingredients in a tall glass and stir thoroughly with a long spoon.
For the ingredients, you need 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce triple sec, 1 ounce tequila, 1 ounce rum, ½-1 ounce simple syrup, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce strawberry liqueur, 1 strawberry sliced (optional), and ice cubes. This makes two servings, so to make one serving cut the recipe in half.
To make the cocktail, prepare a highball glass with ice cubes almost to the top and add strawberry slices (if desired). In a cocktail shaker, pour the different spirits, citrus and simple syrup with ice. Give it a light shake, then strain into prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or strawberry. Quick and easy!
Variations.
White rum or light rum is traditionally used for long island iced teas, but I use spiced rum and it brings out the strawberry flavor beautifully. Also, if you want to top it off as is normally done with the classic long island, you can use cranberry juice in place of cola.
Many strawberry long island recipes call for sweet and sour mix, which is made of equal parts lime or lemon (sometimes both), and simple syrup. I prefer to use fresh lime juice and homemade simple syrup. However, feel free to use the sour mix, fresh lemon juice, or whatever you prefer in your drinks.
For a large batch, simply triple or quadruple the recipe (depending on the amount of people) and make it in a large pitcher. If topping it with a soda or cranberry juice, serve it on a separate pitcher along with plenty of fresh wedges so guests can top and garnish their own drink as they serve themselves.
Beware! It is a cocktail made of mainly only spirits. Despite its sweet flavor and freshness, its alcohol content is high. You might want to have some appetizers nearby just in case. 😉
Homemade Strawberry Liqueur.
To make your own strawberry liqueur you only need 4 ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries (stem removed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup vodka
- ½ cup sugar
- Patience 😊
In a mason jar or airtight container, place the strawberries, sugar and vodka. Seal and stir for a minute or so. Store it in a cool, dark place for about 20 days, giving it a swish every other day. You can check it after a week and use if you like the flavor, or up to 25 days (about 3 and a half weeks).
When ready to use, strain with a cheesecloth into a separate airtight container. Ensure the new container has been thoroughly cleaned and air dried. Also, strain twice if necessary to ensure removing any sediment so it lasts longer. Refrigerate for up to a month.
Homemade Simple Syrup.
To make your own simple syrup you need:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- Flavor of choice (optional)
- If you want to make strawberry syrup, simply add a couple of chopped strawberries.
- Small saucepan
To a small saucepan, add the water and sugar at medium-high heat. If adding any flavors, do it now as well.
Bring to a boil then cover and turn off heat. If you add any flavoring, allow it to simmer covered for 15 minutes before removing from the heat.
Strain your syrup and allow it to cool completely before using. Refrigerate the rest in an airtight container. Keeps for up to one month in the refrigerator when stored properly. This is a great way to always have simple syrup at hand without all the extra additives that come in the store-bought kind.
Quick note: if you want to make thicker, sweeter simple syrup, do a 2:1 sugar to water ratio instead. This is what I use for my strawberry long island iced tea recipe, which is why half part adds plenty of sweetness.
That’s it!
I hope you enjoyed this refreshing strawberry long island iced tea recipe! It truly is a delish cocktail. Perfect to chill or over a summer afternoon with friends. Feel free to share how you liked it!
As always, ¡buen provecho from The Happy Wookiee!
Refreshing Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe in 5 Mins
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- 2 Highball Glasses
- Standard jigger or a scale for measuring ounces
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz rum *
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur of preference
- 1 oz strawberry liquor *
- .5-1 oz simple syrup *
- 1 oz fresh lime juice or sour mix
- 1 strawberry sliced optional
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare a couple of tall glasses with ice cubes, and strawberry slices (if desired).
- Add vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, strawberry liqueur, simple syrup, lime juice, and some ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Give it a light shake and strain into prepared glasses.
- Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge (depending on the citrus you choose to utilize) or a strawberry if desired.
- ¡Buen provecho from The Happy Wookiee!
