Looking for a refreshing cocktail that packs a punch? The Liberty Long Island Iced Tea offers an exciting twist on a classic favorite.
This simple yet potent recipe combines five different spirits with fresh citrus for a drink that’s perfect for summer gatherings or weekend relaxation.
The Liberty version distinguishes itself from traditional Long Island Iced Tea by using blue curaçao instead of triple sec. That gives it a striking blue color that’s sure to impress your guests.
This eye-catching cocktail requires no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s accessible for both beginner and experienced home bartenders—no need to overthink it.
Liberty Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass or mason jar
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon or long cocktail spoon
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice cube tray (for regular ice)
- Ice cube tray (for red-colored ice, optional)
- Strainer
- Small knife and cutting board for garnish
Ingredients
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz white rum
- ½ oz silver tequila
- ½ oz gin
- ½ oz triple sec
- ½ oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Splash of grenadine
- Cola to top
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- Red food coloring for red ice cubes, optional
Instructions
- Prepare red ice cubes in advance if using (mix water with red food coloring and freeze).
- Fill a highball glass with regular ice cubes.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Slowly pour cola over the back of a bar spoon to create a layered effect.
- Gently add a splash of grenadine (or use red ice cubes).
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
- The key to beautiful layers is pouring each ingredient slowly. The heaviest ingredients will sink to the bottom, creating the red, white, and blue effect.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Liberty Long Island Iced Tea offers a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness with citrus notes. Unlike a regular Long Island Iced Tea, this version has a slightly more pronounced rum character.
On the first sip, you’ll notice the blend of spirits creates a smooth entry that doesn’t overwhelm with alcohol heat.
The middle palate experiences a pleasant mix of tequila and vodka. The gin adds subtle botanical notes—it’s sneaky but there.
The citrus elements from fresh lemon juice brighten the drink. Triple sec contributes orange undertones, complementing the other ingredients without making things overly sweet.
Flavor highlights:
- Sweet but not cloying
- Bright citrus notes
- Balanced alcohol presence
- Smooth texture
The cola finish gives a familiar caramel-like quality that ties everything together. The drink looks like iced tea, which is kind of a fun trick considering how strong it is.
Temperature affects the tasting experience. If it’s properly chilled with ice, the drink stays refreshing and the alcohol taste doesn’t take over.
Recommended pairings:
- Spicy appetizers
- Grilled foods
- Salty snacks
This cocktail works well as a party drink where its strength can be appreciated slowly over time.
Substitute
You can actually whip up a version of the Liberty Long Island Iced Tea with just a few swaps, in case your bar cart’s running low.
Spirit Substitutions:
- No vodka? Just toss in extra gin or white rum.
- No tequila? Mezcal works, or honestly, more white rum isn’t a crime.
- No gin? More vodka or white rum will do the trick.
- No rum? Add a bit more vodka or tequila instead.
Mixer Options:
- Cola alternatives: Diet cola, cherry cola, or heck, even root beer if that’s what you’ve got.
- No triple sec? Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or just a splash of orange juice can fill in.
Non-Alcoholic Version:
- Replace spirits with:
- Non-alcoholic gin
- Alcohol-free rum
- Non-alcoholic orange cordial
- Equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup
If you want to dial it down a bit, just use ½ oz of each spirit instead of going all in. The drink won’t hit as hard, but you’ll still get most of that flavor magic.
Each swap does tweak the flavor a bit, of course. Nothing really beats the classic, but hey, sometimes you just have to improvise, right?
Craving something fruitier? Try tossing in an ounce of cranberry or pineapple juice. Can’t hurt.
