Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Craving a bold and refreshing cocktail that packs a punch? Let me introduce you to my version of the Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea—a powerful yet perfectly balanced drink that’s become a favorite for those who enjoy a little bit of everything. With a splash of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec, this drink is no lightweight. But when blended with tangy sour mix and topped with a fizzy cola finish, it transforms into a smooth, sippable cocktail that tastes just like sweet tea, with a twist.

Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite restaurant experience at home or impress guests with your mixology skills, this Long Island Iced Tea recipe is a must-try. I’ll walk you through the ingredients, tools, and preparation method I use to get that signature Texas Roadhouse flavor—right in your kitchen.

Let’s start with the essentials:

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to whip up the perfect Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea:

Alcohol

• 22.5 mL Vodka
• 22.5 mL Gin
• 22.5 mL White Rum
• 22.5 mL Blanco Tequila
• 22.5 mL Triple Sec (orange liqueur)

Mixers

• 22.5 mL Sour Mix (equal parts fresh lemon juice and simple syrup)
• Coca-Cola (just enough to top off)

Garnish & Extras

• Fresh ice
• Lime wedge for garnish

These simple ingredients combine to create a complex, layered drink with citrus brightness, deep flavor, and a little fizz to finish things off. I always recommend using quality spirits and fresh lemon juice for the best results.

Required Bar Tools

Before we get mixing, here are the tools I like to have on hand:

1. Cocktail Shaker – Essential for blending and chilling the spirits and sour mix.
2. Jigger or Shot Glass – To measure out your liquors precisely (22.5 mL each).
3. Strainer – Built into the shaker or separate, to strain out the ice.
4. Highball or Collins Glass – A tall glass works best for this layered drink.
5. Bar Spoon (optional) – If you want to give the cola a light stir without disrupting the layers.

Having these tools nearby will make your cocktail-making process smooth and enjoyable.

Mixing the Perfect Long Island Iced Tea

Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to bring this bold and balanced cocktail to life. The key here is to keep your measurements even and shake the base well to chill the spirits before adding the cola. Let me show you exactly how I do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add Spirits to Shaker
   Combine 22.5 mL of vodka, gin, white rum, Blanco tequila, and triple sec in your cocktail shaker. That’s your five-spirit base—strong, smooth, and full of character.
2. Add the Sour Mix
   Next, pour in 22.5 mL of sour mix. I like to make mine fresh by combining equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup. It brightens up the drink and softens the punch of the alcohol.
3. Shake with Ice
   Fill your shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake it for about 12–15 seconds. You want everything nicely chilled and slightly diluted, just enough to smooth out the edges.
4. Strain Into a Glass
   Fill a tall glass (like a Collins or highball) with fresh ice cubes. Then, using a strainer, pour your shaken mixture over the ice. Be sure to leave a little room at the top—this is where the magic happens.
5. Top with Cola
   Gently top off the drink with Coca-Cola. I usually pour just enough to give it that classic amber iced tea look—around 30–45 mL. If you want to keep the layered effect, pour slowly over the back of a spoon.
6. Garnish with Lime
   Finish it off with a fresh lime wedge. Drop it into the drink for extra citrus flavor or leave it perched on the rim for that classic presentation.

And there you have it—your Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea, mixed and ready to sip.

Expert Tips, Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Now that your Long Island Iced Tea is ready to enjoy, let me share a few insider tips and fun twists to make this drink your own. These minor tweaks can bring out new layers of flavor or make your presentation more impressive when entertaining.

Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade simple syrup for your sour mix. It makes a noticeable difference in brightness and flavor.
• Chill Everything: I like keeping my spirits and sour mix in the fridge. This way, I don’t have to shake as long, and the drink stays colder.
• Don’t Overdo the Cola: Just a splash is enough. Too much, and you’ll drown out the balance of the spirits.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Peach Long Island: Add 15 mL of peach schnapps for a fruity twist and use peach-flavored soda instead of cola.
• Blue Long Island: Replace the triple sec with blue curaçao and use lemon-lime soda instead of cola. It creates a vibrant blue color and a more citrus-forward taste.
• Strawberry Long Island: Muddle a few strawberries in the shaker before adding your spirits. Top with a strawberry soda or club soda for a refreshing berry version.

Serving Suggestions

• Party Pitcher: If you’re serving a crowd, scale up the recipe and mix everything except the cola in a large pitcher. Pour into glasses with ice, then top each with cola just before serving.
• Rim the Glass: For added flair, rub the rim of the glass with lime and dip it into coarse sugar or sea salt. This creates a fun and flavorful contrast with each sip.
• Theme Night Staple: This cocktail is the perfect addition to BBQs, game nights, or any gathering where you want something bold and memorable on the drink menu.

This drink has an unmistakable wow factor; with these tips, you’ll serve it like a pro every time.

Storage, Safety Tips & Final Thoughts

Can You Store a Long Island Iced Tea?

Honestly, I recommend enjoying this cocktail fresh. If you’re batching for a party and want to save time, you can mix the spirits and sour mix beforehand. Just leave out the cola and ice until you’re ready to serve. Store the premixed base in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When ready to enjoy it, give the mix a good shake or stir, pour over fresh ice, top with Coca-Cola, and garnish with lime.

A Quick Word on Alcohol Content

Long Island Iced Tea might taste light and citrusy, but don’t let that fool you—this drink is strong. It combines five different spirits in one glass, so be mindful of portions. I always enjoy mine slowly and remind guests to drink responsibly. Offering water and snacks on the side is also smart if you’re serving it at a gathering.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably satisfying about recreating a bar-quality cocktail like the Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea in your kitchen. With just a few classic spirits, some sour mix, and a splash of cola, you can mix up a bold, balanced, and refreshingly smooth drink—perfect for kicking back after a long day or impressing friends at your next get-together.

What I love most about this cocktail is its flexibility. Depending on your mood or the season, you can keep it traditional or explore fun flavor variations. Remember to stick with equal parts of spirits, shake it cold, and top it carefully. That’s the secret to a flawless pour every time.

So, grab your shaker, measure your ingredients, and prepare to sip into cocktail bliss—Texas style.