Long Island Ice Tea (Low Cal)

The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail known for its potent blend of spirits and refreshing taste, despite its name suggesting otherwise. This "Low Cal" version retains the essence of the original while offering a lighter option for those mindful of calorie intake. It combines equal parts vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec, creating a powerful and complex base. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tart brightness, balancing the robust flavors of the spirits. The cocktail is topped with a mix of lemon-lime soda and diet soda, which not only mimics the appearance of iced tea but also adds a bubbly, refreshing finish with fewer calories.

The Long Island Iced Tea is believed to have been created in the 1970s by Robert "Rosebud" Butt, a bartender on Long Island, New York, during a cocktail-making contest. Its name derives from its resemblance to a traditional iced tea, both in color and presentation, though it contains no actual tea. The drink quickly gained popularity for its deceptively smooth taste and high alcohol content, making it a staple in bars and parties around the world. This "Low Cal" version allows for the enjoyment of this iconic cocktail with a slightly healthier twist.

This cocktail is alcoholic, so drink responsibly! Best served in a Collins Glass, though any glass works!

Feel free to get creative with substitutions — try different fruit types, sugar substitutes, or liquor brands. Crafting cocktails should be fun!

Shopping List

This drink uses 8 core ingredients. Click any ingredient to find more drinks featuring it:

1. Vodka
2. Tequila
3. Rum
4. Gin
5. Triple Sec
6. Lemon Juice
7. Soda (Lemon Lime)
8. Soda (Diet Cola)