The Long Island Cocktail is a powerful yet smooth party drink with balanced citrus sweetness and high alcohol strength. 

It contains around 22 to 28 percent alcohol and delivers bold flavor without harshness. 

If made with the correct ratio and fresh ingredients, it is absolutely worth trying at home for parties or weekend gatherings.

The Long Island Cocktail is one of the most famous and misunderstood party drinks in the world. 

It looks light and refreshing like iced tea, but behind that citrusy sparkle hides a powerful mix of spirits that can sneak up on you quickly.

If you have ever wondered how to make a bar style drink at home without expensive tools.

This detailed guide covers everything, from the perfect long island cocktail ratio to alcohol percentage, calories, mixing tips, and expert tricks.

Decoding Long Island Cocktail

The Long Island Cocktail, often called Long Island Iced Tea, is a multi spirit drink made using vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and cola. 

Despite the name, it contains no actual tea.

The drink was reportedly created in the 1970s in the United States and became popular because of its smooth taste combined with high alcohol content.

Why This Cocktail Is So Popular

• Looks harmless but is strong
  
  
• Easy to make at home
  
  
• Balanced sweet and citrus taste
  
  
• Ideal for group parties
  
  
• Flexible recipe

It has remained a bar menu favorite for decades because it delivers value and flavor.

Long Island Cocktail Ingredients

To make a perfectly balanced drink, you need the right long island cocktail ingredients in the correct proportion.

Standard Ingredients (Single Serving)

• 15 ml Vodka
  
  
• 15 ml White Rum
  
  
• 15 ml Gin
  
  
• 15 ml Tequila
  
  
• 15 ml Triple Sec
  
  
• 25 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
  
  
• 20 ml Sugar Syrup
  
  
• Cola to top
  
  
• Ice cubes
  
  
• Lemon slice for garnish

The beauty of this recipe lies in balance. Each spirit is used in small quantities, but together they create a strong base.

Long Island Cocktail Ratio Explained

The classic long island cocktail ratio is simple:

1 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 (for all five spirits)
Plus lemon juice and sugar syrup for balance.

This equal spirit ratio ensures:

• Strong but smooth finish
  
  
• No single alcohol dominating
  
  
• Balanced citrus sweetness

If you want a slightly lighter version, reduce each spirit to 10 ml instead of 15 ml.

How to Make Long Island Cocktail at Home (Step by Step)

Here is the long island cocktail step by step recipe that works perfectly for home bartending.

Step 1

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.

Step 2

You need to add vodka along with white rum gin tequila and triple sec to the glass.

Step 3

Pour fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup.

Step 4

Stir gently for 10–12 seconds.

Step 5

The drink gets finished by adding cola and a lemon slice serves as a garnish.

Your bartender style Long Island Cocktail is ready.

Read Also: Penicillin Cocktail Taste: Spicy Ginger & Smoke 2026 Recipe

Long Island Cocktail Alcohol Percentage

One of the most searched questions is about long island cocktail alcohol percentage.

Since the drink contains five different spirits, each around 40 percent alcohol by volume, the final alcohol percentage of the cocktail ranges between:

22 percent to 28 percent ABV (approximate)

This depends on:

• Exact quantity of spirits
  
  
• Ice dilution
  
  
• Amount of cola added

It is significantly stronger than beer or wine and even stronger than many single spirit cocktails.

Best Vodka for Long Island

Since vodka is one of the base spirits, choosing a clean and neutral option works best.

For home preparation, look for:

• Smooth finish
  
  
• Neutral aroma
  
  
• No harsh aftertaste

Popular choices include clean, triple distilled vodkas available in your local market. Avoid flavored vodka, as it changes the balance of the drink.

Long Island Cocktail Mixing Tips

If you want professional level results, follow these long island cocktail mixing tips:

• Always use fresh lemon juice
  
  
• Use plenty of ice to control dilution
  
  
• Do not over stir
  
  
• Add cola at the end
  
  
• Use a tall glass to maintain proper layering

A common mistake is using too much cola, which makes the drink overly sweet and weak.

Long Island Cocktail Calories

Another common search query is long island cocktail calories.

A standard serving contains approximately:

220 to 300 calories

Calories depend on:

• Amount of sugar syrup
  
  
• Type of cola used
  
  
• Exact spirit quantity

If you want a lighter version:

• Use diet cola
  
  
• Reduce sugar syrup
  
  
• Increase lemon juice slightly

Long Island Cocktail vs Other Popular Cocktails

The Long Island Cocktail stands out for its high alcohol content and party appeal.

Conclusion

The Long Island Cocktail remains one of the most searched and ordered drinks globally because it combines strength, smoothness, and simplicity. 

When you follow the right long island cocktail recipe, maintain the correct long island cocktail ratio, and understand its alcohol percentage, you can easily recreate a bartender style experience at home.

Make it responsibly, measure carefully, and enjoy it chilled.