A Blue Long Island Iced Tea is a fun, vibrant twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea. It’s bold, refreshing, and surprisingly smooth—perfect for summer nights or any time you want a colorful, eye-catching drink. The bright blue hue comes from blue curaçao, a citrusy liqueur that adds a hint of tropical sweetness. Despite its name, there’s no tea in this drink—just a mix of spirits balanced with citrus and soda.
Blue Long Island Iced Tea
I’ve made this cocktail countless times, and it never fails to impress. It’s strong but dangerously easy to sip, so pace yourself and enjoy!
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Vodka
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Tequila
- 0.5 oz (15ml) White Rum
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Gin
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Blue Curaçao
- 1.5 oz (45ml) Sour Mix (store-bought or homemade)
- Splash of Sprite or 7-Up
- Ice (enough to fill your glass)
- Lemon slice or cherry (for garnish)
Glass: A highball glass works best, giving you plenty of room for ice and soda. If you want a more casual vibe, a mason jar is a fun alternative.
How to Make It
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and blue curaçao.
- Add sour mix and stir well to combine.
- Top it off with a splash of Sprite or 7-Up.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or cherry.
- Give it a final gentle stir, and enjoy!
Tip: If you prefer a slightly less sweet drink, use club soda instead of Sprite or 7-Up.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can mix the spirits and sour mix ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add ice and soda when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover mixed spirits, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
Customizations & Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to tweak your Blue Long Island:
- Less Sweet: Swap Sprite for club soda or tonic water.
- More Citrus Kick: Add a splash of fresh lime juice.
- Tropical Twist: Stir in a little coconut cream for a creamy, beachy vibe.
- Green Dragon Iced Tea: Replace blue curaçao with melon liqueur for a bright green drink.
- Ruby Red Iced Tea: Use cranberry juice instead of sour mix for a tart, fruity version.
- Virgin Blue Long Island: Skip the alcohol and mix blue curaçao syrup, lemonade, and a splash of cola.
Best Foods to Pair With It
A Blue Long Island Iced Tea is bold and refreshing, making it a great match for flavorful foods.
- Spicy Appetizers – The sweetness of the drink balances out spicy wings, nachos, or jalapeño poppers.
- Grilled Seafood – Try it with shrimp skewers or grilled fish for a light, summery pairing.
- Fresh Salads – A crisp salad with citrusy dressing complements the drink’s bright flavors.
Common Questions
Is Blue Long Island Iced Tea strong?
Yes! It has multiple spirits, but the citrus and soda make it deceptively smooth.
Can I make it less boozy?
Of course! Just reduce the amount of liquor and add more soda or sour mix.
What’s the best sour mix to use?
Homemade is best—just mix equal parts lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Can I use bottled sour mix?
Yes, but fresh will taste much better.
What’s the best occasion for this drink?
It’s perfect for summer parties, beach days, or any time you want a fun, colorful cocktail.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer gatherings, and it’s always a hit. Whether you make it classic, tweak it to your liking, or try a fun variation, it’s a drink that never disappoints. Cheers! 🍹
