A Long Beach Iced Tea is the perfect cocktail when you’re craving something bold, refreshing, and just a little different. It’s a fun twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea, swapping out cola for cranberry juice to give it a fruitier, slightly tart kick. If you love a cocktail that’s smooth yet packs a punch, this one’s for you.
Long Beach Iced Tea
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it—freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference. It brightens up the flavors and balances the spirits beautifully.
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep Time: 5 minutes
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) triple sec
- 0.5 oz (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz (30ml) cranberry juice
- Splash of simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Ice
- Lemon slice, for garnish
Glassware: A highball glass works best, letting the drink’s vibrant color shine while keeping it chilled with plenty of ice. If you don’t have one, a Collins glass is a great alternative.
How to Make a Long Beach Iced Tea
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec.
- Add the lemon juice and a splash of simple syrup if you like a little extra sweetness.
- Shake well for about 10 seconds until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with cranberry juice, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a lemon slice.
Take a sip, and you’ll get a bright, citrusy start followed by a smooth, slightly tart finish from the cranberry juice. It’s the kind of drink that instantly reminds me of summer nights by the beach.
Tips for the Best Long Beach Iced Tea
- Use fresh lemon juice. It makes the flavors pop way more than bottled juice.
- Chill your glass. A quick 5-minute chill in the freezer keeps your drink colder, longer.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, skip the simple syrup or add a little extra lemon juice.
- Shake it well. This ensures all the spirits blend smoothly for a balanced sip.
Make-Ahead & Storage
If you’re making a batch for a party, mix everything except the cranberry juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with cranberry juice for that fresh flavor.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations:
Tropical Beach Iced Tea – Swap the lemon juice for pineapple juice for a sweeter, tropical vibe.
Berry Beach Iced Tea – Use a mix of raspberry and blackberry juice instead of cranberry for a deeper fruit flavor.
Green Beach Iced Tea – Replace cranberry juice with green tea for a lighter, herbal twist.
Virgin Long Beach Iced Tea – Skip the alcohol and mix cranberry juice, lemon juice, and soda water over ice for a refreshing, booze-free version.
What to Serve with a Long Beach Iced Tea
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
- Spicy appetizers – The tart cranberry juice balances out heat from dishes like jalapeño poppers or spicy wings.
- Seafood – Grilled shrimp, ceviche, or even a light seafood salad go well with the citrusy notes.
- Barbecue – The sweet and tart flavors help cut through smoky, rich meats like ribs or brisket.
I love how this drink instantly transports me to a beachside happy hour. It’s refreshing, a little punchy, and always a hit at gatherings. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite way to enjoy it!
