If you’ve ever loved the bold, spirited nature of a classic Long Island Iced Tea but wished for a fresh, fruity burst of flavor, then you are going to adore this Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe. It effortlessly combines five vibrant spirits with juicy strawberry sweetness and a splash of cola to create a cocktail that feels like summer in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a weekend celebration or just unwinding after a long day, this drink’s balance of sweet, tart, and boozy is absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step process of making a pink drink, taken from above. In the first frame, a woman's hand holds a metal shaker filled with ice cubes that are clear and shiny, sitting on a white marbled surface. The second frame is similar, showing the ice inside the metal shaker with a slight condensation. The third frame shows a woman's hand pouring a bright pink liquid from a bottle into the metal shaker, mixing with the ice. The final frame shows the pink drink being poured from the shaker into a tall clear glass, the liquid looking smooth and vibrant, also on the white marbled surface, with some fresh strawberries scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is all about using simple, quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each component adds its own magic—from the kick of the spirits to the refreshing notes of lemon and strawberry that brighten every sip.

½ oz vodka: A clean, neutral base that blends smoothly without overpowering the other flavors.
½ oz white rum: Adds subtle sweetness and a tropical hint that complements the strawberries.
½ oz gin: Brings a touch of herbal complexity to balance the drink.
½ oz tequila: Offers a slightly earthy depth that makes this cocktail interesting and layered.
½ oz triple sec: A citrus-flavored liqueur that brightens and sweetens the mix with orange notes.
1 oz fresh lemon juice: Provides the perfect zinginess to cut through the sweetness and lift the cocktail.
1 oz strawberry syrup or strawberry purée: Delivers authentic strawberry flavor and natural sweetness that defines this twist on the classic.
Cola, to top: Adds the signature effervescence and a touch of caramel richness.
Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and mellowing the powerful spirits.
Fresh strawberry and lemon wedge, for garnish: Invites you in with vibrant color and a fresh aroma.

How to Make Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice

Start by filling a tall glass generously with ice. This chill factor is key because it not only refreshes you but also tempers the strong mix of spirits, helping them blend beautifully without becoming overpowering.

Step 2: Add the Spirits

Pour in the vodka, white rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec. These five classic ingredients create the iconic Long Island base, each contributing subtle differences that make the cocktail complex and exciting.

Step 3: Incorporate Lemon and Strawberry

Next, add the fresh lemon juice and either strawberry syrup or purée. The lemon juice awakens the flavors with bright acidity, while the strawberry adds that luscious, fruity twist that makes this version truly special.

Step 4: Stir Gently

Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine everything evenly without flattening the soda later on. This ensures you get a balanced sip of all the flavors, from spirit to fruit.

Step 5: Top with Cola and Garnish

Finish by topping the glass with cola, introducing a fizzy sweetness that ties everything together. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a lemon wedge to make the presentation as inviting as the taste.

How to Serve Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A fresh strawberry and lemon wedge are not just decorative—they add a fragrant welcome to every glass. The lemon wedge brightens the aroma while the strawberry hints at the lovely flavor inside, making the drink irresistible at first glance.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light, summery snacks. Think fresh caprese salad, grilled shrimp skewers, or a crunchy veggie platter with tangy dips. These sides keep the mood fresh and enhance the enjoyment of your Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this cocktail in a mason jar or a vintage highball glass, layering fresh strawberry slices inside for extra visual appeal. You can even freeze small strawberries inside ice cubes for a stunning effect that keeps the drink chilled without dilution.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover mix (before you add the soda, ideally), it can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving again and add fresh cola and ice to finish.

Freezing

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The soda will lose its fizz, and the fresh flavors will dull, which means you miss out on the full experience of the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe.

Reheating

Since this is a cold cocktail, reheating does not apply. Stick to serving it chilled with lots of ice for the perfect refreshment every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the syrup?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well to make your own syrup or purée if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and blend them with a little sugar for a delicious homemade strawberry touch.

Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute the spirits with flavored sparkling water or non-alcoholic gin and rum alternatives. Keep the strawberry syrup, lemon juice, and cola for a fun, refreshing mocktail version.

How strong is the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe?

This cocktail is fairly strong since it combines several liquors. If you prefer something lighter, try using ¼ oz of each spirit instead of ½ oz to keep all the flavors but reduce the alcohol content.

What kind of cola works best in this cocktail?

Classic cola is ideal, but you can experiment with craft or artisanal colas for unique flavor notes. Just ensure it’s a little on the sweeter side to balance the lemon and strawberry perfectly.

Can I prepare this cocktail in a batch for parties?

You certainly can! Mix all the spirits, lemon juice, and strawberry syrup in advance but add soda and ice only right before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy for your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to something special, the Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea Recipe is a delightful choice. Its perfect marriage of spirited boldness and fruity sweetness makes it a cocktail you’ll want to come back to again and again. So grab those ingredients and get ready to shake up your next gathering with this colorful crowd-pleaser!