Long Beach Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Long Beach Iced Tea Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0 g
Protein:0 g
Carbohydrates:16 g
Alcohol %:22
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Long Beach Iced Tea, like its cousin the Long Island Iced Tea, is a potent concoction designed to get the party started. It's named after Long Beach, a city in Southern California known for its vibrant nightlife. This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy a strong, fruity drink. It's typically served in a highball glass and is a popular choice at beach parties and summer barbecues.
How Long Beach Iced Tea Tastes?
The Long Beach Iced Tea is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and strong. The sweetness of the cranberry juice balances the tartness of the citrus, while the various spirits combine to give it a potent kick. Despite its strength, it's surprisingly refreshing and easy to drink.
Interesting facts about Long Beach Iced Tea
- The Long Beach Iced Tea is sometimes called a 'Red Long Island Iced Tea' due to its color.
- Despite its name, it doesn't contain any tea.
- It's a popular drink for toasting on the Fourth of July due to its vibrant red color.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- White rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Tequila: 1 oz(30ml)
- Triple sec: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cranberry juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cola: To top
- Garnish: Lemon wheel and cherry
A few good options for Long Beach Iced Tea are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Long Beach Iced Tea are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Vodka
The vodka in this drink acts as a smooth, neutral base that carries other flavors well without overpowering them. Think of it like the canvas of your cocktail painting. If omitted, you might miss out on the cocktail's structural integrity.
Mary Mitkina
Gin
Gin brings in botanical notes, often adding a hint of juniper flavor which can give the cocktail a refreshing edge. Leaving gin out would take away from the drink's complexity.
Alex Green
White Rum
White rum adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of tropical flair. Without it, the drink would be missing a layer of depth.
Emma Rose
Tequila
Tequila is the bold character that introduces a slight peppery kick. It's irreplaceable, but if you really must, swapping for mezcal could add a smoky twist.
Mary Mitkina
Triple Sec
A dash of Triple Sec contributes a sweet citrus note, rounding out the sharpness of the lemon juice. Excluding it might unbalance the sweet and tart equilibrium.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
The fresh lemon juice not only provides tartness but also a bright, zesty quality that makes the cocktail sparkle. No lemon juice could mean a flat tasting experience.
Emma Rose
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice offers a beautiful color and a slightly tart fruity sweetness that complements the other spirits. Without it, the drink might taste too boozy and less refreshing.
Mary Mitkina
Cola
Just a splash of cola gives the cocktail its iced tea-like appearance while adding a subtle sweetness and effervescence. Leaving cola out would change the cocktail's identity altogether.
Alex Green
Garnish: Lemon Wheel and Cherry
The garnish isn't just for looks; it gives a hint of what's in the drink and adds a final touch of fruitiness and charm that makes the cocktail inviting.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Long Beach Iced Tea Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cranberry juice.
- Stir well to combine.
- Top with a splash of cola for color.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Don't skimp on the ice - this drink is best served very cold.
Perfect Pairings
Snack Pairings
- Spicy Nachos: The cocktail's citrus notes typically cut through the richness of cheese and spice, making it an ideal companion.
- Chicken Wings: Whether they're spicy, sweet, or savory, chicken wings are a classic pairing for a reason. The complex flavors in the drink complement the meat seamlessly.
- Calamari: The light, crisp nature of fried calamari is echoed in the drink's refreshing qualities.
Dessert Pairings
- Lemon Cheesecake: The lemon juice in the cocktail will pair nicely with the tartness of the cheesecake.
- Fruit Tarts: A fruit tart's sweetness is balanced by the crisp, slightly tangy cocktail.
Drink Pairings
- Water: A non-alcoholic beverage between cocktails helps to stay hydrated. Sparkling water is an especially refreshing choice.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Long Beach Iced Tea
- You can substitute the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a different flavor.
- If you don't have triple sec, you can use any orange-flavored liqueur.
Explore all drinks starting with L here
And of course - twists🍹
Green Beach Iced Tea
Ingredients: Replace cranberry juice with green tea syrup. Use lime juice instead of lemon. Recipe: Same method, but with the new ingredients. Top with soda water instead of cola. Description: This twist takes on a more herbal note with the green tea, and the soda water makes it even more refreshing.
Tropical Beach Iced Tea
Ingredients: Add pineapple juice and switch triple sec for coconut rum. Recipe: Include pineapple juice and coconut rum along with the other liquors. Description: This version brings a burst of tropical flavors, with coconut and pineapple adding a sweet beachy vibe.
Spicy Beach Iced Tea
Ingredients: Infuse the tequila with jalapeños and add a splash of mango puree. Recipe: Use the infused tequila as normal and introduce the mango puree before topping with cola. Description: The jalapeño adds a spicy kick that contrasts with the sweetness of the mango, creating a vibrant and daring flavor profile.
In case you forgot basics how to make Long Beach Iced Tea
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Long Beach Iced Tea
Is there a non-alcoholic version of Long Beach Iced Tea?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic or 'mocktail' version, simply omit the alcoholic ingredients and increase the amount of juices. You could also add some non-alcoholic ginger beer for a bit of a kick.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is generally superior in flavor.
Where can I find a highball glass?
Highball glasses are common and can be found in most stores that sell kitchenware. They are also available for purchase online.
What other types of fruit can be used for garnish?
This cocktail can also be garnished with lime slices or orange slices. Berries such raspberries or blackberries can also be used.
More similar recipes to Long Beach Iced Tea!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Berry Bomb
The Berry Bomb is sweet and fruity with a fizzy kick from the Sprite. The raspberry vodka adds a tart berry flavor that's balanced by the soda's sweetness. It's a light and effervescent drink that goes down easily.
Strawberry Blonde
The Strawberry Blonde cocktail offers a delightful blend of sweet and sour notes, with the freshness of strawberries shining through. The vodka provides a clean, crisp base, while the lemon juice adds a zesty tang. The simple syrup rounds out the drink with a touch of sweetness, and the club soda introduces a fizzy element that makes the cocktail light and refreshing.
Alpine Mule
The Alpine Mule offers a harmonious blend of spicy and sweet, with a botanical undercurrent. The Old Tom Gin provides a slightly sweeter base than typical gins, while the Génépy contributes a complex herbal profile. The lime juice adds a necessary tartness, and the ginger beer brings a peppery fizz that makes the drink both invigorating and comforting.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.
B52
The B52 cocktail has a rich, sweet, and creamy taste with a hint of coffee and orange flavors. It is smooth and warming, making it a perfect sipping drink.
Flaming Dr. Pepper
The Flaming Dr. Pepper has a unique, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is reminiscent of the Dr. Pepper soft drink, with a hint of caramel and a warming sensation from the flaming alcohol.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
Sex on the Beach
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is a fruity, sweet, and refreshing drink with a hint of tartness. The combination of orange and cranberry juices creates a vibrant and tangy flavor, while the peach schnapps adds a touch of sweetness. The vodka provides a subtle kick, making this cocktail a perfect balance of flavors.
Seabreeze
The Seabreeze cocktail is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart drink. It has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the grapefruit juice. The cranberry juice adds a touch of sweetness, while the vodka provides a smooth, clean finish.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It has a tart, citrusy taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the triple sec, a herbal bitterness from the absinthe, and a crisp, dry finish from the gin.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
Boilermaker
The Boilermaker is a strong, robust, and slightly bitter cocktail. The combination of whiskey and beer creates a bold and warming flavor, with the whiskey providing a smooth, rich taste and the beer adding a refreshing, slightly bitter note.
Black Cat
The Black Cat cocktail is a rich, velvety drink with a complex flavor profile. It is slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness, and has a smooth, creamy texture. The combination of coffee liqueur, vodka, and cola creates a bold, robust taste that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Cherry Bomb
The Cherry Bomb cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and slightly tart drink with a strong cherry flavor. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a vibrant red color that is sure to catch the eye.
Colorado Bulldog
The Colorado Bulldog has a rich, creamy, and sweet taste with a subtle coffee undertone. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cola adds a slightly effervescent and refreshing twist to the drink, making it a delightful and indulgent treat.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
New York Sour
The New York Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a smooth whiskey base, tangy lemon, and a hint of red wine.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Paloma
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
El Diablo
El Diablo has a complex and well-balanced taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The tequila provides a strong and smooth base, while the ginger beer adds a spicy and effervescent kick. The lime juice brings a refreshing tartness, and the crème de cassis adds a touch of fruity sweetness.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Negroni
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.