Long Island Iced Coffee is the drink I reach for when I want something bold, smooth, and a little mischievous. Maybe you’ve got friends coming over and you want one cocktail that tastes like summer, smells like a café, and still carries a real kick. Or maybe you just love coffee and want to spin your usual happy-hour go to into something richer and more interesting. I’ve been tinkering with this recipe for years, and every time I pour one over clinking ice, I get that same little grin. Let me show you how to dial it in at home without fuss or fancy gear.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’m Alexandraa, the cook behind this Long Island Iced Coffee. When the craving hit, I dialed in the flavors so it’s approachable and full of real-home vibes. Long Island Iced Coffee is the drink I reach for when I want something bold, smooth, and a little mischievous. Maybe you’ve got friends coming over…
How to make long island iced coffee
What you will need
Here’s the version I make when neighbors drop by and we’re hanging on the porch. It keeps the spirit of a classic Long Island, then folds in coffee for depth. You’ll get the caramel sweetness you expect, a touch of citrus, and that unmistakable coffee aroma.
Use a tall glass filled with fresh ice. A shaker helps, but if you don’t have one, a jar with a lid works just fine. The key to a great mix is balance and very cold ingredients. Chill your spirits, chill your coffee, and use plenty of ice.
Step by step
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz white rum, 1/2 oz gin, and 1/2 oz silver tequila.
- Add 1/2 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz cold brew concentrate (or 2 oz strong iced coffee), 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Shake hard for about 10 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain into a tall glass packed with fresh ice. Top with a light splash of cola for color and a hint of fizz.
- Stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel and, if you’re feeling extra, a few coffee beans.
Tips from lots of trial and error:
Chill everything for the smoothest sip. Adjust the sweetness with simple syrup to taste. Cold brew beats regular coffee because it’s less bitter and more chocolatey. If you only have espresso, let it cool fully before shaking.
And a quick friendly reminder: if your coffee maker looks a little stained, your cocktail can pick up those off flavors. I like to give mine a quick refresh using this smart guide on cleaning stained coffee pots. It’s easy and makes a surprising difference.
“Made this for a book club night and everyone asked for the recipe. The balance was spot on and the coffee twist kept it from being too sweet.”
Finish strong with the basics: lots of ice, fresh citrus, and good coffee. When those three lock in, Long Island Iced Coffee becomes one of those drinks you’ll make on repeat.
How many shots are in a long island?
Great question because this cocktail has a reputation. Traditionally, a Long Island uses five spirits at 1/2 oz each, which totals 2.5 ounces of booze. Depending on your country’s definition, that’s about two standard drinks in a single glass, sometimes a bit more. It’s meant to be sipped slowly over lots of ice, not tossed back.
What about the coffee version?
For Long Island Iced Coffee, I keep the base strong but balanced. I still use 1/2 oz each of the four clear spirits and 1/2 oz coffee liqueur, but I make sure the cold brew comes through. The result is bold without being harsh. If you want a lighter pour, dial each spirit back to 1/3 oz and add a little more coffee. You’ll still get that layered flavor while keeping things a touch gentler.
Rule of thumb: know your glass and your pour. If you’re mixing for a party, measure those half ounces to keep the vibe fun and not too wobbly. 
Ingredients in Long Island Iced Tea
Classic Long Island Iced Tea line-up
- Vodka: neutral backbone that boosts strength without stealing flavor
- White rum: a mild sweetness that plays nicely with citrus
- Gin: botanical lift, especially if you choose a bright, clean style
- Tequila: a little earthy heat that rounds everything out
- Triple sec: orange liqueur for citrusy sweetness
- Lemon juice and simple syrup: the sweet-sour balance
- Cola splash: adds color and caramel notes
So how does that help with Long Island Iced Coffee? Think of coffee as replacing some of the cola’s job. The coffee brings deep roasted flavors and gentle bitterness, so you can cut back on triple sec or swap it for coffee liqueur. The lemon stays because that pop of acidity makes the whole drink feel awake, not heavy. Try this: keep the four clear spirits, switch triple sec for coffee liqueur, add cold brew, and just a whisper of cola for color.
For a cozy pairing, I sometimes set out a not-too-sweet dessert like this comforting apple pie filling coffee cake. The warm spice and apple notes love the roasted edge of the cocktail.
Small tweaks go a long way. Use fresh lemon and taste as you build. If it’s too bold, add more coffee or a bit of sparkling water. If it’s too tart, a touch more simple syrup will smooth it out.
More cocktail recipes to try
Easy pairings and party tips
If Long Island Iced Coffee hits the spot, you’ll probably love an Espresso Martini on date night. It’s chic, easy to batch, and keeps the coffee theme going. A White Russian also scratches the same itch with a creamier, dessert-like vibe. For something simple, top cold brew with a shot of spiced rum and a squeeze of orange. It’s laid-back and perfect with salty snacks.
Hosting a crowd? Batch your citrus and keep your spirits chilled so you can mix on autopilot. Also, nothing tanks a good drink faster than funky equipment. Do a quick refresh with this guide on cleaning stained coffee pots earlier in the day. Your taste buds will thank you.
And if you want a cozy bite to set next to the ice bucket, that same apple pie filling coffee cake is a crowd pleaser that won’t overshadow your drinks.
You may also like:
Love a build-your-own-bar vibe? Make a little coffee station next to the cocktail setup with cold brew, syrups, and garnish bowls. Guests can punch up their glass with extra coffee or a vanilla hit, while you keep the main recipe consistent.
For something sweet and shareable that still feels grown up, slice into this apple pie filling coffee cake. It pairs beautifully with bold sips and late-night chats.
And before the next cocktail night, give your brewer a speedy scrub using these winner methods for cleaning stained coffee pots. Cleaner gear equals cleaner flavor, period.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make it without one of the spirits?
A: Absolutely. Skip the gin or tequila if you’re not a fan. Keep the total spirit volume similar by slightly increasing the others, or just lean more on the coffee liqueur. It will still taste balanced.
Q: No cold brew on hand?
A: Use 2 shots of espresso cooled completely, or 2 ounces of very strong chilled coffee. If it tastes a bit sharp, add a smidge more simple syrup.
Q: Can I batch this for a party?
A: Yes. Mix all spirits, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher and chill. Add the coffee and cola to each glass just before serving so the flavors stay bright and the fizz doesn’t fade.
Q: What’s the best glass and ice?
A: A tall highball with big, solid cubes. More ice actually means less dilution since it stays cold longer. Fill the glass to the top.
Q: How do I make it sweeter or lighter?
A: For sweeter, add 1/4 oz more simple syrup or use a cola with sugar instead of diet. For lighter, cut each spirit to 1/3 oz and add a splash more coffee or sparkling water.
Sip, relax, and share your glass
That’s my go to Long Island Iced Coffee: bold, smooth, and ridiculously easy to love. Once you’ve tried it my way, tweak it until it fits your mood, whether that’s extra coffee-forward or a touch sweeter. If you want other perspectives, I like how this guide breaks it down in a straightforward way at Long Island Iced Coffee – Easy Drink Recipe | WhitneyBond.com, and this take on a refreshing, potent version at Long Island Iced Coffee cocktail – potent and refreshing!. You’ve got everything you need, so grab that shaker, pile in the ice, and make a glass you’ll want to sip all evening. Cheers to good coffee, good company, and cocktails that keep the conversation going.
Long Island Iced Coffee
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, white rum, gin, and silver tequila.
- Add coffee liqueur, cold brew concentrate, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake hard for about 10 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain into a tall glass packed with fresh ice.
- Top with a light splash of cola for color and a hint of fizz.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wheel and a few coffee beans if desired.
