Iced Tea and Tequila: Altos Long Island

The Long Island stands as a classic cocktail recognised by everyone, yet far removed from what its name might suggest: it contains no tea whatsoever!

Despite the blend of ingredients potentially evoking a certain tea-like flavour, and its colour certainly contributing to this impression, it doesn’t include a single drop of the beverage. What it does feature, making it rather a potent cocktail, is a combination of up to five different spirits.

Regarding its history, like most cocktails, several versions exist concerning its origins. Nevertheless, you simply cannot overlook this Olmeca Altos interpretation of one of the most celebrated cocktails.

Components for Preparing the Iced Tea with Tequila

This represents a cocktail that employs a broad array of different spirits, though in this version we shall give greater prominence to tequila:

• 60ml of Olmeca Altos Reposado tequila, the finest tequila for the Long Island cocktail
• 30ml of vodka
• 30ml of gin
• 30ml of white rum
• 15ml of triple sec
• 120ml of lime juice
• 60ml of simple syrup or agave syrup
• Cola
• Lemons or limes for garnish

How to Craft the Tequila Long Island Iced Tea:

Despite featuring a broad array of components, preparing this tea cocktail proves quite straightforward—you simply need to:

1. Combine the tequila, vodka, gin, white rum, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker.
2. Incorporate the lime juice and agave syrup.
3. Shake vigorously with ice.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top up the glass with cola.
6. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.

Now all that remains is to savour the delightful result!

Foods to Accompany the Altos Tequila Long Island Iced Tea

This represents a versatile cocktail that pairs beautifully with various types of cuisine. Should you require recommendations to avoid drinking it solo, whilst also helping you manage the substantial alcohol content, consider pairing it with complementary dishes. 

For starters, nachos, mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, or any other crispy, fried appetisers work wonderfully. The zesty character of the cocktail complements fresh seafood brilliantly, particularly prawns, octopus, or ceviche. 

Mexican cuisine also proves an outstanding choice for accompaniment, with dishes like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas creating perfect harmony. If you are looking for inspiration to create other drinks to accompany your dishes, take a look at our best cocktail recipes.

Olmeca Altos as the Perfect Partner for the Long Island Iced Tea

We’ve afforded tequila a starring role in this interpretation of the classic Long Island, though not all tequilas are created equal. As with any recipe, the calibre of individual components proves crucial to achieving an exceptional outcome—a cocktail you’ll struggle to forget. 

This is precisely why Olmeca Altos family was conceived: to deliver that quality enhancement provided by our two expert bartenders, Dre Masso and Henry Bassant, alongside master distiller Jesús Hernandez and tequila expert Carlos Andrés Ramírez, in crafting a tequila that is “naturally smooth, premium quality, approachable, and possessing a flavour capable of penetrating and making an impact in complex cocktails with remarkable taste”.

The Long Island Iced Tea remains one of the most iconic cocktails in mixology, and this tequila-forward version elevates the classic to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply seeking a bold cocktail experience, this Olmeca Altos interpretation delivers both complexity and character.