Iced Tea and Tequila: Altos Long Island

What Is a Long Island Iced Tea And Why Doesn’t It Contain Any Tea?

Few cocktails are as universally recognised as the Long Island Iced Tea, yet few are as misleading in name. Despite what it might suggest, there’s not a drop of tea to be found in the glass.

The deep amber colour and the curious blend of ingredients do a remarkable job of mimicking the appearance of iced tea, but that’s where the resemblance ends. What this drink truly contains, and what gives it its notorious reputation, is a bold combination of up to five different spirits working in harmony.

Much like most classic cocktails, the story of its origins is contested, with several competing claims to its invention. Whatever version you choose to believe, this Altos take on the recipe is well worth exploring.

From timeless serves like this tequila and iced tea-inspired classic to contemporary recipes that reimagine the combination of tea & tequila, our full collection of cocktail recipes offers something for every palate.

The Best Foods to Pair with the Altos Long Island Iced Tea

For all its boldness, this tequila and iced tea-style cocktail is surprisingly food-friendly. The right accompaniments not only complement the drink but help balance its considerable alcoholic strength. Here are our recommended pairings:

• Snacks & starters: Nachos, mozzarella sticks, crispy chicken wings, or any fried finger food make for ideal partners alongside this tequila tea serve.
• Seafood: The citrus-forward profile of the cocktail works particularly well with fresh seafood — think prawns, octopus, or a vibrant ceviche.
• Mexican cuisine: Tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are a natural match. From the Altos kitchen, explore recipes such as Flautas de Pollo, Taco de Papa con Chorizo, Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, Baja-Style Fish Tacos, and Tacos de Chorizo.

Why Altos Tequila Makes All the Difference in a Long Island Iced Tea

When it comes to long island iced tea ingredients, the tequila you choose matters more than you might expect. In a cocktail that brings together multiple spirits, quality is the deciding factor between something forgettable and something genuinely great.

Altos Tequila was built with exactly this in mind. Created by celebrated bartenders Dre Masso and Henry Besant alongside master distiller Jesús Hernández, the range was developed from the ground up for cocktail making. The ambition was clear: to produce a tequila that’s naturally smooth and accessible, yet distinctive enough to hold its own within complex, multi-spirit recipes like a long island iced tea.

If you’re looking to follow a proper long island iced tea recipe, Altos Reposado brings the depth, balance, and character needed to bind all the ingredients together, ensuring the tea and tequila combination truly shines, from the first shake to the final sip.