Long Island Cocktail Price: Best Deals & Cost in 2025
When you’re at the bar with friends, ready to indulge in a refreshing drink, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a Long Island Iced Tea on the menu. This iconic cocktail is known for its unique blend of spirits and its unbeatable refreshment. However, many people often wonder, “How much does a Long Island cocktail cost?” In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Long Island cocktail price, its ingredients, variations, and the best places to enjoy it.
What Is a Long Island Cocktail?
Before we dive into pricing, it’s important to understand what makes this cocktail so popular. The Long Island Iced Tea (LIIT) is a mixed drink that’s both sweet and strong, and it’s made with a combination of various liquors. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain any tea. The cocktail is a unique blend of five spirits—vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec—along with sour mix, cola, and a splash of lemon. This refreshing drink offers the perfect balance between sweetness and strength, which is why it’s a favorite for many cocktail lovers.
The Long Island cocktail ingredients typically include:
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Vodka
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Gin
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Tequila
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Rum
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Triple Sec
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Sour Mix
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Coca-Cola
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Lemon Juice
Long Island Iced Tea Alcohol Percentage
The alcohol percentage of a Long Island Iced Tea is one of the reasons why it’s so popular. Due to its combination of five different types of alcohol, the drink packs quite a punch, typically around 22% to 28% ABV (alcohol by volume). This makes it a strong drink, so if you’re planning to sip it casually, be cautious.
If you’re curious about the Long Island cocktail price in relation to alcohol content, it’s important to keep in mind that the stronger the cocktail, the more expensive it tends to be in many bars. However, the actual price varies based on location, ingredients, and the venue you choose.
How Much Is a Long Island Iced Tea at Applebee’s?
Applebee’s is a popular chain where many customers enjoy sipping on their famous cocktails, including the Long Island Iced Tea. At Applebee’s, the Long Island Iced Tea price typically ranges from $6 to $9 depending on the location and whether there are any promotions or discounts. The drink may be slightly more expensive at locations in high-cost areas or cities, but you can generally expect affordable prices for such a strong, popular drink.
Long Island Cocktail Recipe: Make It Yourself!
While it’s easy to head to your local bar and order a Long Island cocktail at a good price, why not try making one yourself at home? Here’s a simple Long Island cocktail recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
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1/2 ounce vodka
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1/2 ounce gin
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1/2 ounce rum
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1/2 ounce tequila
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1/2 ounce triple sec
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1 ounce sour mix (or fresh lemon juice and simple syrup)
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Splash of cola
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Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
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In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, and sour mix (or lemon juice and simple syrup).
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Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
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Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
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Add a splash of cola to the top.
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Garnish with a lemon wedge.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
This Long Island cocktail recipe will give you that perfect, classic drink with a delicious balance of alcohol and flavors. You can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences, but this recipe will give you a solid foundation.
The Origin of Long Island Iced Tea
The story of how the Long Island iced tea came to be is as colorful as the drink itself. It was reportedly created in 1972 by bartender John G. Martin, who was participating in a contest to create a new mixed drink using triple sec. He decided to use several different liquors to create a drink that could mask the taste of alcohol, and thus, the Long Island Iced Tea was born.
The drink was named after Long Island, New York, but it has no connection to the actual beverage tea. Over time, it became a popular choice at bars and restaurants across the United States and beyond. If you’re ever wondering how the Long Island iced tea came to be, you can thank John G. Martin for this delightful invention.
Long Island Cocktail Price: What Affects the Cost?
The Long Island cocktail price can vary depending on several factors. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence the price:
1. Location
As with any drink, the price of a Long Island Iced Tea can fluctuate based on where you’re ordering it. For example, a Long Island cocktail price in New York City might be more expensive than one you’d find in a smaller town in the Midwest. Major cities tend to have higher prices due to the increased cost of living and the higher demand for drinks.
2. Venue Type
The type of venue you visit can also play a significant role in the pricing. Cocktail bars, upscale restaurants, and chain establishments like Applebee’s may price their Long Island Iced Tea differently. For example, you might pay $10 or more for a Long Island cocktail in a trendy cocktail bar, while a more casual bar may offer the drink for $6 to $8.
3. Size of the Drink
Some venues may offer Long Island Iced Tea in different sizes, such as a regular serving or a larger “bucket” version. Naturally, the larger the drink, the higher the Long Island cocktail price.
4. Promotions and Happy Hour Deals
Many bars and restaurants offer promotions and happy hour specials, which can significantly lower the price of cocktails. During happy hour, you might be able to score a Long Island cocktail for as low as $4 to $5. Always keep an eye out for those deals!
Long Island Cocktail Price Near Me: Finding the Best Deals
If you’re looking to find the Long Island cocktail price near you, the best way is to check out local bars, restaurants, and popular chains. Some tips to help you find the best deal include:
Search Local Menus: Many restaurants and bars post their menus online, which often include prices for cocktails like the Long Island Iced Tea.
Look for Specials: As mentioned earlier, bars often run happy hour specials. Look for places that offer discounted Long Island Iced Teas during these hours.
Use Cocktail Apps: Some apps and websites aggregate cocktail prices and menus from various bars in your area. These can be helpful when comparing prices before heading out.
You may also find Long Island iced tea bottles near me at liquor stores, which can be a great way to enjoy the cocktail at home without going out. Look for bottled versions of the cocktail, which often come in ready-to-drink varieties.
Long Island Cocktail Price Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
When comparing the Long Island cocktail price to other drinks, it’s important to keep in mind that the Long Island Iced Tea is a strong drink with multiple spirits, which tends to make it a bit pricier than simpler cocktails like a vodka soda or rum and coke. However, because of the many ingredients in a Long Island cocktail recipe, the price can be quite reasonable, especially if you’re looking for a drink that will give you a great buzz without needing to order several different cocktails.
A Long Island Iced Tea is a popular choice for people looking to get a solid drink with a bit of everything, so it’s no wonder it remains a go-to at many bars and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is in a Long Island?
A typical Long Island Iced Tea contains about 1.5 to 2 ounces of alcohol, combining vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec. The drink is mixed with sour mix or lemon juice and topped with a splash of cola, giving it its signature flavor and strong alcohol content.
How much alcohol is in a LIIT?
A Long Island Iced Tea (LIIT) usually has an alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage ranging from 22% to 28%, depending on the proportions of each liquor used. Given its strong alcohol content, it’s one of the more potent mixed drinks you can enjoy at a bar or restaurant.
How much does it cost to make a Long Island?
The cost to make a Long Island Iced Tea at home can vary depending on the quality of ingredients you use. On average, expect to spend around $10 to $15 for the full set of spirits required. However, if you already have most of the ingredients on hand, the cost per drink may be lower, especially if you buy in bulk.
How much is a Long Island cocktail at a bar?
The price of a Long Island cocktail at a bar typically ranges from $6 to $9 depending on location, bar type, and any ongoing promotions. In more expensive cities or upscale bars, the price could be as high as $10 or more.
What is the main alcohol in a Long Island Iced Tea?
The main alcohol in a Long Island Iced Tea is vodka, although the cocktail also contains rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec. Each of these spirits contributes to the unique flavor and strength of the drink.
How many calories are in a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea can have around 200 to 300 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients and proportions used. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider reducing the amount of cola or sour mix used.
How strong is a Long Island Iced Tea?
A Long Island Iced Tea is considered a strong drink because of its combination of five different spirits. The alcohol content and the amount of liquor make it much stronger than many other cocktails.
Can you make a Long Island Iced Tea without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of a Long Island Iced Tea by omitting the spirits and using a combination of soda, sour mix, and cola. This “virgin” version offers the same flavor without the alcohol content.
What’s the origin of the Long Island Iced Tea?
The Long Island Iced Tea originated in Long Island, New York, in 1972. It was created by bartender John G. Martin, who wanted to craft a drink using triple sec for a contest. Despite its name, the cocktail doesn’t actually contain any tea.
Can I find Long Island Iced Tea bottles near me?
Yes, many liquor stores offer ready-to-drink Long Island Iced Tea bottles for sale. These pre-mixed bottles provide the convenience of enjoying the cocktail at home without needing to buy individual spirits. You can find them in the beverage section of your local liquor store or order them online.
Final Thoughts
The Long Island cocktail price is influenced by many factors, from the venue to the location and even the size of the drink. On average, you can expect to pay between $6 and $9 for a Long Island Iced Tea at most bars and restaurants. However, prices may be higher in larger cities or upscale venues. Whether you’re sipping it at your favorite bar or trying your hand at making it at home, the Long Island cocktail is a great choice for any occasion.
Want to enjoy a delicious Long Island Iced Tea today? Check out your local bars or try making this classic drink at home with our easy-to-follow Long Island cocktail recipe. Don’t forget to explore the best deals around you to get the most bang for your buck.
