Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

If you’ve ever sipped on a Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea, you already know it packs a bold punch with smooth, citrusy refreshment. This fan-favorite cocktail combines a variety of spirits vodka, rum, gin, and tequila balanced perfectly with sweet and sour mix and a splash of cola. Despite the name, there’s no actual tea involved; the drink gets its “iced tea” look from the cola and its signature taste from the harmonious blend of liquors. Recreating this at home is easier than you think and perfect for entertaining or winding down after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Texas Roadhouse is known for bold flavors, and their take on the classic Long Island Iced Tea is no exception. This version hits all the right notesstrong, smooth, and just sweet enough. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a restaurant-quality cocktail without leaving your home, this recipe delivers every time.

• Made with common bar staples no fancy ingredients required
• Balanced flavor: strong but smooth with a refreshing citrus finish
• Quick and easy to mix in under 5 minutes
• Perfect for parties, game nights, or weekend BBQs
• Tastes just like the one you’d order at Texas Roadhouse (maybe even better!)

My First Experience with Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe and How I Found It

The first time I tried the Long Island Iced Tea at Texas Roadhouse, I was instantly hooked. It was the perfect mix of strong and smooth, with just the right amount of citrusy zing and fizz. I remember thinking, “How does something with this many spirits taste so balanced?” That curiosity led me to search for a way to recreate the magic at home. After a bit of experimentation and a few too-strong attempts, I finally landed on the perfect copycat recipe and it’s been my go-to cocktail ever since.

Equipment

Ice Tray – You’ll need plenty of ice to chill and serve this cocktail just right.

Cocktail Shaker – To mix all the liquors and ingredients evenly for a smooth finish.

Jigger or Measuring Shot Glass – For accurate liquor measurement to maintain the balance of flavors.

Highball or Collins Glass – The traditional glass style used for serving Long Island Iced Tea.

Bar Spoon or Stirrer – To gently combine the cola without flattening the fizz.

Citrus Juicer (optional) – Handy if you’re using fresh lemon juice instead of sour mix.

Ingredients

• Vodka (1/2 oz) – Adds a neutral alcohol base to the drink.
• White Rum (1/2 oz) – Contributes a subtle sweetness and body.
• Gin (1/2 oz) – Provides botanical notes that enhance complexity.
• Tequila (1/2 oz) – Gives a slight earthy, bold kick.
• Triple Sec (1/2 oz) – A sweet orange liqueur that brightens the mix.
• Sweet and Sour Mix (1 oz) – Brings tangy citrus flavor and balances the alcohol.
• Cola (splash) – Finishes the drink with fizz and gives it that iced tea look.
• Lemon Wedge (for garnish) – Adds a fresh citrus aroma and visual appeal.
• Ice Cubes – Essential for chilling and slightly diluting the drink for perfect sipping.

How to Make Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving a tropical, fun, and slightly dramatic cocktail, the Applebee’s Shark Bowl is a must-try and yes, you can totally recreate it at home! This vibrant blue drink is as fun to make as it is to serve, especially when you add the iconic gummy shark swimming in a sea of crushed ice. Made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda, it’s fruity, refreshing, and just boozy enough to kickstart any gathering.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Glass
   Fill a large goblet or hurricane glass with crushed ice this gives the drink its signature “shark bowl” texture and helps keep it super chilled.
2. Mix the Liquids
   In a cocktail shaker, combine:
   • 1 ½ oz white rum
   • ½ oz blue curaçao
   • 2 oz pineapple juice
   • 1 oz sweet and sour mix
   • A splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite)
   Shake gently for about 10 seconds to mix the flavors without over-carbonating the soda.
3. Pour and Build
   Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the crushed ice. Top it off with a little more lemon-lime soda if desired for extra fizz.
4. Add the Gummy Shark
   Carefully place one or two gummy sharks into the drink. Let them float near the top for that iconic Applebee’s presentation.
5. Garnish and Serve
   Garnish with a lemon wheel or orange slice on the rim and serve with a fun straw. For extra flair, drop in a cherry or two for color contrast.

If you enjoy bold and fun cocktails like this, don’t miss my Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe a tropical, ocean-blue drink that’s just as eye-catching as it is delicious!

Tips for Making Perfect Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Mastering the perfect Long Island Iced Tea at home is all about balance and technique. Since the drink combines multiple spirits, it’s important to measure accurately and mix gently. With just a few smart tricks, your homemade version will taste just like it came from Texas Roadhouse or maybe even better.

• Use fresh ingredients – Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice if you’re not using pre-made sour mix for a cleaner, fresher flavor.
• Don’t overpour the liquor – Equal parts of each spirit is key to balance. More isn’t always better.
• Chill your glass – A cold glass keeps your drink colder, longer without watering it down too quickly.
• Stir, don’t shake – Shaking can flatten the cola; always stir gently after adding it.
• Use good-quality spirits – You don’t need top-shelf, but mid-range liquors make a noticeable difference.

What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

Long Island Iced Tea pairs best with bold, savory, and salty dishes just like what you’d find on the Texas Roadhouse menu. Its citrusy zing and strong flavor make it a perfect companion for hearty meals and casual bites.

• Loaded potato skins – Crispy, cheesy, and savory just right with a strong cocktail.
• Buffalo wings – The heat from the wings plays well with the cool, citrusy notes of the drink.
• BBQ ribs or brisket – A meaty, smoky dish pairs beautifully with the boldness of the cocktail.
• Chili cheese fries – Ideal for parties or game nights alongside your homemade Long Island.
• Shrimp or chicken tenders – Crispy, golden proteins contrast perfectly with the tangy drink.

Storage Tips

• Don’t pre-mix too early – Because of the cola and citrus, this cocktail is best mixed fresh to maintain fizz and flavor.
• Store ingredients separately – You can prep the alcohol mix (vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec) ahead of time in a sealed bottle and refrigerate.
• No freezing – Avoid freezing, as alcohol won’t freeze well and the citrus ingredients may separate or become bitter.

Serving Tips

• Serve immediately over ice – This drink shines when it’s icy cold and freshly made.
• Use a tall glass – Highball or Collins glasses work best for the classic presentation.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge – A small touch that adds visual appeal and a fresh scent.
• Use crushed ice for extra chill – Especially great for hot days or outdoor events.

Nutrition & Calories Facts Table

Note: This cocktail is relatively high in alcohol and sugar, so enjoy responsibly and in moderation!

Conclusion!

The Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea is the ultimate crowd-pleaser cocktail smooth, citrusy, and full of personality. With its bold blend of liquors and a refreshing splash of cola, it’s perfect for happy hours, weekend BBQs, or just unwinding after a long day. Now that you know how to make it at home, you don’t need to wait for a restaurant visit to enjoy this iconic drink. Grab your shaker, measure precisely, and sip your way into the perfect evening.

FAQs

1. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-mix the alcohol (vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec) and store it in the fridge. Just add the sour mix and cola right before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy.

2. What can I use instead of sweet and sour mix?
You can make your own with 1 part lemon juice and 1 part simple syrup. It’s fresher and less processed than store-bought.

3. Is it really made without tea?
Yes! Despite the name, there’s no tea in a Long Island Iced Tea. The “iced tea” color comes from the splash of cola.

4. How strong is this drink?
Very! It combines five different liquors and usually has an alcohol content around 22–25% ABV. It’s meant to be sipped slowly.

5. Can I turn this into a mocktail?
Absolutely! Replace the liquors with iced tea or a mix of cola and lemonade, and skip the alcohol. You’ll still get a refreshing, tea-like drink with zero booze.

Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

A bold, boozy classic with a citrusy kick, this Texas Roadhouse-style Long Island Iced Tea combines five different liquors with sweet and sour mix and cola for a dangerously smooth cocktail.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Cocktail

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Ice Tray
• Cocktail shaker
• Measuring Shot Glass
• Collins Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Citrus juicer

Ingredients

  

• Vodka 1/2 oz – Adds a neutral alcohol base to the drink.
• White Rum 1/2 oz – Contributes a subtle sweetness and body.
• Gin 1/2 oz – Provides botanical notes that enhance complexity.
• Tequila 1/2 oz – Gives a slight earthy, bold kick.
• Triple Sec 1/2 oz – A sweet orange liqueur that brightens the mix.
• Sweet and Sour Mix 1 oz – Brings tangy citrus flavor and balances the alcohol.
• Cola splash – Finishes the drink with fizz and gives it that iced tea look.
• Lemon Wedge for garnish – Adds a fresh citrus aroma and visual appeal.
• Ice Cubes – Essential for chilling and slightly diluting the drink for perfect sipping.

Notes

This homemade Texas Roadhouse-style Long Island Iced Tea is a great balance of strong, sweet, and citrusy. It’s ideal for parties, game nights, or when you’re in the mood for a bold cocktail with minimal effort. Feel free to adjust the cola and sweet & sour ratio to suit your taste!