What Makes the Blue Long Island Iced Tea Different?

blue long island iced tea drink in a highball with lemon wheel

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea is a vibrant twist on the classic Long Island, distinguished chiefly by its bold color and the swap of one key ingredient. While both drinks share a foundation rooted in vodka, gin, tequila, and rum, the Blue Long Island stands out for both its flavor and its visual impact.

Origins and Popularity

The original Long Island Iced Tea is believed to have been created in the late 1970s, boasting a reputation for packing a punch with a seamless blend of spirits. The Blue Long Island Iced Tea was born as bartenders began experimenting with color and taste, aiming to create a drink that's as striking in appearance as it is refreshing.

Key Differences in Ingredients

The main distinction is the use of blue curaçao liqueur instead of triple sec. Blue curaçao not only infuses the cocktail with its signature electric blue hue but also adds subtle orange notes and a slightly more pronounced citrus bite compared to most triple secs. This single adjustment alters both the drink’s look and flavor.

Traditional Long Island Iced Tea: vodka, gin, tequila, white rum, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, cola.
Blue Long Island Iced Tea: vodka, gin, tequila, white rum, blue curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon-lime soda or club soda.

Flavor Profile: Comparing the Two Drinks

Traditional: Balanced between cola’s caramel notes, citrus, and the strong spirits. The blend makes the alcohol almost unnoticeable, with a layered, tea-like complexity.
Blue Long Island: Citrus takes center stage—blue curaçao brings orange zest, and lemon-lime soda or club soda lightens the flavor. The finished cocktail is tarter, fruitier, and slightly sweeter, with the blue color enhancing the playful presentation.

Blue Long Island Iced Tea Drink Recipe

15 ml vodka
15 ml gin
15 ml white rum
15 ml tequila
15 ml blue curaçao
30 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml simple syrup
75 ml lemon-lime soda or club soda (to top)
Lemon wheel or cherry, for garnish

How to Make a Blue Long Island Iced Tea

Fill a tall glass with ice.
Add 15 ml vodka, 15 ml gin, 15 ml white rum, 15 ml tequila, and 15 ml blue curaçao.
Pour in 30 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml simple syrup.
Stir gently to combine.
Top with 75 ml lemon-lime soda or club soda.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or a cherry.

blue long island iced tea with ice and garnish

Serving and Presentation Tips

Always use fresh lemon juice for brightness—avoid pre-made mixers.
Serve in a tall or Collins glass to show off the color and bubbles.
A single lemon wheel or cherry is enough garnish—the drink's color does the visual work.
If using club soda, the drink will taste drier; lemon-lime soda provides sweetness and more fizz.

blue long island iced tea in collins glass on marble with lemon

Why Choose the Blue Version?

For anyone seeking a cocktail that’s both visually stunning and refreshingly citrus-forward, the Blue Long Island Iced Tea offers a clever update to the beloved original. The use of blue curaçao not only gives an eye-catching presentation but also brightens the citrus and rounds out the mix of spirits, making it a lively option for summer gatherings or parties where classic brown drinks might blend in. The switch to lemon-lime soda keeps the drink crisp, accentuating the fruit notes while letting the alcohol remain well integrated.