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Master Applebee’s Long Island recipe at home to capture the same bold, citrusy kick that defines their famous bar drink. This cocktail balances sweet, sour, and boozy notes in one refreshing sip, with vodka, rum, gin, and triple sec working together seamlessly.
The key lies in precise measurements and proper chilling—no guesswork allowed for that signature taste.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility and speed—ready in under 5 minutes with just 6 ingredients and basic bar tools. The citrus twist from lemon and lime juice brightens the mix, while simple syrup balances the alcohol's bite.
Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a solo cocktail hour, this version stays true to the original while being easy to adapt.
By the time you pour it over ice in a tall glass, you'll have a cocktail that's vibrant yellow, effervescent, and perfectly balanced—sweet enough to sip slowly but strong enough to enjoy responsibly.
The garnish of lemon and lime wheels adds that final touch of professional flair. Let's make this classic cocktail at home.
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the wait, perfect for weeknight cocktails or weekend entertaining. The secret is patience in layering flavors—start with the citrus, build the alcohol base, then finish with the sweetness. Every sip should remind you of your favorite Applebee's visit, but better.
Ingredients for applebee's long island
Six core ingredients plus a few garnishes make this cocktail shine bright and bold.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka 🍸 | 1 ½ oz | High-quality, 80-proof preferred |
| White Rum 🍹 | 1 ½ oz | Light or silver rum works best |
| Gin 🍸 | 1 ½ oz | London dry preferred |
| Triple Sec 🍊 | ½ oz | Cointreau or Curacao |
| Fresh Lemon Juice 🍋 | ½ oz | Freshly squeezed, no pulp |
| Fresh Lime Juice 🍈 | ½ oz | Freshly squeezed, no pulp |
| Simple Syrup 🍯 | 1 oz | 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio |
| Ice Cubes ❄️ | 1 cup | Freshly chilled, clear ice |
| Club Soda 💧 | 2 oz | Chilled, for topping |
| Lemon Wheels 🍋 | 2 pieces | For garnish, thin slices |
| Lime Wheels 🍈 | 2 pieces | For garnish, thin slices |
| Cola 🥤 | 2 oz | Optional, for classic variation |
The alcohol base is where this drink gets its magic. Vodka, rum, and gin should be top-shelf if you can swing it—Smirnoff No. 21, Bacardi Superior, and Tanqueray are my go-tos, but anything decent works. Triple Sec? Cointreau is the gold standard, but Curacao is fine if you're on a budget. Fresh citrus is non-negotiable here—store-bought juice loses that zesty punch. I always grab a couple extra lemons and limes at Trader Joe's—they're juicy and cheap. If you're making a batch for a crowd, pre-mix the citrus and simple syrup in a pitcher to save time.
No triple sec? Substitute orange liqueur like Grand Marnier at the same amount. Short on gin? Double the rum or vodka—it'll still taste great. The cola is optional but adds that classic Long Island vibe—Coke or Pepsi both work. Simple syrup can be made ahead (equal parts sugar and water, simmered until dissolved), or grab a bottle from Whole Foods if you're in a hurry. For garnish, thin slices look best—use a mandoline if you're fancy, or just carefully slice by hand. The key is keeping everything chilled until serving—don't let the citrus sit out too long.
This cocktail stays fresh for 24 hours in the fridge if pre-mixed, but tastes best fresh. For a party, pre-batch the mix without the club soda—add soda just before serving to keep it fizzy. Garnishes last 3 days in the fridge if stored in a sealed container with a paper towel. I like to make a big batch on Sundays so I can grab it for weeknight cocktails—just remember to add the soda right before drinking. The ice matters too—use clear cubes for a cleaner look, or crushed ice if you prefer a slushier texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear by this when I need a drink fast—just shake, strain, and serve. No fancy tools, no measuring headaches, just a cocktail that feels like a hug in liquid form.
- Bright & Balanced: That zesty lemon juice cuts through the vodka, rum, and gin so smoothly, it’s like Applebee’s nailed the perfect harmony. The Triple Sec adds just enough sweetness to make it irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleaser Anywhere: Perfect for game day, date night, or even a solo unwind—no one ever turns it down. I’ve made it for birthdays, bachelorette nights, and lazy Sundays, and it’s always a hit.
- Budget-Friendly Boozy Joy: You’re not breaking the bank here—just a handful of spirits and a lemon. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes where the cost per drink is laughably low, but the vibes are chef’s kiss.
Step-by-step instructions for Applebee's Long Island Iced Tea
Here's how to mix this citrusy classic with perfect balance and refreshing fizz.
Combine the Base Spirits and Citrus
In a shaker, pour in the 1.5 oz vodka, 1.5 oz white rum, and 1.5 oz gin. Add the 0.5 oz triple sec, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice. The citrus will brighten the flavors and cut through the alcohol's intensity.
I like to use a cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer for this step—it makes pouring into glasses later much easier. Give everything a gentle shake to start breaking down the ingredients. You'll notice the citrus oils begin to emulsify slightly, creating that signature golden hue.
Add Sweetness and Ice
Pour in the 1 oz simple syrup and add the 1 cup ice cubes. The syrup will dissolve quickly, balancing the tart citrus and smooth out the alcohol's bite. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch.
This shaking step is crucial—it chills the mixture properly and ensures the flavors meld together. If you're using a cocktail shaker without a strainer, double-strain into your serving glasses to get a perfectly smooth texture. The drink should now have a vibrant golden color with a frothy top layer.
Top with Club Soda and Optional Cola
Fill each glass with fresh ice cubes and pour the chilled mixture over them. Then add 2 oz club soda to each serving. The soda creates that signature light, bubbly finish that makes this cocktail so refreshing. For the classic Applebee's variation, add 2 oz cola to each drink—this adds a subtle sweetness and carbonation.
I find the club soda alone gives a cleaner taste, while the cola version is more nostalgic for those who remember the restaurant's signature drink. Either way, give everything a gentle stir with a bar spoon to incorporate the bubbles evenly.
Garnish and Serve Immediately
Place one lemon wheel and one lime wheel on the rim of each glass. The citrus garnish not only looks beautiful but also enhances the drink's aroma. I like to press the wheels gently against the rim before placing them on top—this releases a little extra juice that adds to the flavor.
Serve immediately with a tall straw for the full experience. The drink should be served over fresh ice so it stays chilled and fizzy until the last sip. This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after mixing—waiting too long lets the bubbles dissipate and the flavors mellow.
Pro Tips For Making Applebee'S Long Island
- STIR BEFORE MEASURING: The Long Island Iced Tea recipe calls for precise ratios of vodka, rum, gin, and Triple Sec—don’t eyeball it. Pour each liquor into a measuring cup, stir it around once with a spoon, then read the level at eye level. The alcohol clings to the sides if you don’t stir, and you’ll end up with a drink that’s either weak or unbalanced.
- CHILL YOUR LEMON JUICE: Fresh lemon juice straight from the bottle is warm and dulls the bright acidity this drink needs. Pop the juice in the fridge for 10 minutes before mixing—it’ll punch through the boozy base like it’s supposed to. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
- SHAKING ORDER MATTERS: Add the vodka, rum, gin, and Triple Sec to the shaker first, then the lemon juice and cola. If you dump the cola in early, you’ll end up with a fizzy, watered-down mess before you even add ice. The alcohol layers need to mingle properly before the soda cuts through.
- USE A LONG DRINK GLASS: Skip the rocks glass—this drink’s meant to be served tall and refreshing. Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice all the way to the top, then pour the mix over it. The dilution from the ice keeps it from tasting like a shot in a cup, and the extra height makes it look (and taste) like the real deal.
Best sauces and condiments for applebee's long island
Citrus Syrup Upgrade
Swap the simple syrup for a citrus-infused syrup by simmering 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water and 2 strips orange peel for 5 minutes. Strain and chill. This adds a subtle floral note that complements the vodka and rum beautifully. 🍊
Spicy Rim Twist
For a kick, rim your glasses with a mix of ½ tsp Tajín and ½ tsp sugar. The chili-lime blend cuts through the sweetness and adds a smoky finish.
I like to moisten the rim with lemon juice first so the rim sticks perfectly. This is a game-changer for spice lovers.
Smoky Salt Garnish
Sprinkle a pinch of smoked sea salt (like Maldon) on top of the citrus wheels before placing them in the glass. The smoky aroma pairs surprisingly well with the bright citrus and herbal gin notes. It’s a subtle but sophisticated touch that elevates the drink.
Honey-Ginger Syrup
Replace simple syrup with a honey-ginger syrup by simmering ½ cup honey, ½ cup water, and 1 tbsp grated ginger for 3 minutes. Strain and cool.
The ginger adds warmth that balances the citrus’s acidity, while the honey deepens the sweetness. Perfect for those who prefer a more complex flavor profile.
Coconut Cream Topper
For a tropical twist, top the cocktail with ½ oz coconut cream (like Goya) instead of club soda. The creamy texture adds a luxurious mouthfeel, while the coconut flavor enhances the rum’s caramel notes.
Shake the coconut cream separately with ice and strain it over the drink just before serving.
Herbal Garnish Boost
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint as a garnish for an herbal contrast. The rosemary’s piney aroma pairs well with the gin, while mint adds a refreshing brightness. I like to muddle a few mint leaves in the shaker for an extra layer of flavor before straining.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Why does this cocktail have four different types of alcohol?
The combination of vodka, rum, gin, and triple sec creates a balanced flavor profile that's both sweet and complex. The vodka provides a neutral base, rum adds caramel sweetness, gin contributes herbal notes, and triple sec brings citrus depth. This layered approach mimics the restaurant version's signature taste while keeping it approachable at home.
Can I make this cocktail without a cocktail shaker?
Use a mason jar or any sturdy container with a lid. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients properly. For straining, pour through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into your glass. The key is maintaining the same shaking time and ice ratio for consistent results.
How strong is this cocktail compared to other drinks?
This recipe serves up 4.5 oz of alcohol per drink (including the club soda), making it stronger than most mixed drinks but comparable to a standard cocktail. For a lighter version, reduce each alcohol measurement by 0.25 oz and increase the club soda to 3 oz. Always drink responsibly and adjust based on your tolerance.
What's the best glassware for serving this?
Use a highball glass (12-16 oz) filled with ice for the full experience. The tall shape keeps the drink chilled and allows the bubbles to rise properly. For a more elegant presentation, a coupe glass works too—just reduce the ice to ½ cup per serving. The citrus garnish should sit on the rim, not float inside.
Can I pre-mix this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, but with two important rules: 1) Omit the club soda until serving to preserve fizz, and 2) store the mix in the fridge for no more than 24 hours. The flavors will mellow slightly, so add extra citrus juice when serving if you want to brighten it up. For parties, pre-mix the base (alcohol + citrus + syrup) and keep the soda separate.