Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

The Texas Roadhouse Southern Whiskey Long Island Iced Tea is a well-loved cocktail that captures the spirit of Southern hospitality in a glass.

This refreshing beverage combines the bold flavors of whiskey with the classic components of a Long Island Iced Tea, resulting in a deliciously complex drink that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day or unwinding after a long week.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual enthusiast looking for a new recipe to try, understanding the balance of flavors in this family of drinks is key to creating the perfect cold cocktail.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea

Making a Texas Roadhouse-style Long Island Iced Tea requires a careful mix of spirits and mixers to replicate the bold, classic flavor profile that’s both refreshing and potent.

Ingredients List

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce gin
• 1 ounce rum (light)
• 1 ounce bourbon whiskey
• 1 ounce Triple Sec
• 1 ounce lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces cola (for the splash)
• Club soda (to top off)
• Garnish: 1 lemon wedge, 1 lime wedge

Step-by-step process

Step 1:

Fill a hurricane glass (or tall highball glass) with ice to create a frosty glass texture.

Step 2:

Pour in 1 ounce each of vodka, gin, rum, bourbon whiskey, and Triple Sec into the glass.

Step 3:

Add 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 ounce of simple syrup to bring a balanced sweetness.

Step 4:

Top the mixture with a splash of cola to achieve the characteristic amber color of a Long Island Iced Tea.

Step 5:

If desired, add a splash of club soda for a subtle fizz.

Step 6:

Stir the contents gently to combine the flavors evenly throughout the drink.

Step 7:

Garnish with a lemon wedge and a lime wedge on the rim of the glass to add a citrus aroma and a decorative touch.

Step 8:

Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic Texas Roadhouse-style sweet tea.

Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

You can savor Garlic Mashed Potatoes as a creamy and rich side, blending smoothly with the robust flavors of a Long Island Iced Tea.

Its garlicky kick contrasts the sweet and sour notes of the drink.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar Salad, with its crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing, offers a refreshing counterbalance to the strong cocktail, refreshing your palate between sips.

Seasoned Rice

Opt for Seasoned Rice to accompany your drink; its subtle spices harmonize without overpowering the complex layers of a Long Island Iced Tea.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed Vegetables bring a nutritious contrast, with a light and earthy taste that complements the heady mix of spirits and mixer.

Fried Pickles

For a bit of crunch, Fried Pickles serve as an ideal savory snack.

The acidity and crispy texture are a playful pairing with the smooth drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

When preparing Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea, you may not always have the original ingredients on hand.

Below are suitable substitutes that maintain the integrity of the drink while allowing for flexibility.

Triple Sec

If you lack Triple Sec, a decent alternative is Cointreau.

Cointreau is a type of triple sec that adds a smoother, more refined orange flavor to the cocktail due to its higher quality and alcohol content.

Tequila

In case you’re out of your usual Tequila, Mezcal can serve as a suitable replacement.

While Mezcal has a smokier taste, it can add a unique depth to the cocktail, giving it an interesting twist.

Vodka

Should you need to substitute Vodka, GIN can be employed in its place.

Gin will introduce a botanical dimension to the beverage, which may be appealing if you enjoy herbal nuances.

Rum

No Rum? Cachaça is a comparable spirit that can take its place.

It’s a Brazilian spirit similar to rum but made from sugarcane juice rather than molasses, offering a fresher, grassier note.

Gin

If Gin is unavailable, consider using Vodka as a straightforward substitute.

Vodka is neutral and won’t alter the fundamental character of the drink, maintaining a clear, crisp profile.

Sweet and Sour Mix

Lacking a Sweet and Sour Mix? Simply mix Equal Parts Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup.

This homemade version will provide the requisite tang and sweetness for a balanced cocktail.

Coca-Cola

For Coca-Cola, a viable alternative is Pepsi or any other Cola.

The difference is subtle and won’t significantly affect the overall taste of the drink.

Remember, while substitutes can vary in taste, they often provide an opportunity to tailor the Long Island Iced Tea to your personal preference.

How to Store Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea

Refrigeration

Refrigeration is essential to maintain the integrity of your Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea.

Store the beverage in a sealed glass or plastic container.

Typically, you should consume refrigerated iced tea within 3-5 days for optimal taste.

Room Temperature Storage

If you have not added ice or perishable mixers to the tea, you can keep it at room temperature for a few hours during serving.

Ensure the tea is in a container with a snug lid to keep out contaminants.

Do not let it sit for more than hours to avoid spoilage.

Ice Addition

For the best flavor and freshness, add ice to your glass right before consumption.

This prevents dilution and maintains the robust flavor profile of the beverage.

Avoid storing the tea with ice, as it will dilute the drink and could alter the intended taste.

Remember that these storage tips are guidelines to help you enjoy your Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea in the best possible way.

Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming and discard any drink that you suspect may have gone bad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overpouring the Spirits

Pouring too much of any single type of alcohol can overpower the delicate balance in a Long Island Iced Tea.

Measure each spirit carefully, aiming for about 0.5 ounces per spirit to maintain the classic, flavorful blend.

Ignoring Non-Alcoholic Options

Remember that not everyone may want alcohol.

You can offer a flavorful non-alcoholic version by substituting the spirits with equal parts of lemon, lime, or other fruit juices and a splash of cola.

Using an Incorrect Cola Amount

Texas Roadhouse Long Island Iced Tea should have a just-right cola finish.

Using too much cola can make the drink overly sweet, while too little won’t give it the signature taste.

Aim for about one ounce of cola to achieve the perfect balance.

Forgetting to Count the Calories

For those mindful of their calorie intake, be aware that a single Long Island Iced Tea can be quite high in calories due to the multiple spirits and sweeteners.

Always consider this, especially if you’re following a specific calorie diet.

Skipping the Signature Flavor

The restaurant’s version of this drink is known for its unique taste, which includes a hint of cinnamon reminiscent of their famous cinnamon rolls.

Do not forget this flavor aspect when mixing your drink to keep it authentic to the Texas Roadhouse style.

Serving Size Discrepancies

Stick to standard serving sizes to prevent overconsumption.

Typically, a single drink should not exceed 8-10 ounces.

This helps in managing both alcohol intake and caloric content, making for a more enjoyable and responsible drinking experience.