This Long Island iced coffee is a spin on the classic Long Island iced tea cocktail. There are two different ways to make it, depending on how strong you’d like your drink. I think the slightly weaker version is the perfect cold alternative to a classic Irish coffee as well!
Long Island iced teas always make me think of summer (even though they don’t actually contain iced tea at all), but how do you enjoy a drink like that in the winter and spring? The answer is make it with coffee instead!
Just like the original version, this iced coffee alternative still features 5 different alcohol varieties for a drink that really packs some punch (but hides it well).
There is both a strong and a weaker version you can try, so I’ll give you the recipes for both so you can choose! That’s not to say that the weaker version isn’t still strong, though – this one is best enjoyed at home for sure.
You could technically also enjoy this drink warm, though I think you’d want to go with the more coffee complimenting liquors if you go that route!
I love to serve this iced coffee cocktail recipe up instead of Irish coffee (since it has a lot of similar flavors in it), but it goes great any time of year, especially paired with some sweets!
Ingredients List
2 ounces cold brew (or cold coffee)
½ ounce amaretto liquor
½ ounce creme de cacao
½ ounce butterscotch schnapps
½ ounce Bailey’s Irish cream (any flavor; I use caramel)
½ ounce hazelnut liquor (such as Frangelico)
Ice cubes
Notes: You can substitute other complimentary liquors if there are any you don’t like or don’t have on hand. Kahlua, Amarula, and RumChata are great choices. Use Chambord for a raspberry twist or triple sec for an orange flavor option.
Stronger Alternate Recipe
2 ounces cold brew (or cold coffee)
½ ounce Bailey’s Irish cream (any flavor)
½ ounce Kahlua (or another coffee liquor like Tia Maria)
½ ounce white rum (or dark rum)
½ ounce vodka
½ ounce tequila
Ice cubes
Substitution Notes: You can also use gin or brandy in place of any of the liquors if you don’t like something or are missing an ingredient. If you want to make a weaker drink but use this ingredient set, add some half and half or coffee creamer to dilute it a bit.
Step By Step Instructions
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker along with a few cubes of ice
Shake for about 30 seconds, until chilled and well mixed
Strain into a whiskey glass (or similar) filled with ice
Enjoy!
What to Serve With a Long Island Iced Coffee
Donuts
Cookies
Brownies
Cake
Beignets
Biscotti
Muffins
Croissants
Scones
Cheesecake
Ice cream
Pie
Tiramisu
Crepes
Apples
Berries
Chocolate
There are lots of different sweet treats to pair with a Long Island iced coffee to make the perfect cap to your day!
A Long Island iced coffee is a refreshing cocktail that combines vodka, rum, tequila, coffee liqueur, and Baileys with cold brew coffee, which is then served over ice.
While it shares the name with the classic Long Island iced tea, the main difference lies in the use of cold brew coffee instead of Cola as the base of the drink.
How Do You Make a Long Island Iced Coffee at Home?
To make a Long Island iced coffee, start by filling a glass with ice cubes. Then, add equal parts vodka, rum, tequila, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream to the glass. Top off with cold brew coffee and stir gently to combine.
It may also be combined in a shaker with ice and then strained into an ice-filled glass, which slows the dilution.
Can I Customize the Ingredients in a Long Island Iced Coffee?
Yes, in fact the liquors are often swapped out in a Long Island iced coffee for varieties that pair better with coffee instead of Cola. The most common alternative is Bailey’s, butterscotch schnapps, amaretto, hazelnut liquor, and creme de cacao.
You can mix and match or swap in ingredients you prefer to make a customized cocktail. It can also be sweetened or diluted with half and half or coffee creamer.
Is Long Island Iced Coffee as Strong as Long Island Iced Tea?
Yes, Long Island iced coffee contains all the same liquors as a Long Island iced tea, with the only difference being coffee instead of Cola used as the base.
However, it pairs with a larger variety of different alcohols, as well as creams, which allow for more customization and tweaking of both flavors and strength.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of Long Island Iced Coffee?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of Long Island iced coffee by omitting the spirits. Replace them with flavored coffee syrups (caramel, hazelnut, butterscotch, chocolate, and amaretto) for sweetness and flavor.
Use half and half or coffee creamer to add the creamy element. You can also use decaffeinated coffee if you prefer to avoid caffeine.
What Type of Glassware Is Typically Used for Serving Long Island Iced Coffee?
Long Island iced coffee is traditionally served in a tall glass, such as a Collins glass or highball glass, filled with ice.
However, any basic glass will do, such as a pint glass, can glass, whiskey or rocks glass, or similar.
What Are Some Variations of Long Island Iced Coffee That I Can Try?
There are numerous variations of Long Island iced coffee that you can experiment with to create unique flavor profiles. The most popular variation swaps the regular alcohols for Bailey’s, butterscotch schnapps, amaretto, hazelnut liquor, and creme de cacao.
You can mix and match different alcohols, as well as adding flavored coffee syrups or coffee creamers to adjust the flavor and strength of your drink.
Is Long Island Iced Coffee Served Hot or Cold?
Long Island iced coffee is typically served cold over ice, making it a refreshing beverage to enjoy during warmer weather or as a pick-me-up any time of day.
However, you can also serve it hot by omitting the ice and adding hot coffee instead, creating a cozy alternative for chilly days.
Recipe Pro Tips
If you don’t have a liquid measuring cup or a jigger, a ½ fluid ounce is equivalent to 1 Tablespoon (so feel free to use that if it’s easier)!
In place of a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar or something similar. You can also just add all ingredients to a glass with ice and stir, but the Bailey’s separates even more so than it does when shaken so I do recommend shaking when possible
Storage and Serving Tips
This recipe scales well for parties. You can mix everything ahead of time in a pitcher (without ice) and store for up to 48 hours. Shake or stir, and then pour into individual ice-filled glasses to serve
Any clear glasses are fine. I use 11-ounce whiskey glasses, but you can use highball, pint, can, Collins, or any other type of glass you have on hand
This Long Island iced coffee is a spin on the classic Long Island iced tea, swapping coffee in for Cola.
You can of course make it with the traditional mix of 5 alcohols, but I think it’s even better when you use liquors that compliment the coffee flavor, like chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, Irish cream, and amaretto.
Feel free to mix and match to make your own perfect iced coffee cocktail recipe! While the coffee hides the strength of the alcohol pretty well, you can definitely add some half and half or coffee creamer if you’d like to tone things down.
Enjoy this drink year round with your favorite desserts. I think it’s perfect for New Year’s or St Patrick’s (in place of the hot Irish coffee), but you can choose your favorite occasion!
Long Island Iced Coffee Recipe
This Long Island iced coffee is a twist on the classic Long Island iced tea. It uses cold brew coffee instead of Cola, and offers two different options for the 5 alcohol mix within!
½OunceBailey's Irish cream(any flavor; I use caramel)
½Ouncehazelnut liquor(such as Frangelico)
Ice cubes
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker along with a few cubes of ice
2 Ounces cold brew, ½ Ounce amaretto liquor, ½ Ounce creme de cacao, ½ Ounce butterscotch schnapps, ½ Ounce Bailey's Irish cream, ½ Ounce hazelnut liquor, Ice cubes
Shake for about 30 seconds, until chilled and well mixed
Strain into a whiskey glass (or similar) filled with ice
Enjoy!
Notes
You can substitute other complimentary liquors if there are any you don’t like or don’t have on hand. Kahlua, Amarula, and RumChata are great choices. Use Chambord for a raspberry twist or triple sec for an orange flavor option
Stronger (classic) variation. Swap the listed alcohols out for ½ ounce each of Bailey’s Irish cream, Kahlua (or another coffee liquor like Tia Maria), white or dark rum, vodka, and tequila. You could also use gin or brandy in place of any of these liquors if you don’t like something or are missing an ingredient. If you want to make a weaker drink but use this ingredient set, add some half and half or coffee creamer to dilute it
If you don’t have a liquid measuring cup, a ½ fluid ounce is equivalent to 1 Tablespoon (so feel free to use that if it’s easier)!
In place of a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar or something similar. You can also just add all ingredients to a glass with ice and stir, but the Bailey’s separates even more so than it does when shaken so I do recommend shaking when possible
This recipe scales well for parties. You can mix everything ahead of time in a pitcher (without ice) and store for up to 48 hours. Shake or stir, and then pour into individual ice-filled glasses to serve
Any clear glasses are fine. I use 11-ounce whiskey glasses, but you can use highball, pint, can, Collins, or any other type of glass you have on hand
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword coffee based alcoholic drinks, coffee cocktail ideas, iced coffee cocktail recipe, long island iced coffee, long island iced coffee with coffee, summer drink recipes
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
