21+ recipe reference. Verify brands, measures, allergens, alcohol strength, food-safety procedures, TABC and local law, and responsible-service policy before use.
Volume 4

From the Keep ’Em Coming Back books

Behind the Bar

This page is a practical extension of Volume 4. The book explains the reasoning; this resource helps put it to work.

Illustration of Long Island Iced Tea served in collins glass

Vodka · Highball

Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea is a strong, citrusy, cola-finished highball recipe. Use this page as a working specification, then test the exact brands, ice, glass, price, and service conditions before adopting it as a house drink.

AlcoholicStandard Moderate serviceShake
GlassCollins glass
IceCubed ice
GarnishLemon wedge
FlavorStrong, citrusy, cola-finished
Fast high-volume buildVerify brands & allergens
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Single-serve spec

  • 0.5 oz (15 ml)Vodka
  • 0.5 oz (15 ml)Gin
  • 0.5 oz (15 ml)White rum
  • 0.5 oz (15 ml)Blanco tequila
  • 0.5 oz (15 ml)Orange liqueur
  • 0.75 oz (22.5 ml)Fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz (15 ml)Simple syrup
  • 1.5 oz (45 ml)Cola

Method

  1. Shake all ingredients except cola with ice.
  2. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass.
  3. Top with cola, stir once, and garnish.

Why it works

The structure is intentionally direct: a concentrated flavor base is lengthened for cold, refreshment, and speed. The result should read as strong, citrusy, cola-finished without becoming watery or overly sweet.

High-volume adaptation

Pre-stage approved ingredients and garnish, but do not pre-dilute or hold a shaken drink unless a tested house system specifically allows it. Measure, shake, strain, reset.

Cultural doorway

Familiar, fast-moving drinks help explain how a honky-tonk actually works: guests arrive in waves, songs and lessons create rushes, regulars value recognition, and consistent service keeps people connected to the music and floor.

Follow the Texas culture pathway →

Recipe confidence and venue test

Reference typeWorking bar specification
Editorial statusStructure reviewed
Physical test claimNot claimed
Venue adoptionTest and document

This page is an educational working reference. The site does not claim one universal formula or independent physical testing for every recipe. Before service, verify the exact products, allergens, alcohol strength, yield, cost, price, preparation time, glass, ice, garnish, and responsible-service procedure.

Read the complete recipe and editorial standards.

Service and safety check

  • Confirm the guest is legally eligible to be served and is not visibly intoxicated.
  • Measure every alcoholic ingredient; do not estimate a high-strength build.
  • Verify product labels for dairy, egg, nuts, coconut, gluten, caffeine, and other allergens.
  • Use approved sanitation, refrigeration, holding-time, and batching procedures.
  • Never represent a drink as sobering, medicinal, healthy, or able to reduce intoxication.

Behind-the-bar notes

Bartender note

This is a high-strength drink. Use accurate pours, a defined house spec, and conservative responsible-service limits.

Venue note

Confirm brands, approved pours, cost, menu price, allergens, prep, and responsible-service policy before menu use.

Allergen and handling flag

No common allergen flag detected; verify every product and brand label.

Source, classification and corrections

Classification: Working bar specification. Cocktail names and house specifications vary. This page provides a transparent working reference rather than claiming one universal formula.

Review methodology · Submit a correction

Private house workspace

Tasting notes and house specification

These notes save on this device. Signed-in members with cloud saving enabled also keep them in their account. Record what the venue actually tested rather than changing the public reference.

Notes save on this device and sync to the signed-in account when cloud saving is enabled.

The Bar

Responsible-service and recipe disclaimer

21+ educational reference.

Recipes are general bar-service references, not legal, medical, food-safety, TABC, insurance, or regulatory advice. Specifications, brands, allergens, alcohol strength, and laws vary.

Venues and bartenders must verify every ingredient and house specification, measure pours, disclose allergens, refuse unlawful or unsafe service, and follow applicable laws and responsible-service procedures.