If you love bold coffee flavors with a boozy kick, this Long Island Iced Coffee is about to be your new favorite drink! Unlike its cousin, the Long Island Iced Tea, which is known for its punchy blend of spirits, this version swaps the usual cola for smooth, rich cold brew coffee—giving you a delicious, energizing cocktail that’s both creamy and dangerously easy to drink.
Perfect for brunch, happy hour, or late-night vibes, this cocktail brings together Baileys, Kahlúa, vodka, and tequila, all tied together with the deep, aromatic flavors of coffee.
So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, let’s shake up this irresistible cocktail!
🍸 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Perfect balance of strong, creamy, and smooth flavors
✅ Energizing & boozy – The cold brew gives a caffeine boost!
✅ Great for coffee lovers who enjoy a little kick in their cup
✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients—no barista skills needed!
☕ What Does Long Island Iced Coffee Taste Like?
Imagine a silky, rich espresso martini blended with the comforting creaminess of an Irish coffee—that’s the magic of this drink! The cold brew brings deep, bold coffee notes, while the mix of Baileys and Kahlúa adds a sweet, creamy, and slightly chocolatey touch. The vodka and tequila? They sneak in just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the coffee essence.
One sip, and you’ll be hooked!
🍹 Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream 🥛 – For that signature creamy sweetness
- 1 oz Kahlúa ☕ – A coffee liqueur that enhances the rich flavors
- ½ oz tequila 🌵 – Adds a subtle warmth
- ½ oz vodka 🍸 – Smooth and neutral, it blends everything together
- 4 oz cold brew coffee 🧊 – The bold backbone of this cocktail
- 1 oz whipping cream 🍦 – Adds a luscious texture
- Ice ❄️ – Because a chilled coffee cocktail is everything
🍒 Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream 🍦 – For an extra indulgent touch
- Coffee beans ☕ – Elevates the presentation with a gourmet feel
🍹 Tools You’ll Need
✔ Cocktail shaker – To mix everything smoothly
✔ Highball or rocks glass – The perfect serving vessel
✔ Strainer – To remove excess ice and ensure a smooth pour
✔ Measuring jigger – For precise pours (or just eyeball it!)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Dairy-Free Version 🥥: Swap Baileys for Baileys Almande (almond-based) and use coconut cream instead of whipping cream.
- Extra Boozy Kick 🍾: Add ½ oz rum for an even stronger cocktail.
- Sweeter Version 🍯: Drizzle in a bit of vanilla syrup or caramel syrup.
- Decaf Option 🌙: Use decaf cold brew for a nighttime-friendly treat.
🍹 How to Make Long Island Iced Coffee
1️⃣ Fill the Glass
Grab a highball or rocks glass and fill it with ice to keep your drink perfectly chilled.
2️⃣ Mix the Magic
In a cocktail shaker, combine Baileys, Kahlúa, tequila, vodka, and cold brew coffee. Add ice, then shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds until chilled.
3️⃣ Pour & Top
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the ice. Slowly pour the whipping cream over the top—it will create a beautiful layered effect.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
For that extra wow factor, top with whipped cream and a few coffee beans. Take a pic (because it’s totally Instagram-worthy), sip, and enjoy the perfect blend of coffee and cocktails!
🍪 What to Serve With Long Island Iced Coffee
Pair this indulgent drink with something just as delicious! Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate desserts 🍫 – Brownies, chocolate mousse, or truffles
- Vanilla bean cheesecake 🍰 – The creaminess complements the cocktail
- Tiramisu 🍮 – A match made in coffee-flavored heaven
- Caramel-drizzled donuts 🍩 – Because coffee and donuts = perfection
- Savory brunch bites 🥓 – Think crispy bacon, hash browns, or a loaded breakfast sandwich
🌍 The Origins of Long Island Iced Coffee
While the classic Long Island Iced Tea dates back to the 1970s, this coffee-infused twist is a modern take designed for those who love both strong cocktails and rich coffee flavors. Inspired by the rising trend of coffee-based cocktails, bartenders started experimenting with cold brew, Irish cream, and coffee liqueurs, leading to this irresistible blend of booze and caffeine.
It’s the perfect fusion of brunch and happy hour—and now you can make it right at home!
🎭 The Perfect Occasions for This Cocktail
Wondering when to serve this boozy coffee masterpiece? Here are a few perfect moments:
☀ Weekend Brunch – Swap your usual mimosa for something bold and caffeinated.
🌙 Late-Night Drink – The coffee keeps you going, the booze helps you unwind.
🎉 Dinner Parties – Impress guests with a sophisticated, restaurant-quality cocktail.
🍂 Holiday Gatherings – A great after-dinner drink for coffee and dessert lovers.
🏖 Summer Evenings – Refreshing, chilled, and perfect for sipping on the patio.
Basically, this drink is always a good idea!
🛍 Where to Get the Best Ingredients
To get the richest, most flavorful Long Island Iced Coffee, here’s where to find top-notch ingredients:
- Cold Brew Coffee ☕ – Grab a high-quality pre-made cold brew or make your own using coarsely ground beans and steeping overnight.
- Baileys Irish Cream 🥛 – Most liquor stores carry it, but try Baileys Salted Caramel for an extra twist!
- Kahlúa 🍫 – Available in most stores, but you can also try Tia Maria as a substitute.
- Tequila & Vodka 🌵🍸 – A smooth blanco tequila and a clean, high-quality vodka (like Tito’s or Grey Goose) make all the difference!
- Heavy Cream 🍦 – Look for organic or ultra-pasteurized for the best frothy texture.
🥤 Non-Alcoholic “Mocktail” Version
Want to enjoy this without the booze? Try this delicious coffee mocktail version:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 2 oz half & half or oat milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
- 1 tbsp chocolate syrup (optional)
- Ice
- Whipped cream & coffee beans for garnish
Just mix everything over ice, top with whipped cream, and enjoy a coffee treat that feels just as indulgent—minus the alcohol!
🎶 Cocktail & Music Pairing
Want to set the perfect vibe while sipping your Long Island Iced Coffee? Here’s a playlist to match the mood:
🎵 “Smooth Operator” – Sade (chilled and sophisticated)
🎵 “Feeling Good” – Nina Simone (rich, deep, and velvety)
🎵 “Coffee” – Miguel (because, well, coffee!)
🎵 “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra (timeless and classic)
🎵 “Electric Feel” – MGMT (a bit of an energy boost!)
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Long Island Iced Coffee
✅ Use high-quality cold brew – The stronger, the better! If you don’t have cold brew, strong chilled espresso works too.
✅ Shake well – This ensures all the flavors blend seamlessly.
✅ Layer the cream gently – Pour it over the back of a spoon for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy look.
✅ Chill your glass – Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving for an extra-refreshing drink.
🏆 How to Store Leftovers
Let’s be honest—you’ll probably drink this whole thing in one go. But if you need to prep ahead:
- Store mixed coffee + alcohol (without ice or cream) in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Shake before serving, then add fresh ice and cream.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Simply omit the Baileys, Kahlúa, vodka, and tequila, and replace them with 1 tbsp vanilla syrup + ½ cup cold brew for a delicious non-alcoholic treat.
Can I serve this warm?
Absolutely! Use hot espresso instead of cold brew, skip the ice, and serve in a cozy mug.
What’s the best tequila for this drink?
A smooth blanco tequila works best—nothing too smoky or aged.
Can I blend this into a frozen drink?
Yes! Blend all ingredients with a cup of ice for a creamy frozen coffee cocktail.
💖 Final Thoughts
This Long Island Iced Coffee is the perfect mix of bold coffee, creamy indulgence, and boozy fun! Whether you’re hosting a brunch, relaxing after a long day, or just treating yourself, this cocktail is a guaranteed winner.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest with your coffee cocktail creations—I’d love to see them!
📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! ☕
