Does the Long Island Iced Tea actually contain iced tea?

No. Not at all. The name comes from its colour resembling iced tea.

Why does the Long Island Iced Tea hit so hard?

Because you've got several spirits all in one glass. The mixers hide the alcohol flavour and that "innocent" appearance conceals its power. Proceed with caution.

Can I actually taste all five liquors in Long Island Iced Tea cocktail?

Theoretically yes, practically no. The cola and sweet and sour mix do an impressive job of masking the power of alcohol. This is both the drink's greatest achievement and most dangerous feature. It goes down smooth like actual iced tea, which is why people often overestimate their ability to handle a second round. By the time your taste buds figure out what happened, it's already too late.

Why do bartenders sometimes seem annoyed when I order Long Island Iced Tea cocktail?

Because making a Long Island requires pulling out five different bottles during a busy shift, and they know there's a 60% chance you'll order another one in 20 minutes, despite all evidence suggesting you shouldn't. Also, these drinks have a reputation for leading to situations that bartenders later have to manage.

Can I make a "low-alcohol" version of Long Island Iced Tea?

You can, but at that point, why are you ordering a Long Island Iced Tea? It's like asking for a cheeseburger with no cheese, beef, or bun. The drink's entire identity is built on being unapologetically strong. If you want something lighter, literally any other cocktail would be a better choice.