This Cherry Long Island Iced Tea is a vibrant twist on the classic cocktail, infused with sweet muddled cherries and a perfect blend of five spirits.
It’s bold, refreshing, and ideal for summer parties, girls’ nights, or when you just want something fun, fruity, and powerful in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet, juicy cherries add a fun, fruity layer to the traditional Long Island
Balanced with citrus and cola for smooth sipping
A show-stopping cocktail that’s perfect for entertaining
Easy to make with bar staples and fresh cherries
Ingredient Highlights
Fresh cherries: Muddled to release natural sweetness and gorgeous color
Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, orange liqueur: The signature Long Island blend
Lemon and lime juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the booze
Cola: Classic bubbly finish that softens and blends everything perfectly
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use ripe, juicy cherries for the best flavor and color
Want a lighter drink? Use diet cola or sub in sparkling iced tea
Don’t overdo the cola—just enough to top off the glass and keep that balance
If your cherries are tart, adjust sweetness with a splash of simple syrup
How to Make Cherry Long Island Iced Tea
Step 1 – Muddle the cherries
Add fresh cherries to a cocktail shaker and muddle until juicy and broken down.
Step 2 – Add the spirits and citrus
Pour in vodka, gin, rum, tequila, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and lime juice.
Step 3 – Shake it all up
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and combine.
Step 4 – Strain into a glass
Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Step 5 – Top with cola
Pour chilled cola over the top and gently stir once to combine.
Step 6 – Garnish and enjoy
Garnish with a fresh cherry or lemon slice and serve immediately!
What to Serve It With
Spicy snacks like buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers
Tacos or BBQ sliders for summer gatherings
Salty bar snacks like pretzels or kettle chips
Variations & Substitutions
Berry Twist: Swap cherries with raspberries or strawberries
Tea Version: Use sweet tea instead of cola for a southern-inspired spin
Zero-proof: Skip the alcohol and use cherry juice, citrus, and cola for a mocktail
Frozen Version: Blend everything with ice for a slushy-style summer drink
Storage & Leftovers
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the spirit base (everything except cola and cherries) up to 24 hours ahead and chill in the fridge.
Just muddle cherries and assemble when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Just thaw them first before muddling.
Is it necessary to use all five spirits?
For that signature Long Island taste, yes.
But if you’re missing one, you can still make a delicious variation.
Can I batch this for a crowd?
Absolutely. Scale up the ingredients and mix in a pitcher.
Just add cola to individual glasses right before serving.
Do I have to shake the cocktail?
Yes! Shaking chills and properly mixes the alcohol with citrus for the best flavor.
Can I adjust the strength?
Of course. Reduce the spirit amounts slightly or increase cola for a milder version.
Can I skip the muddled cherries and use syrup?
You can, but fresh cherries give it a more natural flavor and better texture.
What’s the best garnish?
A fresh cherry or lemon wheel makes it pop visually and adds citrus aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Long Island Iced Tea brings together everything I love in a cocktail—bold, fruity, and incredibly refreshing.
It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering and a fun way to elevate your classic cocktail lineup with something sweet and summery!
