Said to have been invented at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island in 1972 (source), the Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail responsible for many a hangover (and oddly contains no tea!).
Consisting of 5 liquors: triple sec, vodka, gin, tequila, and light rum, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Serve over ice in a Collins glass with a little lemon juice, simple syrup, then top with cola.
I find that the rum is the most crucial ingredient, with the best rums for a Long Island Iced Tea being aged for at least three years. Aged rums bring boldness to any cocktail, enhancing the flavour and aroma.
Best Rums For Long Island Iced Tea
This world-renowned cocktail has many variations; some are better than others! Here are 7 of the best rums for a Long Island Iced Tea to remember.
1. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Mount Gay Distillery
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Barbados
- Colour: Golden
Review
The Mount Gay Rum Distillery has been creating rum for over 300 years. The distillery uses water from the original well dug in 1703 to develop and blend this world-famous rum.
Sugar cane molasses is distilled through two types of stills: a column and a pot still. The distillate is then allowed to age in old bourbon and whiskey barrels for at least two years.
Also Read: 10 Best Rums For Rum & Coke
On The Nose
Creamy vanilla, toffee and fruity apricot with a hint of black pepper.
On The Palate
Baked apricot and toffee pudding on the palate with vanilla, black pepper, and mint in the background.
Why Perfect For Long Island Iced Tea
Mount Gay Eclipse Rum is a firm favourite for a Long Island Iced Tea, thanks to the apricot and toffee flavours.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Diplomatico Rum Reserva Exclusiva
Overview
- Distiller: Diplomatico
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Venezuela
- Colour: Dark Amber
Review
Diplomatico Rum Reserva Exclusiva is blended from 80% pot still rum and 20% column still rum. The master blender adds a dash of sugarcane honey during the blending process.
The blended rum is then aged in oak barrels for twelve years before bottling to ensure added depth.
On The Nose
Molasses and orange zest with light liquorice.
On The Palate
Creamy toffee and orange on the palate with hints of liquorice and maple syrup.
Why Perfect For Long Island Iced Tea
This Diplomatico Rum brings a homely sweetness to a Long Island Iced Tea, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Appleton Estate Signature Blend Jamaica Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Appleton Estate
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Jamaica
- Colour: Amber
Review
Founded in the Jamaican Valley of Nassau, the Appleton Estate distilled its first batch of rum in 1749. This valley’s fertile ground and daily rain showers are perfect conditions for growing sweet sugar cane.
Appleton Estate Signature Blend was created with a total of twelve Jamaican rums aged between five and ten years.
Also Read: 7 Best Jamaican Rums (Our Best Picks)
On The Nose
Apricot and banana aromas with hints of caramel.
On The Palate
A smooth, rich toffee flavours with hints of oak, leading to a smooth and sweet rum finish.
Why Perfect For Long Island Iced Tea
Appleton Estate Signature Blend Jamaica Rum brings a rich toffee essence to a Long Island Iced Tea. Add a few drops of Angostura bitters for a more earthy taste sensation.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Brugal Añejo Superior Dark Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Brugal
- ABV: 38% (76 Proof)
- Country: Dominican Republic
- Colour: Dark Amber
Review
Founded in 1888 by Andries Brugal Montaner, the Brugal Distillery is today one of the largest distilleries in the Dominican Republic.
Brugal Añejo Superior Dark Rum is blended with rums that have been distilled with column stills and aged for up to 5 years. The rums are blended and allowed to age in selected charred white oak barrels for a few more months.
On The Nose
Creamy butterscotch fudge aromas on the nose with banana and hits of coffee
On The Palate
A creamy toffee flavour on the palate with a lingering coffee and pepper on the feisty finish.
Why Perfect For Long Island Iced Tea
I find that Brugal Añejo Superior Dark Rum is an excellent Long Island Iced Tea addition. The coffee and toffee accentuate the cocktail’s flavour profile.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Flor de Caña 12 Year Naturally Aged Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Flor de Caña
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Nicaragua
- Colour: Reddish Amber
Review
The Flor de Caña Distillery is situated at the foot of the active San Cristóbal volcano. Fertile soil contributes to the great-tasting sugar cane, perfect for making rum.
Flor de Caña 12-Year Naturally Aged Rum is made by ageing cane flowers in oak barrels sealed with banana leaves. The mash is then distilled in a pot still and aged for 12 years in charred oak barrels.
Also Read: 8 Things To Mix With Rum, Besides Coke
On The Nose
Ripe berries and roasted nuts on the nose with a distinct honey at the end
On The Palate
Sweet caramelised banana and apple on the palate with just the right amount of smooth vanilla
Why Perfect For Long Island Iced Tea
Flor de Caña 12-Year Naturally Aged Rum is perfect for a Long Island Iced Tea. The caramel fruitiness will compliment every sip.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Plantation 3 Stars Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Plantation
- ABV: 41.2% (82.4 Proof)
- Country: Barbados
- Colour: Clear
Review
Plantation Rum has created its 3-Stars Rum white rum, which combines rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad, all contributing to perfecting this suave rum blend.
The Barbados rum is double distilled; The Trinidad rum is aged for three to five years; The Jamaican rum is blended with ten-year-old rum.
Also Read: 8 Best Rums For Mojitos With Flair
On The Nose
Coffee, cacao, and honey on the nose with silky vanilla and clove
On The Palate
Creamy toffee fudge on the palate with a white pepper bite
Why Perfect For Long Island Iced Tea
Plantation 3 Star Rum is perfect for a Long Island Iced Tea, adding a nutty toffee element to the cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Captain Morgan
- ABV: 35% (70 Proof)
- Country: England
- Colour: Golden
Review
Captain Morgan Rum is made from molasses and a sugar cane mash and distilled through a continuous still.
This Original Spiced Rum is aged for twelve months in new oak barrels to create its signature hue and character. Additional spices and flavours are added before bottling at 35% ABV.
On The Nose
Delicious allspice and sweet vanilla on the nose with honey, black pepper, and nutmeg
On The Palate
A smokey spice and cinnamon sugar on the palate, with a subtle dryness of cloves
Why Perfect For Long Island Iced Tea
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is an old Long Island Iced Tea favourite. I personally feel it complements the cocktail as it is not as sweet as the other rums.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Plantation 3 Stars Rum
The best rum for a Long Island Iced Tea is Plantation 3 Stars Rum. This white rum has surprising depth, with delicious flavours of brown sugar, honey and chocolate.
Conclusion
These are the best rums for Long Island Iced Tea to add a dash of sophistication to your creation. I recommend you try moving away from your old rum choice and in with the new to discover something new and flavoursome.
Also Read: 5 Best Kraken Rums With Monstrous Flavour
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
