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!