Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Long Island iced tea is an epitome of a party cocktail.
But apart from mixing cola, tequila, vodka, gin, and triple sec, you can’t completely enjoy this drink without the essence of rum.
If you’re looking for the best rum to make a refreshing and tasty cocktail, you’re at the right place.
Here, we’ll show you the best rums for Long Island Tea that will not just spice up your drink but will keep you wanting more.
Top 10 Best Rum For Long Island Iced Tea
10. Cruzan Aged Dark Rum
Average Price: approx. $10 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Cruzan Aged Dark Rum is aged and blended, offering a powerful flavor profile– with no bite or burns.
This smooth and aromatic drink has a distinct character.
While it’s a good smooth sipping rum, it mixes well with other drinks– tasty enough to make a Long Island Cocktail.
9. Plantation 3 Stars
Average Price: approx. $20 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 41.2% ABV
Why We Like It: As a tribute to the Caribbean’s historic rums, Plantation 3 Stars is made with a blend of the region’s primary terroirs: Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados.
“Rum is tonic that clarifies the vision, and sets things in true perspective.”
– Brian D’Ambrosio, American Journalist
It’s light-bodied and sweet with hints of dark chocolate and egg cream.
Plantation 3 Stars is a serious white rum with lots of herbal and grassy notes–perfect for Long Island and Daiquiris.
Read: Recommended Long Island Iced Tea Premix Options
8. Flor De Cana
Average Price: approx. $17.99 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want your Long Island Iced Tea with a premium rum, use Flor De Cana.
It’s naturally aged– with no added sugar or any additives.
Expect flavors of buttery vanilla and toffee apple, which you can enjoy sipping neat or in mixed drinks like Long Island Iced Tea.
Fun Fact: Flor De Cana is the only Carbon Neutral, and Fair Trade-certified spirit worldwide [1].
7. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Average Price: approx. $12.99 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Made with a blend of Caribbean rums, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum boosts smoothness and medium-body finesse.
Its light caramel and vanilla notes make classic cocktails, like Long Island Iced Tea and other rum-based drinks, a flavorful and unique finish.
6. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Average Price: approx. $14.99 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Crafted from their own brand’s natural spices and finest Caribbean rum [2] blends, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum makes a simple drink into a tasty cocktail with some booze.
Its smoothness blends in other drinks easily, but its boldness stands out, giving Long Island cocktail a delicious mix full of flavors with oak, vanilla, clove, and cinnamon notes.
5. Chairman’s Reserve – Spiced Rum
Average Price: approx. $28 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum features great balance– no burns, not too sweet but aromatic, and velvety smooth.
We love this rum’s quality, which we see fit for starters.
The notes of clove, orange, cinnamon, allspice, and apricot blend well with other mixers or drinks, which makes a refreshing Long Island cocktail.
4. Foursquare – Spiced Rum
Average Price: approx. $14 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: This smooth and complex rum is made with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg–a family recipe passed down through generations.
Anyone will definitely like its bright flavors, dominant caramel notes, unique spice, and smooth, long finish.
Besides, it’s a great addition to iced tea, cola, or ginger ale, to make tasty cocktails.
3. Malibu Spiced Rum
Average Price: approx. $16.79 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Malibu Spiced Rum is a fusion of high-proof rums featuring summer spices and their brand’s very own coconut flavor.
The sweetness of sugar is spiked with alcohol to give nice drinks or cocktails a bite.
Despite its low alcohol content, it can make your Long Island Iced Tea tastes somewhat boozier.
Bartender Tip: Malibu Spiced Rum is especially delicious in Pina Colada.
2. Bacardi White
Average Price: approx. $15 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Bacardi White Rum is an award-winning spirit due to its versatility and balance. It has pleasing aromas with subtle flavors of floral, citrus, and vanilla.
It can be a sipping rum, but it can also be a great cocktail mixer because of its crisp and clean finish.
Not just in Mojitos and Cuba Libre, it’s also a great mix in Long Island Iced Tea.
The flavors blend well with other ingredients, so it levels up the simple Long Island cocktail. But what is good to mix with spiced rum?
1. Captain Morgan White
Average Price: approx. $11 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Inspired by the Caribbean’s pristine water, Captain Morgan White Rum surely delivers silky-like smoothness that you enjoy as a sipper or in cocktails.
If you particularly like sweets, then your Long Island Iced Tea can be extra sweet with the addition of Captain Morgan White due to its sugar, vanilla, and molasses notes.
Bartender Tip: Captain Morgan White Rum tastes great with soda and pineapple juice.
FAQs
Can you use dark rum in Long Island?
Yes. You can use dark rum in a Long Island. Dark rums usually have bolder flavors, which can spice up a cocktail drink. But it still depends on your style and preference.
Does spiced rum taste good in Long Island iced tea?
Yes. Spiced rum tastes good in Long Island Iced Tea as it gives the classic drink a twist, making a great cocktail for parties or any occasion throughout the year.
What alcohol is best for Long Island iced tea?
Why is white rum preferred for Long Island Iced Tea?
White rum is preferred for Long Island Iced Tea because it allows the other flavors in the cocktail, such as citrus and cola, to shine without overpowering them.
Can I use other types of rum in Long Island Iced Tea?
While white rum is traditional, you can experiment with different types of rum, such as gold or spiced rum, to add unique flavor nuances to your Long Island Iced Tea.
What are some popular brands of white rum for Long Island Iced Tea?
Popular brands of white rum for Long Island Iced Tea include Bacardi, Captain Morgan White, Cruzan, Don Q, and Mount Gay, among others.
Are there any specific characteristics I should look for in rum for Long Island Iced Tea?
Look for white rums with a smooth and clean taste, minimal to no added flavors or spices, and a good balance of sweetness and alcohol content.
Can I mix different types of rum in Long Island Iced Tea?
While it’s possible to mix different types of rum in Long Island Iced Tea, it’s generally recommended to stick with one type for consistency in flavor.
Key Takeaways
One thing is certain– Long Island Iced Tea can’t be completed without adding the best rum to the mix.
But with many options, it’s hard to find one that will capture your palate.
You won’t regret trying the rum drinks on this list, and each bottle is a great addition to the classic Long Island Iced Tea.
Depending on your preference, you can choose to go for rums with low alcohol content, like Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Foursquare Spiced Rum, and Malibu Spiced Rum.
But, if you like the boozier rum notes, go for Captain Morgan White, Chairman’s Reserve, Flor De Cana, Cruzan Dark Rum, particularly high-proof rums like Sailor Jerry and Plantation 3.
References:
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/flor-ca-rum-wins-top-190108010.html
- https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/best-caribbean-rum-types-and-distilleries
