We’ve always loved the bold kick of a classic Long Island Iced Tea but decided to amp it up with juicy peaches for a fresh summer vibe. Our Peach Long Island Recipe blends tart citrus and sweet fruit notes into one irresistible cocktail that’s perfect for backyard barbecues or relaxing evenings.
This easy twist keeps the original’s spirit alive while adding a peachy punch that elevates every sip. We’re confident it’ll become your go-to drink when you want something fun and flavorful.
Ingredients
To craft our refreshing Peach Long Island—a vibrant twist on the classic—we start by assembling these key ingredients in the order we’ll use them. This selection ensures a perfect balance of tart citrus, sweet peaches, and bold spirits for that ideal summer sip.
- Vodka: 1 oz – Use a high-quality, clear vodka as the base spirit to kick off the cocktail’s foundation.
- Gin: 1 oz – Add next for its botanical notes, enhancing the peachy undertones with a subtle herbal complexity.
- White Rum: 1 oz – Pour in after gin to introduce a smooth, tropical sweetness that complements the peaches.
- Tequila: 1 oz – Follow with this for a zesty kick, blending seamlessly to maintain the original Long Island essence.
- Triple Sec: ½ oz – Incorporate as the citrus element to brighten the flavors and prepare for the peach infusion.
- Peach Schnapps: 1 oz – This is where our peachy twist shines; use a premium brand for a fresh, fruity burst that defines the drink.
- Fresh Peaches: 2 medium peaches, pitted and sliced – Prep these just before mixing for optimal juiciness and natural sweetness in the cocktail.
- Lemon Juice: 1 oz, freshly squeezed – Add for its tart acidity, using fresh lemons to balance the sweetness and tie everything together.
- Cola: 2 oz – Top off with a chilled, high-quality cola to create the signature fizzy finish.
- Simple Syrup: ½ oz, optional – Stir in if needed for extra sweetness, made from equal parts sugar and water.
- Ice: 1 cup – Use plenty of fresh ice cubes to chill and dilute the drink properly as we shake or stir.
- Garnish: Fresh peach slices and a lemon wedge – Prepare these last for an appealing presentation that highlights our Peach Long Island’s vibrant flavors.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into mixing our refreshing Peach Long Island cocktail, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand. This equipment helps us blend those vibrant peach flavors with the classic spirits efficiently and safely, maintaining the drink’s perfect balance.
Here’s a list of essential equipment we’ll need:
- Cocktail Shaker: A sturdy Boston or cobbler shaker for vigorously shaking the ingredients together to achieve a well-chilled and emulsified mixture.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: For precise measurements of spirits and juices, ensuring our cocktail turns out consistent and balanced every time.
- Strainer: A Hawthorne or fine-mesh strainer to filter out any pulp or ice when pouring into glasses, resulting in a smooth, professional finish.
- Muddler: Ideal for gently crushing fresh peaches to release their sweet, juicy essence without over-mashing.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: To slice fresh peaches and any garnishes like lemon wedges, making prep quick and effortless.
- Highball Glasses: Tall glasses for serving the final drink, allowing room for ice and cola while showcasing the cocktail’s appealing layers.
With this setup, we’re all set to transition smoothly from gathering ingredients to crafting our peachy masterpiece.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s craft our vibrant Peach Long Island cocktail with precision and ease. We’ll walk you through each step to create a perfectly balanced drink bursting with peachy sweetness and citrus tang.
Prepare Ingredients
Before mixing, we need to prepare our ingredients for optimal flavor infusion. Start by washing and pitting 2 fresh peaches, then slice them into wedges for muddling—this ensures a juicy, aromatic base that enhances the cocktail’s fruity essence. Next, juice 1 lemon to yield about 1 ounce of tart liquid, straining out any pulp for a smooth finish. Measure out the spirits precisely using a jigger: 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce white rum, 1 ounce tequila, 1 ounce triple sec, and 1 ounce peach schnapps for that signature Peach Long Island kick. If desired, prepare optional simple syrup by dissolving 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water over low heat, then let it cool. Finally, have 4 ounces cola chilled and ready to top off the drink, along with ice cubes for chilling.
Mix the Cocktail
With ingredients prepped, we now combine them to build layers of flavor in our Peach Long Island masterpiece. In a cocktail shaker, add the sliced peach wedges and muddle them gently until they release their sweet, fragrant juices—inhale the fresh, sun-ripened aroma for a sensory preview. Pour in the measured spirits—vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, and peach schnapps—along with the lemon juice and ½ ounce of simple syrup if using, then fill the shaker halfway with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frosty, feeling the invigorating blend of tart and sweet notes come alive in your hands. Strain the contents into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, then top with cola for a fizzy, effervescent finish that ties everything together.
Serve the Drink
To present our Peach Long Island with flair, pour the strained mixture slowly into the highball glass, watching the colors swirl into a tempting golden hue. Garnish with a fresh peach slice and a lemon wedge on the rim for an eye-catching touch that amplifies the drink’s visual appeal and fruity aroma. Serve immediately to savor the crisp, refreshing chill and harmonious blend of flavors—perfect for summer gatherings—ensuring each sip delivers a confident burst of peachy delight.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Peach Long Island cocktail preparation and ensure it’s ready for spontaneous summer gatherings, we can prep key components ahead of time without compromising the drink’s vibrant peachy flavor and refreshing fizz. This approach lets us focus on mixing and serving when the moment arrives.
Prepping Fresh Ingredients
We recommend handling the perishable elements first, as they form the heart of the cocktail’s juicy peach essence. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash and slice peaches: Up to 24 hours in advance, wash 2-3 fresh peaches under cold water, pat them dry, and slice into wedges. To prevent browning, toss the slices in a light coating of fresh lemon juice and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps their sweet, tangy aroma intact for muddling later.
- Juice the lemon: Prepare fresh lemon juice by juicing 1-2 lemons up to 48 hours ahead. Strain out any pulp or seeds, then store the juice in a sealed jar in the fridge. It retains its bright, tart zing, ensuring our cocktail’s balanced acidity.
Mixing the Spirits Base
For efficiency, we can combine the alcohol elements in advance, as they hold up well without dilution.
- Combine the spirits: In a clean bottle or sealed container, mix 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce white rum, 1 ounce tequila, 1 ounce triple sec, and 1 ounce peach schnapps up to 2 days before serving. Shake gently to blend, then refrigerate. This creates a ready-to-use base that preserves the cocktail’s bold, layered flavors without any loss of potency.
Additional Tips for Optimal Results
To maintain the cocktail’s effervescent appeal, avoid adding cola or any carbonated elements until just before serving, as it can go flat. If we’re using optional simple syrup, prepare it 1-2 days ahead by dissolving 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water over low heat, then cool and store in the fridge for easy addition.
By following these steps, we ensure our Peach Long Island remains a crowd-pleasing favorite, ready to impress with its sweet-tart harmony at a moment’s notice.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted a Peach Long Island that’s sure to elevate your summer vibes with its perfect blend of flavors. It’s our go-to twist on a classic, offering a refreshing escape that’s easy to whip up for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding solo, this cocktail brings joy and a touch of sophistication to the table. Let’s raise a glass and make every gathering unforgettable with our peachy favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Peach Long Island Iced Tea?
A Peach Long Island Iced Tea is a fun twist on the classic cocktail, adding juicy peaches to the mix for a sweet, fruity flavor. It combines vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, peach schnapps, lemon juice, and cola for a refreshing, potent drink perfect for summer parties. This variation keeps the original’s bold taste while introducing a delightful peachy vibe.
What ingredients are needed for a Peach Long Island Iced Tea?
You’ll need vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, peach schnapps, fresh peaches, lemon juice, cola, and optional simple syrup. Fresh peaches add a burst of fruitiness, while the spirits provide the classic kick. Use high-quality ingredients for the best balance of tart and sweet flavors in this easy recipe.
How do you make a Peach Long Island Iced Tea?
Start by muddling fresh peach wedges in a shaker. Add vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, peach schnapps, and lemon juice, then shake with ice until chilled. Strain into a highball glass over ice, top with cola, and garnish with peach slices and a lemon wedge. It’s ready in minutes for a refreshing summer sip.
What equipment is required to prepare a Peach Long Island Iced Tea?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for measuring, a strainer to pour smoothly, a muddler to crush peaches, a cutting board and sharp knife for slicing fruit, and highball glasses for serving. These basics ensure your cocktail is well-mixed and presented perfectly.
Can you make a Peach Long Island Iced Tea ahead of time?
Yes, prepare peaches by slicing and tossing them in lemon juice up to 24 hours in advance, and store in the fridge to prevent browning. Mix spirits and lemon juice ahead for up to two days, but add cola just before serving to keep it fizzy. This makes it ideal for spontaneous gatherings without losing flavor.
Are there any tips for the best Peach Long Island Iced Tea?
Use fresh, ripe peaches for maximum flavor, and fresh lemon juice for tartness. Shake the mixture well to blend the spirits, and don’t overdo the cola to avoid diluting the taste. For a lighter version, add simple syrup to taste or use diet cola. Garnish creatively to enhance its visual appeal at parties.