Long Island Sunset

How to Make the Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe

The Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe is a tropical twist on the legendary Long Island Iced Tea, minus the cola and plus a burst of fruit flavor. Featuring spiced rum, peach schnapps, sour mix, and cranberry juice, it’s smooth, refreshing, and as vibrant as a beach sunset.

Served over ice and garnished with an orange slice and cherry, the Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe is all about relaxation, color, and balance. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for sipping as the sky turns pink.

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Ingredients for the Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe

• 3 oz spiced rum (Captain Morgan’s recommended)
• 3 oz Peachtree schnapps
• 3 oz sour mix
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• Ice cubes

Glassware: Hurricane glass or tall Collins glass

Garnish: Orange slice and maraschino cherry

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Instructions

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Pour in spiced rum, peach schnapps, sour mix, and cranberry juice.
3. Shake or stir gently to combine.
4. Add a cherry and an orange slice for garnish.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your sunset moment.

The Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe is simple to make and even easier to enjoy.

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Flavor Profile

This cocktail is light, fruity, and just a touch tart. The spiced rum gives it warmth, the peach schnapps adds juicy sweetness, and the sour mix balances the flavors with a zesty kick. Cranberry juice rounds it out with a refreshing tang and that beautiful reddish-orange hue.

Every sip feels like summer in a glass.

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The Story Behind the Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe

The Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe takes inspiration from the world-famous Long Island Iced Tea, which originated in the 1970s. Bartenders began experimenting with fruit juices and flavored liqueurs to create colorful “spin-offs” that were easier to drink but just as eye-catching.

This variation swaps the cola for cranberry juice, creating a beautiful layered effect reminiscent of a sunset. Its fruity sweetness and approachable flavor made it an instant crowd favorite at beach bars and backyard parties alike.

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Tips for Making the Perfect Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe

• Use good rum: A smooth spiced rum makes a big difference.
• Chill your ingredients: This keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
• Don’t skip the garnish: The cherry and orange complete the presentation.
• Go fresh: Fresh sour mix tastes brighter than bottled.
• Serve cold: This cocktail shines when it’s icy and refreshing.

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Why People Love the Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe

• Gorgeous color: It truly looks like a sunset in a glass.
• Fruity and flavorful: A mix of sweet, sour, and tangy.
• Easy to make: Just pour, shake, and garnish.
• Perfect for summer: Ideal for beach days and backyard BBQs.

The Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines eye-catching color with smooth tropical flavor.

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Fun Variations

• Frozen Sunset: Blend with ice for a slushy twist.
• Coconut Sunset: Add 1 oz coconut rum for a creamy note.
• Sunrise Version: Swap cranberry juice for orange juice for a lighter look.
• Tropical Island: Add pineapple juice for extra sweetness.

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When to Serve It

The Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe is perfect for:

• Summer get-togethers
• Pool parties
• Beach vacations
• Brunch or happy hour
• Watching the actual sunset

This cocktail was made for relaxing moments and warm weather.

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Fun Fact: The Color Comes Naturally

The striking gradient of the Long Island Sunset Cocktail Recipe isn’t just for looks. The cranberry juice naturally settles into the bottom of the glass, while the lighter rum and schnapps float above it, creating a layered red-to-gold effect that looks like a perfect sunset.

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Other Options For You To Consider

Browse all Rum Cocktails. Explore another fruity classic, the Raspberry Beret Cocktail Recipe. Or try the tropical Over Board Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe.

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