Jamaican Tea Cocktail – Rum, Vodka & Cola Island Highball

The Jamaican Tea Cocktail takes inspiration from the Long Island Iced Tea but shifts the spotlight toward rum and Caribbean flavor. Built with rum, vodka, Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, and cola, it delivers a balanced combination of citrus, sweetness, and refreshing fizz that's easy to enjoy year-round.

Caribbean Inspiration

Despite its name, Jamaican Tea contains no tea. The drink borrows its dark appearance from cola while leaning into rum-driven island character. It belongs to the family of Long Island-style cocktails that combine multiple spirits with citrus and a carbonated finish.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Rum – provides the tropical backbone and subtle sweetness.
• Vodka – adds structure without competing flavors.
• Triple Sec – contributes bright orange character.
• Lemon Juice – supplies fresh acidity and balance.
• Simple Syrup – softens the citrus edge.
• Coca-Cola – adds carbonation, color, and caramel notes.

Substitutions

• Use spiced rum for added warmth.
• Swap Triple Sec for Cointreau for a richer orange profile.
• Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a sharper finish.
• Try Mexican cola for a slightly different sweetness profile.

Equipment

• Highball glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Bar spoon

Why You'll Love It

Island Flavor Meets Highball Refreshment

The combination of rum, citrus, and cola creates a familiar but distinctive profile. Unlike many sweet cola cocktails, the fresh lemon juice keeps the drink crisp and refreshing while the rum adds depth and character.

Substitutions & Variations

• Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tiki-inspired variation.
• Use aged rum for additional richness.
• Replace cola with ginger beer for a spicier finish.
• Add a dash of Angostura bitters for extra complexity.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice whenever possible.
• Chill the cola before building the drink to maintain carbonation.
• Shake only the non-carbonated ingredients.
• Fill the glass completely with ice to slow dilution.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge or mint sprig for added aroma.

Jamaican Tea delivers the familiar appeal of a Long Island-style drink while bringing a tropical rum-forward personality of its own.