Long Tan Cocktail
The Long Tan is the Australian veterans’ memorial cocktail – a Bundaberg Rum-based drink named in honor of the Battle of Long Tan (18 August 1966), where 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers held off a force of over 2,000 Viet Cong in a rubber plantation in Phuoc Tuy Province. It’s served every Long Tan Day (now Vietnam Veterans’ Day in Australia, 18 August) at RSL clubs across the country.
Ingredients
- 45ml Bundaberg Rum (UP Rum, dark)
- 20ml Galliano L’Autentico (or Strega)
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- 10ml sugar syrup
- 90ml dry ginger ale
- Garnish: lime wheel and a sprig of mint
Glass: A tall highball glass (250-300ml).
Method
- Fill the highball glass with ice cubes (not crushed – cubes melt slower and keep the drink balanced).
- Pour the Bundaberg Rum, Galliano, lime juice, and sugar syrup over the ice.
- Stir with a long bar spoon for 5-6 seconds to combine.
- Top with chilled dry ginger ale, leaving 1cm at the top.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
About the Battle of Long Tan
On 18 August 1966, D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (108 soldiers, mostly conscripts in their early 20s) were on patrol in the Long Tan rubber plantation when they engaged a Viet Cong force later estimated at 2,000+ regulars and main force troops. Over three hours of close combat in monsoon rain, with artillery support from 1st Field Regiment and ammunition resupplied by RAAF helicopters, the company held its position until reinforcements arrived.
18 Australians were killed and 24 wounded. The Viet Cong lost an estimated 245 dead. The action is regarded as one of the most significant Australian military engagements of the Vietnam War.
The Long Tan Cross was erected at the battle site in 1969. 18 August is observed as Vietnam Veterans’ Day in Australia and Long Tan Day at RSLs nationwide. The Long Tan Cocktail is the traditional tribute drink, especially in Queensland where Bundaberg Rum gives the drink local identity.
Why this combination works
The Long Tan is built on the principle that a tribute drink needs to be drinkable, not just symbolic. The Bundaberg Rum is the foundation – it’s the rum of Queensland and was famously requested by Australian soldiers in Vietnam. Galliano adds the herbal, vanilla note that softens the rum. Lime and ginger ale carry the drink into refreshment territory.
The proportions matter: too much rum and it becomes a Dark and Stormy with extra steps; too much Galliano and it loses the rum identity. The 45/20 split is the spec most RSL bars use.
Brand picks
Bundaberg Rum: Bundaberg UP Rum (Under Proof, 37 percent ABV) is the standard. Bundaberg OP (Over Proof, 57 percent ABV) is the heavier alternative if you want more rum punch – cut the measure to 30ml. Avoid Bundaberg Red – it’s a flavored rum and changes the drink’s character.
Galliano: Galliano L’Autentico is the canonical pour. The yellow Galliano (Galliano L’Autentico) has the herbal-vanilla profile that pairs with rum. Avoid Galliano Vanilla – it’s too vanilla-forward and loses the herbal note.
Ginger ale: Dry ginger ale (Schweppes Dry Ginger Ale, Bundaberg Diet Ginger Beer). Avoid sweet ginger beer like regular Bundaberg Ginger Beer – it’s too sweet and overpowers the cocktail. The dry version lets the rum and Galliano show through.
Lime: Fresh-squeezed lime juice only. Bottled lime juice has preservative notes that ruin a memorial drink.
Variations
Long Tan Punch (for groups): Scale up to a punch bowl – 750ml Bundaberg Rum, 350ml Galliano, 250ml lime juice, 200ml sugar syrup, 1.5L dry ginger ale, served over a large ice block. Serves 15.
Long Tan Sour: Skip the ginger ale and serve as a sour – shake the rum, Galliano, lime, and sugar syrup with egg white and ice, strain into a coupe. More cocktail-bar than RSL but valid.
Long Tan Highball (lighter): Reduce rum to 30ml, increase ginger ale to 120ml. Better for an extended afternoon at a memorial event where pacing matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I serve a Long Tan Cocktail?
Traditionally on Vietnam Veterans’ Day (18 August in Australia), which commemorates the Battle of Long Tan. Also served at Anzac Day events, RSL functions, and memorial gatherings honoring Vietnam veterans. Any context where a respectful tribute drink is appropriate.
Can I substitute another rum for Bundaberg?
You can – Bacardi Anejo or any quality dark/aged rum works structurally – but the drink loses its Queensland identity. Bundaberg was the rum Australian soldiers in Vietnam famously requested, which is why it’s the canonical base. If you make the Long Tan as a memorial drink, Bundaberg is the symbolic choice.
What’s the difference between Galliano and Strega?
Both are Italian herbal liqueurs with vanilla notes. Galliano L’Autentico is lighter, more aniseed-forward, and yellow. Strega is more herbal, with saffron, and a deeper yellow. Galliano is the traditional Long Tan ingredient – Strega is the substitute if you can’t find Galliano.
Is the Long Tan Cocktail still served at RSLs?
Yes – many RSL (Returned and Services League) clubs, especially in Queensland and New South Wales, list the Long Tan as a tribute cocktail. It’s particularly featured on 18 August (Vietnam Veterans’ Day) and at branch events honoring Vietnam veterans.
What’s the alcohol content of a Long Tan?
Approximately 12-14 percent ABV per serve – similar to a Dark and Stormy. The 45ml of Bundaberg UP (37 percent ABV) plus 20ml of Galliano (42 percent ABV) topped with 90ml of ginger ale gives a moderate-strength highball.
Lest we forget
The Long Tan Cross stands at the original battle site in present-day Vietnam, restored by the Australian Government and now a recognized memorial. The names of the 18 Australians who died at Long Tan are commemorated at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and at RSLs across the country. The Long Tan Cocktail exists to keep that memory in the everyday rhythm of Australian life – not just on memorial days, but any time veterans or their families come to the bar.
More Like This
Other Australian classics: Spider (Lemonade Spider), Lamington Shot, and the Maradona Spritz. For more rum-based highballs, see our Rum Cocktails collection.
