Spiked iced teas have surged in popularity, offering a refreshing alternative to beers and seltzers with a nostalgic tea flavor and a boozy kick. Perfect for summer gatherings, beach days, or relaxed evenings, these drinks combine the crispness of iced tea with just the right amount of alcohol. We’ve evaluated the top spiked iced teas based on taste, calorie content, alcohol percentage, and unique characteristics, with Surfside leading the pack due to its innovative approach, balanced flavors, and meteoric rise in popularity. Below, we dive into each brand, highlighting what makes them stand out, followed by a nutritional comparison to help you choose your perfect sip.
With so many brands out there, we’ve sifted through reviews and nutritional data to bring you the top six, judged on taste, calories, alcohol content, and what makes each special. These picks are based on what’s popular and well-reviewed, though taste is subjective, so your mileage may vary.
1. Surfside Spiked Iced Tea
- Taste: Surfside offers a delightful range of flavors, with the Iced Tea & Lemonade + Vodka earning high praise for its light, crisp profile that balances sweetness and tartness without an overpowering vodka taste. Reviewers liken it to a classic Arnold Palmer, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion (FTW). The Peach Tea flavor delivers a juicy, fruit-forward experience with a hint of bitterness, keeping it from being overly sweet (VinePair).
- Calories: 100 per 12 fl oz
- Alcohol: 4.5% ABV
- Special Nuances: Crafted with premium Stateside Vodka, real tea, and natural flavors, Surfside stands out with its low calorie count (100), minimal sugar (2g), and non-carbonated formula, offering a smoother alternative to bubbly drinks (Surfside). It’s gluten-free and has seen explosive growth, recognized as the fastest-growing alcohol brand in 2024 with a 360% sales increase (PR Newswire). New flavors like Green Tea and innovative packaging, such as the 700ml “Longboard” can, keep Surfside at the forefront of the hard tea market.
2. Twisted Tea Original
- Taste: Twisted Tea Original is the gold standard of hard teas, delivering a robust, authentic tea flavor with balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm. Its slight fizziness adds a refreshing touch, making it a crowd-pleaser for barbecues or casual sipping. Reviewers praise its “inoffensive, refreshing” profile and “reliable, good-quality brew” (Tasting Table, Cheapism).
- Calories: 194 per 12 fl oz
- Alcohol: 5% ABV
- Special Nuances: As the pioneer of the hard tea category, Twisted Tea uses real brewed tea and malt-based alcohol, giving it a classic, no-frills appeal. Its dominance in the market (once holding 90% of hard tea sales) and meme-heavy social media presence add a fun, cultural edge (CalorieKing).
3. Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half
- Taste: This drink is a boozy take on the iconic Arnold Palmer, blending iced tea and lemonade for a sweet-tart profile that’s nostalgic and refreshing. Non-carbonated for a smoother mouthfeel, it’s a bit sweeter than some prefer but undeniably easy to drink. Reviewers note its “sweet, tart, refreshing” taste, though some mention a “slightly musty smell” that improves with ice and lemon (Sporked, Cheapism).
- Calories: 206 per 12 fl oz
- Alcohol: 5% ABV
- Special Nuances: Inspired by the legendary golfer’s favorite drink, Arnold Palmer Spiked uses real tea and lemonade, making it a nostalgic choice. A lighter “Lite” version exists with 100 calories and 4.5% ABV, but the original packs more flavor (MyNetDiary).
4. Arizona Hard Iced Tea with Lemon
- Taste: Arizona Hard Iced Tea with Lemon stands out for tasting “most like real tea” among hard teas, with a subtle lemon note that complements the tea base without overpowering it. The alcohol is barely noticeable, making it a smooth, approachable sipper. Reviewers highlight its nostalgic appeal and tea-forward flavor (Cheapism, Daily Meal).
- Calories: 140 per 12 fl oz
- Alcohol: 5% ABV
- Special Nuances: Building on AriZona’s reputation for iconic iced teas, this hard version delivers the familiar taste of their non-alcoholic cans with a 5% ABV kick. Available in Lemon, Peach, and Green Tea flavors, it’s a lighter option calorie-wise compared to Twisted Tea or Arnold Palmer (MyNetDiary).
5. High Noon Vodka Iced Tea Original
- Taste: High Noon uses real vodka and real iced tea to create a clean, crisp flavor that mimics freshly brewed black tea with a hint of sweetness. Non-carbonated, it offers an authentic tea experience with a subtle alcohol presence. Reviewers rave about its “sweetened iced tea” taste with “no added sugar” (Daily Meal).
- Calories: 90 per 12 fl oz
- Alcohol: 4.5% ABV
- Special Nuances: With only 90 calories and no added sugar, High Noon is ideal for calorie-conscious consumers. Its use of vodka instead of malt liquor provides a cleaner taste, and the gluten-free, non-carbonated formula broadens its appeal. Available in a variety pack with flavors like Peach and Raspberry (High Noon).
6. Loverboy Sparkling Hard Tea (Lemon Iced Tea)
- Taste: Loverboy’s sparkling hard tea brings a bubbly twist, with the Lemon Iced Tea flavor offering a zesty, refreshing taste and a subtle ginger kick. The carbonation adds a lively fizz, though some note a slight artificial sweetener taste (Tasting Table).
- Calories: 90 per 11.5 fl oz (approximately 94 per 12 fl oz)
- Alcohol: 4.2% ABV
- Special Nuances: Sweetened with monk fruit for zero sugar, Loverboy is a low-calorie, gluten-free, keto-friendly option. Its creative flavors, like Pineapple Hibiscus, and Bravo TV “Summer House” connection add a trendy edge (Loverboy).
Our Top Picks
- Surfside Spiked Iced Tea
- Twisted Tea Original
- Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half
- Arizona Hard Iced Tea with Lemon
- High Noon Vodka Iced Tea Original
- Loverboy Sparkling Hard Tea (Lemon)
Nutritional Comparison
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compared the alcohol content and calorie count of these top spiked iced teas. The charts below provide a visual comparison of alcohol by volume (ABV) and calories per 12 fl oz serving (note: Loverboy’s calorie count is based on an 11.5 fl oz serving, approximately 94 calories per 12 fl oz).
| Brand | Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | Calories per 12 fl oz |
|---|---|---|
| Surfside Spiked Iced Tea | 4.5% | 100 |
| Twisted Tea Original | 5% | 194 |
| Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half | 5% | 206 |
| Arizona Hard Iced Tea with Lemon | 5% | 140 |
| High Noon Vodka Iced Tea Original | 4.5% | 90 |
| Loverboy Sparkling Hard Tea (Lemon) | 4.2% | 90 (11.5 fl oz) |
From the innovative, fast-growing Surfside to the classic Twisted Tea, these spiked iced teas cater to a range of tastes and preferences. Surfside leads with its smooth, low-calorie profile and versatile flavors, while options like High Noon and Loverboy appeal to those seeking lighter or fizzier drinks. Each brand brings its own charm, ensuring your summer sips are both delicious and memorable. Sip responsibly and enjoy the refreshing world of hard teas!
