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As the vibrant hues of fall leaves paint the landscape and the crisp air invites us to wrap ourselves in cozy sweaters, it’s the perfect season for gathering with loved ones and sipping on hard tea. Whether you’re planning a festive Thanksgiving dinner, a spirited Halloween bash, or a serene evening by the fire, the right beverage can elevate the experience. Enter hard teas—a refreshing and spirited twist on traditional autumn drinks. These delightful concoctions blend the comforting flavors of fall, offering a variety of options that captivate the senses.

Explore the world of fall flavor fusions and see how these drinks can bring a special touch to your get-togethers, adding warmth and joy with every sip.

What is hard tea?

Hard tea, also known as spiked or alcoholic tea, is a refreshing and flavorful drink that combines the classic taste of traditional iced tea with a kick of alcohol. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to beer and other traditional alcoholic beverages.

Hard tea can be made with different types of teas such as black, green, or herbal blends and the addition of various fruits, spices, and sweeteners. It is often blended with natural fruit flavors, such as peach or mango, to create a sweet and flavorful beverage.

It offers consumers a unique twist on a beloved beverage while providing a convenient way to enjoy both their favorite teas and alcohol at the same time.

So whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing beverage to enjoy on a hot summer day or something more sophisticated for a fall night out, hard tea is definitely worth considering.

What is the Alcohol Content of Hard Tea?

The exact alcohol content can vary depending on the brand and type, but it typically ranges from 5-7% ABV (alcohol by volume).

What liquor is in hard tea?

Hard tea typically contains vodka or rum as the liquor base.

5 Types of Hard Teas Available

Liquor stores typically offer a variety of alcoholic tea drinks, including:

  1. Hard Iced Teas: These are popular and often come in flavors like lemon, peach, and raspberry. Brands like Twisted Tea and Truly offer these refreshing options.
  2. Spiked Tea Cocktails: Pre-mixed cocktails that combine tea with spirits like vodka or rum, often featuring flavors such as sweet tea vodka or Long Island iced tea.
  3. Tea-Infused Spirits: Some brands infuse spirits like gin or vodka with tea flavors, offering a unique twist for cocktail enthusiasts.
  4. Craft Hard Teas: These are often brewed with real tea leaves and come in a variety of flavors, including seasonal options like apple cinnamon or chai.
  5. Canned Tea Seltzers: A newer trend, these combine tea flavors with the effervescence of seltzer, often with a lower alcohol content.

These options provide a range of flavors and styles to suit different tastes and occasions.

hard tea brands to try

8 Best Hard Tea Brands

Here are some of the best hard tea brands to try right now:

  1. Kim Crawford Peach Tea Spritz: This delicious drink combines the sweetness of peach with the crispness of tea, making it the perfect beverage for those hot fall days. The base of this drink is a crisp and refreshing white wine from New Zealand, known as Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Shop 4 packs here.
  2. High Noon Original Hard Iced Tea: Spiked with vodka, available in flavors like original, lemon, peach, and raspberry. What sets High Noon apart from other hard iced teas is its unique blend of real brewed tea and vodka. This combination creates a smooth and crisp taste that will leave you wanting more. Plus, with an ABV of 4.5%, it’s the perfect balance between refreshment and relaxation. Shop 8 packs here.
  3. Surfside Tea + Vodka: Offers a fresh peach or raspberry flavor with a light bitterness. This unique blend offers a burst of fresh fruit flavor with just the right amount of bitterness to keep your taste buds intrigued. Shop 4 packs here.
  4. Twisted Tea: Twisted Tea is a refreshing and unique beverage that combines tea with a twist of real fruit flavors (not artificial flavorings). It’s not your typical iced tea – it’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Its crisp taste and light carbonation make it easy to sip on all day long. And with flavors like peach, raspberry, and half-and-half (a mix of lemonade and tea) there is something for everyone to enjoy. Twisted Tea has been around since 2001, when it was first created by the Boston Beer Company. It quickly gained popularity and became a go-to drink for those looking for a refreshing alternative to beer or other alcoholic beverages. And with only 5% alcohol by volume, it’s perfect for sipping on a hot day or enjoying with friends at a BBQ. Shop all sizes online here.
  5. Voodoo Ranger Hardcharged Tea: This new addition to the Voodoo Ranger family is sure to become a staple in your tea beverage collection. Made with real tea leaves and natural flavors, this hard tea packs a punch of flavor that will leave you wanting more. It’s brewed with premium ingredients and contains no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Shop 12 packs here.
  6. AriZona Hard Tea: Made by the iconic Arizona Beverages brand, AriZona Hard Tea is a unique and delicious blend of real brewed tea and natural flavors, combined with just the right amount of alcohol to give it that extra kick. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a light and refreshing alcoholic beverage without all the heavy ingredients found in other drinks. Shop Variety Pack Here
  7. Arnold Palmer Spiked: A sweet blend of lemonade and iced tea, perfect for a nostalgic taste. This popular drink was first created in the 1960s by the golf legend himself, Arnold Palmer. Known for his refreshing and innovative approach to the sport, Palmer wanted a drink that could quench his thirst while playing long matches on hot days. Today, Arnold Palmer Spiked has become a beloved beverage among golfers and non-golfers alike. Its crisp and tangy flavor is perfect for any occasion – from backyard barbecues to tailgating parties. And with a slightly higher alcohol content than traditional hard lemonades, it’s sure to liven up your fall gatherings. It uses real lemon juice and tea extracts – no artificial flavors here. Shop 12 Pack Here
  8. Black Fly Long Island: This 7% alc./vol. cocktail is a variation of the classic Long Island Iced Tea. The Black Fly Long Island is made with the perfect blend of spirits: Canadian Vodka, Genuine Mexican Tequila, notes of gin, rum, pure lemon juice, and a splash of cola. This Classic Cocktail is a sure hit. Slightly sour. Balanced. & Not too sweet. Shop 4 packs here.

Explore Ready to DRink Hard Teas at Top Shelf

Elevate your fall gatherings with the perfect blend of flavor and convenience by exploring the exceptional range of ready-to-drink hard teas available at Top Shelf. Whether you’re hosting a cozy evening by the fire or planning a festive homecoming party, our diverse selection of hard teas is sure to impress your guests and enhance every occasion.

From classic flavors to innovative blends, find the perfect match to complement your seasonal celebrations. Don’t miss out on making your fall events unforgettable—visit Top Shelf today and discover the hard tea that will make your gatherings truly special. Shop now and toast to a delightful autumn!


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Welcome to Top Shelf, where your liquor shopping journey becomes a personalized adventure, blending small-town warmth with big-city selection.

For liquor enthusiasts who crave a personalized and enriching shopping experience, Top Shelf provides a unique blend of small-town compassion and big-city selection. Unlike impersonal big-box stores, we value each customer, offering expert education and a vast range of products because we believe in transforming transactions into lifelong partnerships built on respect, knowledge, and mutual growth.

Plus, our online ordering and drive-thru service makes picking up your order quick and easy.


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