Alright, let’s talk tea — and no, not the kind you sip with pinkies out. We’re diving into the world of hard iced tea, the kind that shows up at backyard parties, beach days, and low-key hangouts where people just want something refreshing that hits right. And if you’ve been around the cooler lately, you’ve probably seen two names pop up more than once: Surfside Iced Tea Vs Twisted Tea.
Now, these two might look kinda similar at a glance — tea flavor, some booze, chill vibes — but they’re actually pretty different once you crack open a can and taste what’s going on. So which one’s better? Honestly, it depends on your style.
Let’s break it down. We’re comparing everything from taste and ingredients to buzz and branding. And we’re doing it the real way, like friends chatting at the grill — no stiff reviews or overly polished breakdowns here.
Surfside Iced Tea Vs Twisted Tea: What Are They?
Let’s start with a quick intro in case you’re new to either one.
Surfside Iced Tea
Surfside comes from the folks behind Stateside Vodka, and it’s a newer entry to the game. It markets itself as vodka iced tea, which already gives it a different spin. What makes Surfside stand out immediately is its low-calorie count, zero carbonation, and that super clean label.
- ABV: 4.5%
- Calories: 100 per 12 oz
- Sugar: 0g
- Carbonation: None
- Key Vibe: Clean, light, smooth as heck
It’s kinda like the health-conscious cousin that still parties but wakes up for yoga the next morning.
Twisted Tea
Twisted Tea is the OG. It’s been around for years, known for its sweet flavor and beer-like punch. If you’ve ever gone to a tailgate, river float, or house party in the last decade, chances are you’ve seen someone double-fisting these.
- ABV: 5%
- Calories: ~194 per 12 oz
- Sugar: ~23g
- Carbonation: Slight, depending on the version
- Key Vibe: Sweet, bold, no-nonsense fun
This one doesn’t pretend to be healthy. It’s here to get the job done and taste good doing it.
Taste Test: Sweet or Subtle?
Let’s get one thing straight — taste is personal. But that doesn’t mean we can’t compare how these two drinks go down.
Twisted Tea Flavor Profile
Twisted Tea tastes like someone mixed sweet tea with alcohol and didn’t hold back. It’s syrupy, bold, and has this lingering sugary finish. Not everyone loves that, especially if you’re the type who doesn’t want to feel like they just drank melted candy.
But for a lot of people? That’s exactly the point. The sweetness masks the alcohol almost completely. You’re not getting any harsh burn — just smooth tea flavor that hits quick.
Surfside Iced Tea Flavor Profile
Surfside takes a different route. It’s got zero sugar, so you’re not going to get that same syrupy vibe. But it doesn’t taste like a diet drink either. The flavor is lighter, cleaner, and surprisingly refreshing — especially ice cold.
It’s like if you brewed black tea, added a splash of lemon, and threw in some vodka. Super subtle. You’ll still get that tea taste, but way less sweet. For some, that’s a win. For others, it might feel a little plain.
If you like that old-school southern sweet tea taste, Twisted wins. If you prefer something that doesn’t coat your teeth in sugar? Surfside’s probably more your jam.
Alcohol Content
Alright, now let’s talk what people really want to know: how hard do these drinks hit?
Twisted Tea
At 5% ABV, Twisted Tea is basically like drinking a regular beer — but way sneakier. You don’t taste the alcohol much, which means it’s super easy to overdo it. Not saying that’s good or bad. Just saying… pace yourself.
You’ll catch a solid buzz after a couple, especially if you’re outdoors, in the sun, or not eating a ton.
Surfside Iced Tea
Surfside rolls in a little lower at 4.5% ABV. Not a huge drop, but enough to notice if you’re drinking multiple back-to-back. The buzz comes on smoother and slower. It’s less of a “whoa I’m tipsy” and more of a gentle rise into chill-mode.
Plus, without all the sugar, you don’t crash as hard. That’s huge for people trying to have a good time without feeling wrecked later.
Sugar, Calories & Guilt Factor
Let’s not lie — we’re all trying to balance fun with not totally wrecking our bodies. So how do these two stack up?
Twisted Tea
- Calories: Around 190–220 per can depending on the flavor
- Sugar: Up to 23 grams
Twisted Tea is sweet, but that sweetness comes at a cost. If you’re knocking back three or four, you’re drinking nearly 1,000 calories and a mountain of sugar.
Surfside Iced Tea
- Calories: 100 per can
- Sugar: 0g
Yeah… zero sugar. That’s rare in alcoholic drinks that don’t taste like regret. Surfside manages to stay light without going full “diet drink” on you. If you’re counting calories or watching carbs, Surfside is hands-down the smarter option.
Packaging & Branding: Who’s Got the Better Look?
Weirdly enough, branding actually matters — especially when you’re holding the can at a party.
Twisted Tea
It’s loud, colorful, and classic. Feels like it was made for fishing trips, cookouts, and being proudly held in a koozie while you yell across the yard. It’s got that blue-collar energy — and that’s not a bad thing.
Surfside Iced Tea
Minimalist. Clean. Beachy. Surfside gives off wellness-retreat-meets-surf-shop vibes. It’s less in-your-face, more about chill living. You won’t feel weird holding this at a rooftop brunch or lowkey hang.
Basically: Twisted Tea screams “let’s party,” while Surfside quietly says, “I’m here to vibe.”
The Hangover Question
We’ve all been there. You wake up, mouth dry, head pounding, questioning every decision. So which one leaves you regretting less?
Twisted Tea
With its high sugar and higher alcohol, Twisted can wreck you if you’re not careful. That sugar crash is real, and the dehydration hits harder than you’d think.
Surfside Iced Tea
Lighter alcohol, no sugar, and fewer calories = a way gentler morning. People who switch to Surfside often say they feel better the next day — like, “I went out and I’m still functional” better.
Not saying it’s hangover-proof (no drink really is), but it’s definitely easier on the system.
Which One Should You Pick?
Let’s wrap it up. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Twisted Tea | Surfside Iced Tea |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 5% | 4.5% |
| Calories | ~194 | 100 |
| Sugar | ~23g | 0g |
| Flavor | Sweet, bold | Light, clean |
| Buzz | Fast-hitting | Smooth build |
| Hangover | Higher chance | Lower risk |
| Vibe | Rowdy, classic | Chill, modern |
So… which one wins?
If You Want:
- A stronger drink
- Bold, sweet tea flavor
- Something familiar
→ Go with Twisted Tea
If You Want:
- A lighter, cleaner drink
- No sugar and fewer calories
- A modern, chill experience
→ Grab a Surfside
At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re in the mood for. Some nights call for wild Twisted energy. Others need that clean Surfside vibe.
Or hey — stock both in the cooler and let the day decide. No wrong answers here.
Tried both? What’s your take — bold and boozy or chill and clean? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share with a friend who needs help picking their next summer sip. Check out our post on Twisted Tea Light Nutrition Facts: A Healthier Option? and What is Twisted Tea Whiskey, Content, Calories, and More?