Twisted Tea Original 24OZ

Twisted Tea Original 24OZ is a 5.0% ABV hard iced tea made with real brewed black tea and natural lemon flavor, available in a 24 oz single-serve can. As the flagship expression from one of America's best-selling flavored malt beverage lines, it has become the top-selling hard tea in U.S. chain retail, surpassing competitors like Mike's Hard Lemonade in 2022.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Ohio, United States  |  Style: Hard Iced Tea (Flavored Malt Beverage)  |  Producer: Boston Beer Company

Production & Heritage

Twisted Tea is produced by the Boston Beer Company, the same brewery behind Samuel Adams, founded in 1984 by Jim Koch. What distinguishes Twisted Tea from many competing hard teas is its production method: real black tea leaves are brewed separately before being blended with a fermented malted barley base. This two-stage process — brewing actual tea rather than relying solely on tea-flavored concentrates — contributes to a more authentic iced tea character. Natural lemon flavoring is added during the final blending stage before packaging, resulting in a product that reads as genuine sweet tea rather than a malt beverage with tea flavoring layered on top.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet black tea leads immediately, followed by a soft citrus note from the natural lemon. A faint malty grain undertone sits in the background but does not dominate.

Taste: The first sip delivers a convincing impression of classic Southern-style sweetened iced tea. Mid-palate sweetness is present but calibrated — noticeable without crossing into cloying territory. A mild malt undercurrent emerges as you drink, though the sugar and tea tannins work to keep it in check. The lemon component brightens each sip without sharpness.

Finish: Clean and moderately short, with a lemon tang that lingers and a light, cool sensation. There is virtually no alcohol burn, making it drink closer to an actual iced tea than a typical 5% malt beverage.

How to Drink Twisted Tea

Twisted Tea Original is best served ice-cold, straight from the can or poured over ice in a tall glass. The 24 oz format is designed for casual, extended drinking sessions. For mixed drinks, try a Twisted Arnold Palmer by combining it with fresh lemonade for a boozy take on the classic; a Twisted Sweet Peach by adding a splash of peach nectar, which amplifies the Southern tea character; or a Twisted Tea Shandy by blending it half-and-half with a light lager for a lighter, more sessionable hybrid.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues, tailgates, and warm-weather gatherings where easy-drinking refreshment is the priority
• Introducing someone to flavored malt beverages who prefers tea or softer drinks over beer
• Beach, lake, or poolside sessions where a 24 oz single-serve eliminates the need for multiple containers
• Casual weeknight unwinding when you want something lower in alcohol than most cocktails

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Twisted Tea Original taste like? Twisted Tea Original tastes remarkably close to a classic sweetened iced tea with a touch of lemon, carrying balanced sweetness and virtually no detectable alcohol burn. A mild malt undertone is present but largely masked by the brewed tea character and sugar.

How does Twisted Tea compare to Mike's Hard Lemonade? While both are leading flavored malt beverages at 5% ABV, Twisted Tea uses real brewed black tea as its flavor base, whereas Mike's Hard Lemonade centers on citrus. Twisted Tea overtook Mike's Hard Lemonade in U.S. chain retail sales in 2022, reflecting a growing consumer preference for tea-based alternatives.

Is Twisted Tea good for beginners? Twisted Tea Original is one of the most approachable flavored malt beverages available, with smooth sweetness and no harsh alcohol bite, making it an excellent starting point for anyone new to the category.

Where is Twisted Tea made? Twisted Tea is produced in Ohio by the Boston Beer Company, a major American craft brewery headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The brand's production facilities handle the separate tea brewing and malt fermentation processes before final blending.

What foods pair well with Twisted Tea? Smoked pulled pork or brisket, where the tea's sweetness contrasts with smoky char; fried chicken, which complements the Southern iced tea profile; spicy buffalo wings, as the sugar and cold temperature cool the heat; fresh fruit salads, which mirror the lemon brightness; and grilled shrimp skewers, where the light body won't overpower delicate seafood.

What sizes does Twisted Tea Original come in? Twisted Tea Original is widely available in 12 oz cans and bottles (sold individually and in 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-packs), as well as 24 oz single-serve cans — the format featured here.

Is Twisted Tea Original worth the price? Twisted Tea Original positions squarely in the everyday, entry-level tier of flavored malt beverages, comparable in price to domestic beer. The 24 oz can delivers solid value for a product that uses real brewed tea rather than artificial tea flavoring, offering more character than many competitors at the same price point.

Why Twisted Tea Original?

The defining advantage of Twisted Tea Original over most hard tea competitors is the use of actual brewed black tea in production rather than tea-flavored concentrates or extracts alone. That distinction translates directly into the glass — the tea flavor reads as authentic rather than synthetic, a quality that has helped the brand claim the top sales position in the hard tea segment. At 5.0% ABV, it sits in a comfortable zone: strong enough to deliver a mild buzz from a single 24 oz can, yet light enough to remain genuinely refreshing. For anyone who enjoys sweet iced tea and wants an alcoholic version that doesn't taste like a compromise, this remains the category benchmark.