What's Really in Twisted Tea? The Viral Drink Explained

In 2020, a viral video showed a man shouting racial slurs and getting hit on the head with a can of Twisted Tea. This incident sparked new interest in the already popular alcoholic drink. Memes on TikTok portrayed Twisted Tea as a "knight in shining armor," and its bright yellow packaging caught people's attention. But what exactly is Twisted Tea, and why has it become so popular?

A quick search of the ingredients doesn't reveal much. Like many trends from TikTok, you might want to learn more before joining the crowd. To understand what you're consuming, let's break down what kind of alcohol is in Twisted Tea and explore the drink that everyone is talking about.

The Origins of Twisted Tea

Twisted Tea has surged in popularity recently but was actually created in 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brand is owned by the Boston Beer Company, which also produces Truly, Angry Orchard, Samuel Adams, and other well-known alcoholic beverages.

The hard iced tea is inspired by Southern sweet tea—a refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days. The original version was released in 2000 as BoDean's Twisted Tea, named after the rock band The BoDeans. However, the band claimed copyright infringement, and after a year-long legal dispute, Boston Beer dropped the name, giving us the Twisted Tea we know today.

Twisted Tea at a Glance

The original Twisted Tea is a hard sweet tea with a hint of lemon. As the brand grew, nine additional flavors were introduced, including peach, raspberry, and "half & half" (a mix of lemonade and iced tea). Recently, Twisted Tea partnered with Beam Suntory to release Twisted Tea Whiskey, expanding into the spirits category. While flavors vary, all Twisted Tea drinks come in bottles or cans with the brand's signature bright yellow packaging.

Twisted Tea has seen steady growth, boosted by increased demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. Viral social media videos have also drawn more attention to the beverage. But what's actually in it?

What Is Twisted Tea Made Of?

Twisted Tea ingredients include a malt base made from brewed black tea, sugar, and lemon flavoring. Unlike many malt beverages, Twisted Tea isn't carbonated, staying true to traditional Southern sweet tea.

Looking at the ingredients list doesn't tell the whole story. Because alcohol is regulated by the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) instead of the FDA, it doesn't require detailed ingredient labeling. While this secrecy helps prevent competitors from copying the recipe, it makes it confusing for consumers trying to understand what they're drinking.

What Alcohol Is in Twisted Tea?

Contrary to what some might think, Twisted Tea isn't spiked or mixed with additional alcohol. The alcohol content comes from the fermentation of the malt base, which is the main component of the drink.

Malt is cereal grain that has been sprouted and dried, enhancing its sweetness. Malt powder is used in various products, from milkshakes to baked goods. Twisted Tea uses malted barley grain, which is combined with tea leaves and flavorings, then fermented. Fermentation is the process where yeast converts sugar into ethanol—the intoxicating part of alcohol. This process is similar to how beer is made.

Twisted Tea Alcohol Content

The alcohol content in Twisted Tea varies by product. The original hard iced tea and similar flavors have a 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), comparable to most beers.

The "Extreme" line has a higher ABV at 8%, similar to strong craft beers. The newest addition, Twisted Tea Sweet Tea Whiskey, is a bottled spirit with an ABV of 32.5%, aligning with other distilled spirits.

What Type of Alcoholic Beverage Is Twisted Tea?

Twisted Tea is marketed as a hard iced tea, meaning it's an alcoholic version of iced tea. It's also labeled as a malt beverage, which some people confuse with beer. However, Twisted Tea isn't exactly beer.

It's categorized as a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage, specifically a flavored malt beverage. It's sometimes called a "malternative" or "alcopop" (alcoholic pop). Unlike beer, it doesn't always contain carbonation or hops. Beer falls under the broader category of malt beverages but isn't always considered a flavored malt beverage. Think of it like a square being a rectangle, but a rectangle isn't always a square—beer is the rectangle in this analogy.

Dangers of Twisted Tea

Malternative or alcopop drinks like Twisted Tea often have lower alcohol content, but they're just as risky as other alcoholic beverages. The lower alcohol level might make it seem safe to drink more, increasing the risk of binge drinking.

While lower in alcohol, Twisted Tea contains more sugar, which masks the taste of alcohol and can lead to overconsumption. Alcopops are particularly harmful for women and adolescents, who are often targeted by sweeter profiles. Similar to how flavored nicotine vapes led to a rise in teen smoking, malternatives can encourage underage drinking—a major public health concern.

Negative Effects of Drinking Twisted Tea

Ultimately, Twisted Tea is no different from other alcohols and carries the same risks. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sugary drinks and alcohol for a healthy lifestyle. Twisted Tea combines both, amplifying its negative effects. Potential consequences include:

• Liver damage: The liver processes alcohol toxins, and prolonged exposure raises the risk of liver disease. High sugar intake can also cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), worsening alcohol-related damage.
• Risk of cardiovascular disease: Sugar and alcohol can increase blood pressure and strain the liver, stressing the heart and raising the risk of heart disease.
• Blood sugar spikes: Alcohol disrupts blood sugar levels, leading to highs and lows. Over time, this can cause insulin resistance and increase diabetes risk. Added sugar in Twisted Tea makes blood sugar spikes even worse.
• Weight gain: Though lower in alcohol, excessive consumption can lower inhibitions and lead to poor lifestyle choices. High sugar content also adds significant calories.
• Dental damage: The acidity of alcohol combined with sugar harms dental health, promoting cavities and enamel decay.

While a sip of Twisted Tea won't cause immediate harm, regular consumption can damage your health over time. Mindful drinking helps limit these risks.

Managing Safe Consumption

Practicing mindful drinking can help you approach alcoholic beverages like Twisted Tea safely. Here are some tips:

• Quit or cut back: Reducing or eliminating alcohol minimizes its harmful effects on health and well-being.
• Find alternatives: Many non-alcoholic drinks offer the same refreshment as Twisted Tea. Alternative social activities can also provide connection without alcohol.
• Manage sugar consumption: Be mindful of sugar in other parts of your diet. Skip sugary creamer in coffee or choose fruit instead of cookies for dessert.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration. Space out alcoholic drinks with water or electrolyte-rich beverages to reduce overall consumption.

These strategies support mindful consumption, helping you make healthier choices with alcohol in general.

Untwisting the Facts

Viral memes and social media posts might make Twisted Tea seem like a must-try, but avoiding it means avoiding a range of health issues. The alcohol in Twisted Tea adds a harmful twist to iced tea. While drinking is often linked to fun, regular alcohol use is associated with numerous health problems. Stick to traditional non-alcoholic iced tea for a safer option. If you choose to drink, do so lightly. Mindful consumption ensures you're here for a good time and a long time!