I spent all of my 20s living in Charleston, South Carolina. I drank a lot of sweet tea. As in, I used to purchase it by the gallon from Publix.
Southerners love sweet tea, so when sweet tea-flavored vodkas became a thing, the Charleston population gasped with excitement.
Today, I’m sharing all of the sweet tea-flavored vodkas on the market and a few cocktails you can make with them.
Firefly Spirits Sweet Tea Vodka
Firefly Distillery, one of the most popular sweet tea vodka brands, is based outside North Charleston on Wadmalaw Island. They claim the title of creating the first sweet tea vodka. Their Firefly Original Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka uses real South Carolina black tea, cane sugar (possibly sourced from Louisiana sugarcane), and natural flavors to capture the essence of Southern hospitality in a bottle. In my opinion, this is the best tasting one on the market.
Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka
Deep Eddy Vodka, another major player in the premium vodka market, offers its own take on sweet tea. Deep Eddy’s version is a more modern interpretation with a slightly bolder flavor profile.
Burnett’s Sweet Tea Vodka
This brand offers a delicious sweet tea-flavored vodka without the high price tag. It’s a quadruple-distilled vodka made with natural cane sugar flavors. It really captures the essence of Southern-style sweet tea at a competitive price point.
Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka
This brand, known for its original Southern Gentleman persona, carries a sweet tea vodka made with high-quality brewed tea and natural cane sugar. It promises a taste that captures the pure feeling of sweet iced tea with a kick of vodka, staying true to Jeremiah Weed’s Southern roots.
Seagram’s Sweet Tea Vodka
This brand leverages the recognition of Seagram’s classic vodka to offer a sweet tea-flavored option. It uses all-natural flavors and boasts 20% less sugar than some competitors. This might appeal to those seeking a slightly lighter and less intensely sweet version of sweet tea vodka.
The Difference in Each of the Sweet Tea Flavors
Here are some things to consider when choosing your sweet tea vodka:
- Natural Ingredients: Look for brands that use real tea leaves and natural sweeteners for a more authentic taste.
- Sweetness Level: Sweet tea comes in a spectrum of sweetness. Explore different brands to find one that matches your preference, whether you crave a half-and-half tea experience or a fully loaded sugar rush.
- Price Point: Sweet tea vodkas range in price from budget-friendly to premium. Consider your needs and explore different brands to find a good value.
Cocktails Using Sweet Tea Vodka
- The True Southern Sweet Tea Cocktail: Fill a large mason jar with ice. Combine 2 oz sweet tea vodka and 4 oz unsweetened iced tea (brewed and chilled) in the glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
- The Spiked Arnold Palmer: Fill a glass with ice. Combine 2 oz sweet Tea Vodka and 3 oz lemonade (chilled) in the glass. Add fresh mint leaves and stir gently.
- The Sweet Tea Fizz: Combine 2 oz Sweet Tea Vodka, 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Where Can I Buy Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka?
I usually visit my local liquor store to find my favorite spirits. My local shop has exceptional customer service and the best prices in the area. It’s a very organized store with a huge selection and friendly professionals. They always offer me good advice when I’m looking for a particular type of liquor.
When my local joint doesn’t have what I’m looking for, I often turn to other stores in the nearby area. These days, lots of places offer online ordering. They will either have a delivery carrier onsite or you can choose in-store pickup.
Keep in mind, local delivery services require age verification with a valid photo id and an adult signature upon delivery.
A Word of Caution:
While indulging in alcoholic beverages can be fun, remember to always drink responsibly. Be aware of the legal drinking age (21 years of age in the United States) in your area and never consume alcohol if you plan on driving.
Here in Newport, Rhode Island, summer is right around the corner. Warmer weather always makes me crave an Arnold Palmer, and you better believe I’m using one of these sweet tea-flavored vodkas to make one!
Which sweet tea-flavored vodkas have you tried? Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!