Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka – Summer's Favorite Buzz Without the Bubbles

Updated → August 2025

Experience the perfect beach day in a can with Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka, featuring real brewed tea, premium vodka, just 100 calories, and absolutely zero carbonation – because sometimes the best refreshment comes without the fizz.

The Rise of the No-Bubble Revolution

In a world dominated by hard seltzers and their endless bubbles, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka emerges as the refreshing rebel that dares to be different. This non-carbonated ready-to-drink cocktail has captured the hearts of beach-goers, poolside loungers, and anyone who believes that sometimes the best drinks come without the fizz.

The ready-to-drink cocktail market has exploded in recent years, but most offerings follow the same bubbly formula. Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka breaks this mold entirely, offering something genuinely unique: a smooth, flat cocktail that prioritizes flavor over carbonation. This innovative approach has resonated with consumers who find carbonated drinks bloating or simply prefer the smooth, easy-drinking nature of traditional iced tea.

The Surfside Story: From Pennsylvania to Your Pool Party

Born from Stateside Brands in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka represents the evolution of American drinking culture. The brand emerged from the success of Stateside Vodka, one of Pennsylvania's most popular vodka brands, which decided to venture into the ready-to-drink space with a radically different approach.

What started as a regional favorite at the Jersey Shore has quickly expanded across the Northeast and beyond. The brand's philosophy is simple yet revolutionary: create a canned cocktail that tastes like actual iced tea with a kick, not another variation of flavored sparkling water. This commitment to authenticity has made Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka the fastest-growing ready-to-drink cocktail in its category.

What's Really Inside That Can

Every can of Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka contains a carefully crafted blend of ingredients designed to deliver maximum refreshment with minimal guilt. The foundation starts with Stateside Vodka, a premium spirit known for its smooth, clean profile. This vodka is then combined with real brewed tea – not tea flavoring or concentrate, but actual tea that's been properly steeped and prepared.

The ingredient list refreshingly simple: vodka, real tea, natural flavors, and artificial sweetener. At 4.5% alcohol by volume (9 proof), Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka hits the sweet spot between sessionable and satisfying. Each 12-ounce serving also contains 34mg of caffeine, providing a subtle energy boost that's perfect for day drinking or early evening gatherings.

The Calorie-Conscious Choice

In an era where health-conscious consumers scrutinize every label, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka stands out with its impressively lean nutritional profile. Each 12-ounce can contains just 100 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and only 2 grams of sugar. To put this in perspective, many competing ready-to-drink cocktails and traditional mixed drinks can contain 200-300 calories or more per serving.

The low sugar content is particularly noteworthy. While many canned cocktails rely heavily on sugar to mask the taste of alcohol or create flavor, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka achieves its taste through quality ingredients and careful formulation. With zero grams of fat and protein, this beverage fits seamlessly into various dietary approaches, from low-carb to calorie-counting regimens.

Taste Profile: Tea Time Gets an Upgrade

The first sip of Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka delivers exactly what it promises: the familiar, comforting taste of real iced tea enhanced with a smooth vodka kick. The tea flavor is authentic and well-balanced, neither too sweet nor too bitter, striking that perfect middle ground that makes it dangerously drinkable.

The vodka integration is seamless – you know it's there, but it doesn't overpower the tea. Instead, it adds a pleasant warmth and slight bite that elevates the entire drinking experience. The finish is clean and crisp, leaving you refreshed rather than overwhelmed. This balance is what sets Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka apart from malt-based alternatives that often have an artificial or overly sweet aftertaste.

The Caffeine Kick Factor

With 34mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka offers a unique proposition in the ready-to-drink cocktail market. This caffeine content is roughly equivalent to a cup of green tea or about one-third of a typical cup of coffee. For many drinkers, this provides the perfect energy boost without the jitters or crash associated with higher caffeine levels.

This caffeine element makes Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka particularly appealing for daytime events, beach days, or early evening gatherings when you want to maintain energy without switching between alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. The natural caffeine from the real brewed tea provides a smoother, more sustained energy than synthetic caffeine additives found in some energy drink-alcohol combinations.

Surfside vs. The Competition

The ready-to-drink cocktail market is crowded, but Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka has carved out a unique niche. Unlike hard seltzers that dominate store shelves, Surfside offers substance and flavor without carbonation. Compared to malt-based hard teas, which often taste artificial or overly sweet, Surfside's vodka base provides a cleaner, more authentic taste.

Traditional canned cocktails often suffer from being either too strong or too weak, but Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka hits the goldilocks zone at 4.5% ABV. This makes it sessionable enough for extended drinking occasions while still providing a satisfying alcohol content. The non-carbonated format also means you can drink multiple cans without the bloating often associated with carbonated beverages.

Perfect Occasions for Surfside

While Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka shines brightest during summer activities, its versatility makes it suitable for year-round enjoyment. Beach days and pool parties are obvious choices – the can format is portable, the non-carbonated nature means no foam explosions in the heat, and the refreshing taste pairs perfectly with sunshine.

Beyond the beach, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka excels at barbecues, tailgates, golf outings, and casual gatherings. The familiar iced tea flavor makes it approachable for diverse crowds, while the low calorie count appeals to health-conscious drinkers. It's equally at home at a sophisticated garden party or a laid-back backyard hangout.

Mixing It Up: Creative Serving Ideas

While Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka is perfectly delicious straight from the can, creative drinkers have discovered numerous ways to elevate the experience. Serving it over ice with a fresh lemon wedge is a classic enhancement that adds visual appeal and a citrus brightness. A sprig of fresh mint can transform it into a more sophisticated cocktail experience.

For those who enjoy experimenting, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka serves as an excellent base for custom cocktails. Try mixing it with fresh fruit juices for a punch-style drink, or add a splash of flavored simple syrup to create seasonal variations. Some enthusiasts even use it as a mixer with additional spirits for a stronger cocktail, though the balanced flavor profile makes enhancement unnecessary for most palates.

Seasonal Enjoyment Guide

While marketed with beach imagery and summer vibes, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka transcends seasonal boundaries. In spring, it pairs beautifully with outdoor brunches and garden parties. Summer sees it at its peak, perfect for beach trips, boat days, and backyard barbecues. The non-carbonated format means it won't lose its fizz in the heat, maintaining consistent quality from first sip to last.

Come fall, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka transitions seamlessly to tailgating season and harvest gatherings. The tea base complements autumn flavors, and the moderate alcohol content makes it suitable for all-day events. Even in winter, when served at room temperature or slightly warmed, it can provide a comforting alternative to heavier seasonal cocktails.

Health-Conscious Drinking Without Compromise

The modern drinker increasingly seeks options that align with health and wellness goals, and Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka delivers on multiple fronts. Beyond the low calorie and sugar content, the use of real tea provides antioxidants not found in artificial alternatives. The moderate caffeine content can help maintain energy levels during social events without the need for separate caffeinated beverages.

The vodka base is also significant for health-conscious consumers. Vodka is naturally gluten-free and contains no congeners – the compounds in darker spirits that can contribute to hangovers. Combined with proper hydration, the clean profile of Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka may result in a more pleasant morning-after experience compared to sugar-heavy or artificially flavored alternatives.

Storage and Serving Tips

To maximize enjoyment of Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka, proper storage and serving are key. The cans should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. While the product is shelf-stable, refrigeration before serving enhances the drinking experience significantly. The ideal serving temperature is between 35-40°F, cold enough to be refreshing but not so cold that flavors are muted.

When serving at events, consider keeping Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka cans in a cooler with plenty of ice. The aluminum can format chills quickly and maintains temperature well. For a more upscale presentation, pour into glasses over ice and garnish appropriately. The versatile flavor profile means it pairs well with a variety of foods, from light appetizers to grilled meats.

Exploring Variety Pack Options

While the classic Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka remains the brand's best-seller, the Surfside family has expanded to include other flavors that maintain the same commitment to quality and low calories. Options like Peach Tea, Lemonade, and Iced Tea & Lemonade provide variety while staying true to the non-carbonated, real ingredient philosophy.

These variety packs are perfect for gatherings where different taste preferences need accommodation. Each flavor maintains the same 100-calorie, low-sugar profile, ensuring that health-conscious consumers can explore different options without compromise. The expansion of flavors also allows for creative mixing and matching, opening up possibilities for Surfside-based cocktail flights or tasting experiences.

Local Availability in Herkimer

For residents of Herkimer County and surrounding areas, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka is readily available at Valley Wine & Liquor, the area's premier destination for wines and spirits. This locally-operated store has built a reputation over five years as Herkimer County's fastest-growing wine and liquor retailer, known for its carefully curated selection and commitment to bringing innovative products to the community.

Why Surfside Stands Out

In a market flooded with options, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka has earned its place as a standout choice through a combination of factors. The commitment to real ingredients sets a quality standard that resonates with discerning drinkers. The non-carbonated format offers a genuine alternative in a bubble-saturated market. The low-calorie profile appeals to health-conscious consumers without sacrificing taste or alcohol content.

Most importantly, Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka delivers on its core promise: sunshine in a can. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or simply unwinding after a long day, this innovative ready-to-drink cocktail provides a refreshing escape that captures the essence of summer relaxation, no matter the season.