A Sip of History: How Alcoholic Iced Tea Came to Be.
- Tilted Tea
- Dec 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2024
Alcoholic iced tea might feel like a modern invention, but its roots stretch back further than you’d expect. As we set out to bring a delicious boozy iced tea to the UK, we’ve been diving into the history of this refreshing drink – and we’ve found it’s a story of experimentation, innovation, and a love of great flavours.

The Iced Tea Revolution
Let’s start with tea. It’s been a staple in British culture for centuries, but in the grand history of tea, iced tea is still the new kid on the block. Over in America, people started serving tea over ice in the late 19th century and by the early 20th century, it was a go-to drink for beating the summer heat. The idea was simple: take the comfort of tea, chill it, and voilà – the perfect summer refreshment.
Adding a Little Kick
The idea of mixing alcohol with tea isn’t as modern as you might think. Punches – big bowls of booze mixed with tea, sugar, and fruit – were all the rage back in the 1700s. Fast forward a few centuries, and people started experimenting with iced tea as a mixer for spirits. The result? A match made in beverage heaven.
In the US, the trend took off with hard sweet tea and cocktail variations like the Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade), given a boozy twist. But here in the UK, alcoholic iced tea has remained under the radar – until now.
Why Alcoholic Iced Tea Deserves the Spotlight
What makes alcoholic iced tea so special? It’s complex, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. It bridges the gap between a classic cocktail and a cold, laid-back brew. Whether you’re looking for a drink to sip at a summer BBQ or something to enjoy on a Friday night, alcoholic iced tea delivers every time.
For us, the challenge (and the fun!) is creating a drink that feels right at home in the UK. We’re blending the familiarity of a cuppa with a cheeky kick, balancing bold flavours with a touch of sweetness.

Bringing Boozy Iced Tea to the UK
As we develop our recipe, we’re thinking about what makes a drink uniquely British. Sure, iced tea has American roots, but there’s something exciting about giving it a local twist. Think classic British flavours, real tea blends and just the right amount of alcohol to keep it fun.
We believe the UK is missing out on something special and we are determined to bring our creations into the lime light. British Summers will never be the same again.
Cheers to What’s Next
So, as we work to bring our take on alcoholic iced tea to life, we’re raising a glass to the history that’s inspired us. Here’s to turning a classic into something fresh, new, and full of personality – with a distinctly British touch.
Stay tuned as we perfect our brew and get ready to shake up the drinks market. Who’s ready for a taste of what’s to come? 🍹

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