Absolut Hard Tea

Primary alcohol: Absolut flavored vodka

Description: A favorite of tea lovers, but instead of relying on the tea itself for flavor, the blast of fruit comes from the vodka.

Taste: The base is the same in all versions, unsweetened tea that is chilled to perfection, a small bite of lemon, and a spike of flavor from whatever type of Absolut you pick. My favorites are the Mango and Pear editions, but this is a matter of individual preference.

Appearance: Served in a variety of glasses, as long as it has ice and a lemon wedge, all else is secondary. Generally a light brown color, like watered-down tea.

My experience with this drink first came when my grandma discovered the delicious taste of hard tea. I was a beer only guy back then, so I was pleasantly surprised when this drink tasted so good. Now, as an avid tea drinker, this drink is as good as it gets.

Advice: Get creative based on your options of Absolut. Pear, Pepper, Mandarin — almost anything can be mixed with iced tea and lemon. Be warned, these are powerful drinks, even with the ice and tea to help with sobriety. 

— by Ben Verhille