If you’re a teetotaler you might as well stop reading now. This article is not for you. But if you’re open to flavoring your tea with something a little stronger or, for that matter, flavoring your strong stuff with a little tea, then read on. For more on the notion of mixing alcohol with tea, refer to an article posted previously in these pages.

But first, a few words about the word teetotaler. Contrary to what some might believe it apparently does not have anything to do with tea, aside from the fact that those who abstain from alcohol might turn to tea as an alternative. For more on the origins of this word, look here.

If you’re keen on spirits flavored with tea there are a number of these hybrids that you can choose from, including several varieties of vodka, a few types of liqueur and more. As this article in the Dallas Observer recently noted, the makers of Beefeater, a well-known brand of gin have decided to branch out with a tea-flavored gin that blends Japanese sencha, Chinese green tea, grapefruit and orange peels.

If vodka is your drink then you’re in luck. In addition to the several varieties already on the market, the makers of Firefly Sweet Tea vodka have thrown their hats in the ring with a beverage that pays tribute to the so-called house wine of the South. That would be sweet tea, a heavily sugared black tea that’s what you’re likely to get when you order iced tea south of the Mason-Dixon line. More about it in this article from the New York Times.

Beer flavored with tea is not a new concept and there’s even a variety of beer flavored with yerba mate, a popular South American herbal beverage. From the Toronto Star, here’s some information about Mill Street Lemon Tea Beer, which was brought to the market by a local brewmaster.

Check out William’s blog, Tea Guy Speaks!

[Editor’s note: Our blog is chock full of great articles on this topic. Use our search feature to find them!]

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