.jpg)
The holidays are a time for celebration, but for some people, that includes drinking alcohol. Here are four tips to help reduce your drinking and still have a good time.
Picture this: you're walking into a holiday party, excited to have a good time. There are trays of food but also trays of drinks. Temptation is smiling at you. The host greets you with a glass of champagne. She has a great buzz going and wants you to catch a warm holiday buzz.
A polite decline feels impossible as everyone is partaking. You want to have a good time without waking up with a hangover (and hangxiety) the next day.
You don't want to be the buzzkill, but you set a drink limit ahead of time. It's getting stressful, and it feels like all eyes are on you.
Has this ever happened to you? It doesn't have to be this way. Today, let's talk about how to reduce your drinking and still have holiday fun.
When declining a drink offer, the key is to be polite and gracious while keeping your limit in mind. One way to do this is to acknowledge the offer with a simple "no, thank you," coupled with a smile.
You could also explain your reason for not accepting the offer, pointing out that you're driving or want to cut back for a big event later in the evening. Another strategy is to move on from the topic of alcohol, perhaps by changing the subject or greeting a new group of people in the room.
Whichever method you choose, remember that staying firm and respectful while setting limits can help preserve your health and happiness while drinking socially. And always keep in mind that if they keep pushing, all you have to say is, "So why do you care if I drink or not?"
You can also avoid drink offers by having something in your hand at all times. There are plenty of great choices if you're looking for tasty non-alcoholic drink options that you can enjoy all year long. Some of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks include fruit-infused iced teas, freshly squeezed juice, fruity mocktails, and herbal teas. Many of these beverages are not only delicious and refreshing but also packed with beneficial nutrients that can help support good health!
When the holidays roll around, it can be tempting to overindulge and spend hours enjoying festive drinks with our friends and families. However, too much drinking can interfere with your health and weight goals and negatively impact your memory, mood, and ability to think clearly.
One strategy you can use is to set a goal for yourself and share it openly with your friends and family. For example, you might decide that you will only have one drink per day during the holiday season or limit yourself to a few glasses per week. By sharing your goal with others, you are more likely to stick to it; if everyone knows that you plan on keeping things in moderation, they will be less likely to pressure or tempt you into drinking excessively.
Having social support while cutting down on holiday drinks can help boost your confidence and morale. And by focusing on the benefits – such as improved energy levels and clearer thinking – rather than dwelling solely on restrictions or limitations, you'll find it easier to achieve your desired balance this season.
Mixing delicious drinks is a complex and multifaceted art that is often underappreciated. If there's one skill that every adult should have in their repertoire, it's the ability to create tasty mocktails - non-alcoholic drinks that are full of flavor and complexity yet also easy to make.
Hold a mocktail contest, invite loved ones to try different beverage combinations, and judge which ones taste best. Take inspiration from the season and play around with hot cocoa and cider!
Other holiday activities that the whole family and friend group will love:
The holidays are a time to come together with loved ones and enjoy good food and drinks. While it's tempting to indulge, keep track of how much you're drinking with the Reframe app. You can also tap into the Reframe community through the forum or check-in meetings. This way, you can stay in control and ensure this holiday season is your best!
Picture this: you're walking into a holiday party, excited to have a good time. There are trays of food but also trays of drinks. Temptation is smiling at you. The host greets you with a glass of champagne. She has a great buzz going and wants you to catch a warm holiday buzz.
A polite decline feels impossible as everyone is partaking. You want to have a good time without waking up with a hangover (and hangxiety) the next day.
You don't want to be the buzzkill, but you set a drink limit ahead of time. It's getting stressful, and it feels like all eyes are on you.
Has this ever happened to you? It doesn't have to be this way. Today, let's talk about how to reduce your drinking and still have holiday fun.
When declining a drink offer, the key is to be polite and gracious while keeping your limit in mind. One way to do this is to acknowledge the offer with a simple "no, thank you," coupled with a smile.
You could also explain your reason for not accepting the offer, pointing out that you're driving or want to cut back for a big event later in the evening. Another strategy is to move on from the topic of alcohol, perhaps by changing the subject or greeting a new group of people in the room.
Whichever method you choose, remember that staying firm and respectful while setting limits can help preserve your health and happiness while drinking socially. And always keep in mind that if they keep pushing, all you have to say is, "So why do you care if I drink or not?"
You can also avoid drink offers by having something in your hand at all times. There are plenty of great choices if you're looking for tasty non-alcoholic drink options that you can enjoy all year long. Some of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks include fruit-infused iced teas, freshly squeezed juice, fruity mocktails, and herbal teas. Many of these beverages are not only delicious and refreshing but also packed with beneficial nutrients that can help support good health!
When the holidays roll around, it can be tempting to overindulge and spend hours enjoying festive drinks with our friends and families. However, too much drinking can interfere with your health and weight goals and negatively impact your memory, mood, and ability to think clearly.
One strategy you can use is to set a goal for yourself and share it openly with your friends and family. For example, you might decide that you will only have one drink per day during the holiday season or limit yourself to a few glasses per week. By sharing your goal with others, you are more likely to stick to it; if everyone knows that you plan on keeping things in moderation, they will be less likely to pressure or tempt you into drinking excessively.
Having social support while cutting down on holiday drinks can help boost your confidence and morale. And by focusing on the benefits – such as improved energy levels and clearer thinking – rather than dwelling solely on restrictions or limitations, you'll find it easier to achieve your desired balance this season.
Mixing delicious drinks is a complex and multifaceted art that is often underappreciated. If there's one skill that every adult should have in their repertoire, it's the ability to create tasty mocktails - non-alcoholic drinks that are full of flavor and complexity yet also easy to make.
Hold a mocktail contest, invite loved ones to try different beverage combinations, and judge which ones taste best. Take inspiration from the season and play around with hot cocoa and cider!
Other holiday activities that the whole family and friend group will love:
The holidays are a time to come together with loved ones and enjoy good food and drinks. While it's tempting to indulge, keep track of how much you're drinking with the Reframe app. You can also tap into the Reframe community through the forum or check-in meetings. This way, you can stay in control and ensure this holiday season is your best!
Benefits of Cutting Back! When you quit drinking, or even cut back on drinking, you'll experience real effects on your body and mind.
When you quit drinking, or even cut back on drinking, you'll experience real effects on your body and mind.
Before we get into the benefits, it's important to note that benefits vary based on how much of a change you make. It has to do with, for example, someone who drinks 20 alcoholic beverages a week and cuts down to 5 may notice pronounced changes in the physical body. Someone who consumes 5 drinks a week and cuts down to 3 will experience less of a change, though they may still find benefits.
Some of these effects may be noticed shortly after giving up alcohol or cutting back, whereas others may take longer to experience.
At the end of the day, though, it is clear that no matter how much someone drinks now, if they cut back on or give up alcohol, there will be benefits.
First, let's get into some of the physical effects.
Next, let's talk about the mental effects.
Some other benefits include stronger relationships with people you care about, no hangovers, and saving money.
Keep in mind that the pace and types of benefits may vary from person to person, but the bottom line is the same: When you make a change, you're going to experience some benefits.
Join us today at Reframe and begin your journey working toward a more fulfilling life.
When you quit drinking, or even cut back on drinking, you'll experience real effects on your body and mind.
Before we get into the benefits, it's important to note that benefits vary based on how much of a change you make. It has to do with, for example, someone who drinks 20 alcoholic beverages a week and cuts down to 5 may notice pronounced changes in the physical body. Someone who consumes 5 drinks a week and cuts down to 3 will experience less of a change, though they may still find benefits.
Some of these effects may be noticed shortly after giving up alcohol or cutting back, whereas others may take longer to experience.
At the end of the day, though, it is clear that no matter how much someone drinks now, if they cut back on or give up alcohol, there will be benefits.
First, let's get into some of the physical effects.
Next, let's talk about the mental effects.
Some other benefits include stronger relationships with people you care about, no hangovers, and saving money.
Keep in mind that the pace and types of benefits may vary from person to person, but the bottom line is the same: When you make a change, you're going to experience some benefits.
Join us today at Reframe and begin your journey working toward a more fulfilling life.
Whether you want to drink less to reach your fitness goals, or you know that you could nail that work promotion with fewer hangovers, or you suspect that alcohol is holding you back from your creative endeavors, it makes sense that you might be interested in learning how to cut back on your drinking.
Cutting back on our alcohol consumption is one of the best things we can do to improve our quality of life. So why not download Reframe right now and kickstart your journey to wellness?!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually and with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey! Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit gives you the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people from around the world who are going through the exact same experiences as you! You’ll also have the oppurotunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to ensure your in-app experience is optimal. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, which is supported by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to lend you support whenever you need it as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
Oh, but there's more! We introduce enjoyable challenges every month — from Dry/Damp January to Sober Spring to Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to pass up the chance to participate!
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
George is a charismatic, high-performing executive well-known for his vivacious persona at social events. He enjoys a good time and often finds himself at the heart of parties, his glass perpetually filled with an alcoholic beverage. George’s life, pulsating with endless meetings and gatherings, is like a grand spectacle where alcohol is his co-star. However, an unexpected conversation with an old friend about the essence of life, about truly living, nudges George to reevaluate his relationship with alcohol.
If you find yourself in a similar position as George, remember: cutting back isn't about a drastic, sweeping transformation; it's about balance and making room for an array of experiences that life offers. If you’re wondering how to cut back on alcohol, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how to cut back on drinking and live more!
The obvious question arises: why should we consider reducing our alcohol intake? The answer resides in a spectrum of reasons, both health-related and lifestyle-centric. Scientific evidence links excessive alcohol consumption with a litany of health concerns, from liver disease to heart conditions to increased risk of cancer to mental health challenges. Alcohol, with its insidious ability to disturb sleep, alter moods, and impair cognitive function, quietly chips away at our well-being. Add to this its role in contributing to weight gain, and the argument for reducing consumption strengthens.
Beyond the realm of health lies the impact of alcohol on our lifestyle. By reducing drinking, we create space in our lives for other pursuits. This might look like waking up feeling clear-headed, having more productive and creative days, or being more present in our relationships. It's not just about prevention; it's about enhancement. Reducing alcohol is as much about enriching our lives and experiences as it is about mitigating health risks.
Reducing our alcohol intake might seem like a monumental task, especially when drinking is woven into the fabric of our social interactions. However, every major journey begins with baby steps, and it's the same when we aim to cut back on drinking. It's about setting goals that are realistic and achievable.
The first step is defining what “cutting back” means for us. It might look like having alcohol-free days, limiting the quantity of alcohol consumed per sitting, or confining drinking to special occasions. The definition of success in this journey is highly individual and unique. Remember that every step counts when you’re limiting your alcohol intake.
The next step in figuring out how to cut back on alcohol involves implementing strategies to help us achieve our goals. We can reduce our alcohol consumption with the help of many tools. One strategy involves finding alternatives to alcohol. You might explore the world of non-alcoholic drinks or delve into hobbies and activities that don't involve drinking. The absence of alcohol doesn't mean the absence of fun or relaxation.
Another strategy is to learn how to politely decline alcohol when it's offered. This might require practice and courage, but over time it becomes an empowering skill that affirms our commitment to our goal. We could also try mindful drinking, where we savor each sip and stay fully aware of our consumption. This not only enhances the drinking experience but keeps us in control. Lastly, sharing our goal with friends and family can make them allies in our journey, providing a supportive and understanding environment.
What does "living more" signify when we start cutting back on drinking? It encapsulates a lifestyle filled with varied experiences and relationships, a life that's not anchored on alcohol. We might discover new activities, spend more time with our loved ones, or pursue our unique passions if we live a fuller life. It can entail developing a pastime we've been wanting to start, going on a trip we've been wanting to take, or committing more time to a cause we care about a lot. Discovering areas of our lives that we may have underestimated or disregarded is a key component of living more.
In this newly uncovered space, we might find ourselves feeling more present and tuned into the events that make up our day-to-day life. Every moment grows richer and every experience more vivid, whether it's the sound of our children laughing, the scent of our morning coffee, or the peace of a peaceful evening. Making room for more in our lives by cutting back on alcohol consumption is the goal.
When we consume less alcohol, we gain more time, energy, and clarity. It's as if we’re given the opportunity to rediscover who we are, to find our potential, and to reevaluate what fulfillment and happiness mean to us.
Many of us can find ourselves in George's position, at a crossroads, wondering how to strike a balance between our social activities and our personal well-being. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's journey to reduce alcohol use is unique and very personal. It's about bringing about a shift that enables us to live more fully and genuinely rather than about achieving some utopian state of perfection.
Every step we take in this journey counts, every decision we make matters, and every day brings new opportunities for growth. We're not just reducing alcohol; we're enhancing our lives. We're not just living; we're living more. So, here's to the power of choice, the joy of balance, and the pursuit of a rich, fulfilling life. It's about living more, one (alcohol-free!) sip at a time.
George is a charismatic, high-performing executive well-known for his vivacious persona at social events. He enjoys a good time and often finds himself at the heart of parties, his glass perpetually filled with an alcoholic beverage. George’s life, pulsating with endless meetings and gatherings, is like a grand spectacle where alcohol is his co-star. However, an unexpected conversation with an old friend about the essence of life, about truly living, nudges George to reevaluate his relationship with alcohol.
If you find yourself in a similar position as George, remember: cutting back isn't about a drastic, sweeping transformation; it's about balance and making room for an array of experiences that life offers. If you’re wondering how to cut back on alcohol, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how to cut back on drinking and live more!
The obvious question arises: why should we consider reducing our alcohol intake? The answer resides in a spectrum of reasons, both health-related and lifestyle-centric. Scientific evidence links excessive alcohol consumption with a litany of health concerns, from liver disease to heart conditions to increased risk of cancer to mental health challenges. Alcohol, with its insidious ability to disturb sleep, alter moods, and impair cognitive function, quietly chips away at our well-being. Add to this its role in contributing to weight gain, and the argument for reducing consumption strengthens.
Beyond the realm of health lies the impact of alcohol on our lifestyle. By reducing drinking, we create space in our lives for other pursuits. This might look like waking up feeling clear-headed, having more productive and creative days, or being more present in our relationships. It's not just about prevention; it's about enhancement. Reducing alcohol is as much about enriching our lives and experiences as it is about mitigating health risks.
Reducing our alcohol intake might seem like a monumental task, especially when drinking is woven into the fabric of our social interactions. However, every major journey begins with baby steps, and it's the same when we aim to cut back on drinking. It's about setting goals that are realistic and achievable.
The first step is defining what “cutting back” means for us. It might look like having alcohol-free days, limiting the quantity of alcohol consumed per sitting, or confining drinking to special occasions. The definition of success in this journey is highly individual and unique. Remember that every step counts when you’re limiting your alcohol intake.
The next step in figuring out how to cut back on alcohol involves implementing strategies to help us achieve our goals. We can reduce our alcohol consumption with the help of many tools. One strategy involves finding alternatives to alcohol. You might explore the world of non-alcoholic drinks or delve into hobbies and activities that don't involve drinking. The absence of alcohol doesn't mean the absence of fun or relaxation.
Another strategy is to learn how to politely decline alcohol when it's offered. This might require practice and courage, but over time it becomes an empowering skill that affirms our commitment to our goal. We could also try mindful drinking, where we savor each sip and stay fully aware of our consumption. This not only enhances the drinking experience but keeps us in control. Lastly, sharing our goal with friends and family can make them allies in our journey, providing a supportive and understanding environment.
What does "living more" signify when we start cutting back on drinking? It encapsulates a lifestyle filled with varied experiences and relationships, a life that's not anchored on alcohol. We might discover new activities, spend more time with our loved ones, or pursue our unique passions if we live a fuller life. It can entail developing a pastime we've been wanting to start, going on a trip we've been wanting to take, or committing more time to a cause we care about a lot. Discovering areas of our lives that we may have underestimated or disregarded is a key component of living more.
In this newly uncovered space, we might find ourselves feeling more present and tuned into the events that make up our day-to-day life. Every moment grows richer and every experience more vivid, whether it's the sound of our children laughing, the scent of our morning coffee, or the peace of a peaceful evening. Making room for more in our lives by cutting back on alcohol consumption is the goal.
When we consume less alcohol, we gain more time, energy, and clarity. It's as if we’re given the opportunity to rediscover who we are, to find our potential, and to reevaluate what fulfillment and happiness mean to us.
Many of us can find ourselves in George's position, at a crossroads, wondering how to strike a balance between our social activities and our personal well-being. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's journey to reduce alcohol use is unique and very personal. It's about bringing about a shift that enables us to live more fully and genuinely rather than about achieving some utopian state of perfection.
Every step we take in this journey counts, every decision we make matters, and every day brings new opportunities for growth. We're not just reducing alcohol; we're enhancing our lives. We're not just living; we're living more. So, here's to the power of choice, the joy of balance, and the pursuit of a rich, fulfilling life. It's about living more, one (alcohol-free!) sip at a time.
We may have heard of Twisted Tea but are unsure of what exactly is in it. Learn more about what type of alcohol is in Twisted Tea and why it matters, in our latest blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
A viral video in 2020 of a man shouting racial slurs and getting smacked on the head with a can of Twisted Tea brought a new rise to the already-popular alcoholic beverage. With new memes popping up on TikTok after the incident painting Twisted Tea as this “knight in shining armor” and its enticing bright yellow packaging, we may be curious as to what it is and why it's so popular.
A quick Google search of the ingredients doesn’t really tell us much. Like most suggestions from TikTok, we may be wanting to learn a bit more before hopping on the bandwagon. To better understand what we might be putting into our body, let’s fully untangle what kind of alcohol is in Twisted Tea and get to the bottom of the drink that everyone seems to be talking about.
Twisted Tea has blown up in popularity in recent years but was created back in 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brand is owned by the Boston Beer Company, which also produces other popular brands of alcoholic beverages such as Truly, Angry Orchard, Samuel Adams, and more.
The hard iced tea is inspired by Southern sweet tea — a popular beverage perfect for hot summer months. The original Twisted Tea was released in 2000 as BoDean’s Twisted Tea, referencing the rock band The BoDeans. However, the music group cited copyright infringement, and, after a year-long legal battle, Boston Beer agreed to drop the name, and Twisted Tea as we know it was born.
The original Twisted Tea is a hard sweet tea with a hint of lemon flavor. As the brand grew in popularity, nine other flavors were added to the range. Some of these include flavors such as peach, raspberry, and “half & half” (lemonade and iced tea). Recently, Twisted Tea has partnered with Beam Suntory to release a Twisted Tea Whiskey — taking the malt beverage company into the spirits territory. While varying slightly in taste, all Twisted Tea beverages can be found in bottles or cans plastered with the brand's iconic bright yellow packaging.
Twisted Tea has grown steadily since its release but saw even more growth with a greater demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in recent years. Recent viral videos on social media sites like TikTok have also drawn more attention to the beverage. So, we know Twisted Tea is popular, but what’s in it?
Twisted Tea ingredients include a malt base made from brewed black tea, sugar, and lemon flavoring. Unlike other malt beverages, Twisted Tea is not carbonated and is meant to stay true to a traditional Southern sweet tea.
A look at the ingredients and description doesn’t really tell us much. Since alcohol is regulated by the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) rather than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as other food and beverage products are, it doesn’t require direct ingredient labeling. While keeping their Twisted Tea recipe a secret is great for preventing competitors from recreating the drink, it’s confusing for those of us trying to figure out what exactly is in the alcoholic beverage.
Contrary to what we might think, Twisted Tea is not spiked or mixed with any alcohol. The alcoholic content is derived from the fermentation of the malt base, which is the primary component of the drink.
Malt is cereal grain that has been sprouted and dried. This process brings out the full sweetness of the grain. Malt powder has a variety of uses including sweetening milkshakes and helping baked goods rise.
Twisted Tea is made using malted barley grain. The sweetened grain is mixed with the drink's other main ingredients, including tea leaves and flavoring, and turned into alcohol through fermentation. Fermentation is the process by which yeast converts sugar into ethanol — the intoxicating component of alcohol. Beer is made through a very similar process.
So, does that mean Twisted Tea has the same alcohol content as beer?
The alcohol content in the Twisted Tea product ranges depending on the variety. The original Twisted Tea hard iced tea and similar flavors is 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is comparable to the average ABV of most beers.
The brand also released an “Extreme” line that contains a higher ABV at 8%. This is in line with higher-alcohol craft beers. Their most recent addition, Twisted Tea Sweet Tea Whiskey, is a bottled spirit that is comparable to other distilled spirits at an ABV of 32.5%.
We’ve determined the type and the amount of alcohol that’s in Twisted Tea, but what type of drink is it?
Twisted Tea is marketed as a hard iced tea, which only means that it’s an alcoholic version of an iced tea. It also claims to be a malt beverage — which some people may confuse with beer. So, is Twisted Tea beer? Well, Twisted Tea is not exactly a beer either.
It’s categorized as an RTD beverage, more specifically a flavored malt beverage, which falls under the more general category of malt beverages. It’s also sometimes called a “malternative” or “alcopop” (alcoholic pop). It doesn’t always contain carbonation or hops that are distinctive qualities of beer. Beer also falls under the large umbrella term of malt beverages but is not always considered a flavored malt beverage. It’s similar to how a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square with beer acting as the more general category of a rectangle.
Getting to the bottom of what Twisted Tea is can be a brain twister. However, understanding what it is helps us acknowledge its potential dangers.
Malternative or alcopop beverages like Twisted Tea are typically lower in alcohol content, but they’re just as dangerous as other alcoholic drinks. The lower alcohol content can make it seem like it’s okay to consume more — increasing the risk of binge drinking.
While lower in alcohol, Twisted Tea contains more sugar. This helps to mask the unpleasant taste of alcohol, again adding to the potential for overconsumption. Alcopops have also been identified as harmful, especially for women and adolescents, whom the sweeter profiles target.
Similar to how the availability of flavored nicotine vapes led to a rise in teenage smokers, malternatives can encourage underage drinking — one of the greatest problems in public health.
At the end of the day, Twisted Tea is no different from any other alcohol and carries the same risks. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests limiting the consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol for a healthy lifestyle. Twisted Tea is a combination of both — adding to its negative effects. Some of the potential consequences of consuming Twisted Tea include the following:
Having a sip of Twisted Tea may not cause immediate, noticeable consequences, but over time it has the capability to wreak havoc on our health. Mindful consumption can help us limit the negative effects and keep us healthy and safe.
Mindful drinking practices help us approach the dangerous effects of alcoholic beverages such as Twisted Tea in a safe manner. Some ways we can practice safe alcohol consumption include the following actions:
These strategies help us practice mindful consumption, not only with Twisted Tea but also with alcohol in general, to help us make more mindful choices.
Viral memes and social media posts about Twisted Tea can make us feel like we’re missing out on something special. However, the only thing we’re missing out on by avoiding Twisted Tea is a whole host of health issues; the alcohol in Twisted Tea gives a twist to iced tea that isn’t beneficial to our overall health. Drinking is commonly associated with “having a good time,” but regular alcohol consumption is tied to a wide range of health issues. So, stick with good old-fashioned non-alcoholic iced tea. If you do decide to drink, keep it light! Mindful consumption can ensure you’re here for a good time and a long time!
A viral video in 2020 of a man shouting racial slurs and getting smacked on the head with a can of Twisted Tea brought a new rise to the already-popular alcoholic beverage. With new memes popping up on TikTok after the incident painting Twisted Tea as this “knight in shining armor” and its enticing bright yellow packaging, we may be curious as to what it is and why it's so popular.
A quick Google search of the ingredients doesn’t really tell us much. Like most suggestions from TikTok, we may be wanting to learn a bit more before hopping on the bandwagon. To better understand what we might be putting into our body, let’s fully untangle what kind of alcohol is in Twisted Tea and get to the bottom of the drink that everyone seems to be talking about.
Twisted Tea has blown up in popularity in recent years but was created back in 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brand is owned by the Boston Beer Company, which also produces other popular brands of alcoholic beverages such as Truly, Angry Orchard, Samuel Adams, and more.
The hard iced tea is inspired by Southern sweet tea — a popular beverage perfect for hot summer months. The original Twisted Tea was released in 2000 as BoDean’s Twisted Tea, referencing the rock band The BoDeans. However, the music group cited copyright infringement, and, after a year-long legal battle, Boston Beer agreed to drop the name, and Twisted Tea as we know it was born.
The original Twisted Tea is a hard sweet tea with a hint of lemon flavor. As the brand grew in popularity, nine other flavors were added to the range. Some of these include flavors such as peach, raspberry, and “half & half” (lemonade and iced tea). Recently, Twisted Tea has partnered with Beam Suntory to release a Twisted Tea Whiskey — taking the malt beverage company into the spirits territory. While varying slightly in taste, all Twisted Tea beverages can be found in bottles or cans plastered with the brand's iconic bright yellow packaging.
Twisted Tea has grown steadily since its release but saw even more growth with a greater demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in recent years. Recent viral videos on social media sites like TikTok have also drawn more attention to the beverage. So, we know Twisted Tea is popular, but what’s in it?
Twisted Tea ingredients include a malt base made from brewed black tea, sugar, and lemon flavoring. Unlike other malt beverages, Twisted Tea is not carbonated and is meant to stay true to a traditional Southern sweet tea.
A look at the ingredients and description doesn’t really tell us much. Since alcohol is regulated by the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) rather than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as other food and beverage products are, it doesn’t require direct ingredient labeling. While keeping their Twisted Tea recipe a secret is great for preventing competitors from recreating the drink, it’s confusing for those of us trying to figure out what exactly is in the alcoholic beverage.
Contrary to what we might think, Twisted Tea is not spiked or mixed with any alcohol. The alcoholic content is derived from the fermentation of the malt base, which is the primary component of the drink.
Malt is cereal grain that has been sprouted and dried. This process brings out the full sweetness of the grain. Malt powder has a variety of uses including sweetening milkshakes and helping baked goods rise.
Twisted Tea is made using malted barley grain. The sweetened grain is mixed with the drink's other main ingredients, including tea leaves and flavoring, and turned into alcohol through fermentation. Fermentation is the process by which yeast converts sugar into ethanol — the intoxicating component of alcohol. Beer is made through a very similar process.
So, does that mean Twisted Tea has the same alcohol content as beer?
The alcohol content in the Twisted Tea product ranges depending on the variety. The original Twisted Tea hard iced tea and similar flavors is 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is comparable to the average ABV of most beers.
The brand also released an “Extreme” line that contains a higher ABV at 8%. This is in line with higher-alcohol craft beers. Their most recent addition, Twisted Tea Sweet Tea Whiskey, is a bottled spirit that is comparable to other distilled spirits at an ABV of 32.5%.
We’ve determined the type and the amount of alcohol that’s in Twisted Tea, but what type of drink is it?
Twisted Tea is marketed as a hard iced tea, which only means that it’s an alcoholic version of an iced tea. It also claims to be a malt beverage — which some people may confuse with beer. So, is Twisted Tea beer? Well, Twisted Tea is not exactly a beer either.
It’s categorized as an RTD beverage, more specifically a flavored malt beverage, which falls under the more general category of malt beverages. It’s also sometimes called a “malternative” or “alcopop” (alcoholic pop). It doesn’t always contain carbonation or hops that are distinctive qualities of beer. Beer also falls under the large umbrella term of malt beverages but is not always considered a flavored malt beverage. It’s similar to how a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square with beer acting as the more general category of a rectangle.
Getting to the bottom of what Twisted Tea is can be a brain twister. However, understanding what it is helps us acknowledge its potential dangers.
Malternative or alcopop beverages like Twisted Tea are typically lower in alcohol content, but they’re just as dangerous as other alcoholic drinks. The lower alcohol content can make it seem like it’s okay to consume more — increasing the risk of binge drinking.
While lower in alcohol, Twisted Tea contains more sugar. This helps to mask the unpleasant taste of alcohol, again adding to the potential for overconsumption. Alcopops have also been identified as harmful, especially for women and adolescents, whom the sweeter profiles target.
Similar to how the availability of flavored nicotine vapes led to a rise in teenage smokers, malternatives can encourage underage drinking — one of the greatest problems in public health.
At the end of the day, Twisted Tea is no different from any other alcohol and carries the same risks. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests limiting the consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol for a healthy lifestyle. Twisted Tea is a combination of both — adding to its negative effects. Some of the potential consequences of consuming Twisted Tea include the following:
Having a sip of Twisted Tea may not cause immediate, noticeable consequences, but over time it has the capability to wreak havoc on our health. Mindful consumption can help us limit the negative effects and keep us healthy and safe.
Mindful drinking practices help us approach the dangerous effects of alcoholic beverages such as Twisted Tea in a safe manner. Some ways we can practice safe alcohol consumption include the following actions:
These strategies help us practice mindful consumption, not only with Twisted Tea but also with alcohol in general, to help us make more mindful choices.
Viral memes and social media posts about Twisted Tea can make us feel like we’re missing out on something special. However, the only thing we’re missing out on by avoiding Twisted Tea is a whole host of health issues; the alcohol in Twisted Tea gives a twist to iced tea that isn’t beneficial to our overall health. Drinking is commonly associated with “having a good time,” but regular alcohol consumption is tied to a wide range of health issues. So, stick with good old-fashioned non-alcoholic iced tea. If you do decide to drink, keep it light! Mindful consumption can ensure you’re here for a good time and a long time!
