Quick Answer
Surfside is a non-carbonated, vodka-based canned cocktail made with iced tea, lemonade, green tea, or combinations of those flavors. Standard 12-ounce servings are 4.5% ABV and carry an average analysis of 100 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of sugar.
If you are new to Surfside, Original Iced Tea is the safest starting point for tea drinkers. Peach Tea or Peach Green Tea suits fruit-and-tea fans, while the Half & Half family works well when you want both tea and lemonade.
- 4.5% ABV across the current standard Surfside lineup.
- 100 calories and 2g sugar per listed 12-ounce serving.
- Surfside is non-carbonated, so there are no bubbles.
- The current lineup includes 16 flavor variations.
- Four new products joined the range in February 2026.
- Variety packs are the easiest starting point for new buyers.
- Larger Longboard cans contain more alcohol than 12-ounce cans.
- Tea-based varieties may matter to people sensitive to caffeine.
What Are Surfside Drinks?
Surfside is a line of spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails owned by Stateside Brands. The brand launched in Philadelphia in 2022 and was created by Matt and Bryan Quigley with Clement and Zach Pappas.
Instead of using the sparkling-water format common in hard seltzer, Surfside builds its drinks around familiar iced tea and lemonade flavors with vodka.
That difference matters. Surfside feels more like a canned alcoholic version of cold tea or lemonade than a fizzy fruit seltzer.
The manufacturer also lists natural flavors and artificial sweetener in its general product disclosure.
Who Is Surfside Best For?
Surfside makes the most sense for adults who:
- Prefer still drinks instead of carbonation
- Already enjoy bottled iced tea or lemonade
- Want a canned cocktail without mixing ingredients
- Prefer moderate-strength drinks around 4.5% ABV
- Like fruit-forward tea flavors
- Want multiple flavors inside variety packs
All Surfside Flavors Available in 2026
Surfside’s current public flavor page displays 16 distinct drinks across four main families. That count includes the four products introduced for 2026.
| Surfside Flavor | Base Style | Flavor Direction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iced Tea + Vodka | Black tea | Classic, tea-forward | Traditional hard-tea fans |
| Peach Tea + Vodka | Black tea | Peachy, sweeter | Peach iced-tea drinkers |
| Raspberry Tea + Vodka | Black tea | Berry and tea | Raspberry-tea fans |
| Iced Tea & Lemonade + Vodka | Tea + lemonade | Sweet-tart | Half & Half drinkers |
| Lemonade + Vodka | Lemonade | Citrus-forward | Lemonade fans |
| Raspberry Lemonade + Vodka | Lemonade | Berry-citrus | Tart berry lovers |
| Strawberry Lemonade + Vodka | Lemonade | Fruity and familiar | Strawberry-lemon fans |
| Black Cherry Lemonade + Vodka | Lemonade | Dark cherry-citrus | Bold fruit drinkers |
| Blueberry Lemonade + Vodka | Lemonade | Blueberry-citrus | New-flavor seekers |
| Green Tea + Vodka | Green tea | Light tea, honey/ginseng notes | Green-tea drinkers |
| Peach Green Tea + Vodka | Green tea | Peach and soft tea | Lighter peach fans |
| Mango Green Tea + Vodka | Green tea | Tropical and tea-like | Mango fans |
| Green Tea & Lemonade + Vodka | Green tea + lemonade | Tea with citrus | Bright green-tea fans |
| Raspberry Half & Half + Vodka | Tea + lemonade | Raspberry, tea, lemon | Berry Half & Half fans |
| Mango Half & Half + Vodka | Tea + lemonade | Tropical, sweet-tart | Mango drinkers |
| Blackberry Half & Half + Vodka | Tea + lemonade | Dark berry, tea, lemon | Blackberry fans |
What Changed in 2026?
On February 17, 2026, Stateside Brands announced four additions:
Blueberry Lemonade + Vodka
A new fruit-forward lemonade joining the updated Lemonade Variety Pack.
Raspberry Half & Half
A berry version combining iced tea and lemonade.
Mango Half & Half
A tropical take on the classic tea-and-lemonade format.
Blackberry Half & Half
A darker berry option for the expanding Half & Half family.
The three flavored Half & Half options joined Original Half & Half in a dedicated variety pack. Blueberry Lemonade also moved into the updated Lemonade Variety Pack.
Best Surfside Flavors by Taste Preference
There is no credible universal answer to the best Surfside flavor. Two major 2026 independent tastings reached very different conclusions.
Tasting Table placed Peach Green Tea first and Peach Tea second. Sporked’s tasting gave its highest score to Raspberry Half & Half, while also rating Original Iced Tea, Peach Tea, and Original Half & Half very highly.
That disagreement is useful. It shows why choosing Surfside by taste preference works better than relying on one numbered ranking.
Best for Classic Iced Tea: Original Iced Tea
Start here if the word tea matters more to you than fruit.
The Original keeps black tea at the center instead of covering it with peach, raspberry, or lemonade.
Choose it if: you normally drink plain or lightly sweetened iced tea.
Best for Peach Fans: Peach Tea
Peach Tea is one of the safest flavored choices because peach and black tea are already a familiar combination.
Choose it if: standard hard tea feels too plain.
Best Lighter Tea Option: Peach Green Tea
Green tea gives peach a softer base than black tea.
Tasting Table ranked Peach Green Tea first among the 15 flavors it tested.
Choose it if: you enjoy flavored green tea and want less black-tea bitterness.
Best Berry Half & Half: Raspberry Half & Half
This 2026 addition mixes raspberry, iced tea, and lemonade.
Choose it if: raspberry tea is appealing but you also want lemon acidity.
Best Tropical Choice: Mango Green Tea
Mango Green Tea puts tropical fruit over a lighter tea base.
Choose it if: peach feels too familiar and you want a tropical option.
Best Familiar Lemonade: Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry lemonade requires almost no learning curve.
Choose it if: you do not enjoy hard tea.
Best Dark-Fruit Choice: Black Cherry Lemonade
Black cherry gives the lemonade family a richer fruit direction.
Choose it if: black cherry is usually your preferred canned-drink flavor.
Best New Flavor to Try: Blackberry Half & Half
Blackberry is less common than raspberry in hard tea, giving this new Half & Half more personality.
Choose it if: you want a berry flavor without defaulting to raspberry.
Surfside Iced Tea Flavors
The black-tea family remains the clearest introduction to Surfside. The official Iced Tea Variety Pack contains Original Iced Tea, Peach Tea, Half & Half, and Raspberry Tea.
Original Iced Tea + Vodka
This is Surfside’s core flavor and is currently identified by the brand as a top seller. It uses vodka and real tea.
Pick Original when you want:
- The clearest black-tea character
- Less distraction from fruit flavors
- An easy first Surfside
- A simple drink to serve very cold
Peach Tea + Vodka
Peach rounds out tea’s natural bitterness and creates a sweeter impression.
This is a strong middle-ground choice because it remains recognizably tea-based while adding a familiar fruit flavor.
Raspberry Tea + Vodka
Raspberry Tea moves farther into berry territory.
It works best for people who already like bottled raspberry iced tea. If artificial berry flavor bothers you, Original or Peach may be safer choices.
Iced Tea & Lemonade + Vodka
This is Surfside’s classic Half & Half.
Tea supplies mild bitterness while lemonade adds sweetness and acidity. It is the easiest bridge between Surfside’s tea and lemonade families.
Surfside Lemonade Flavors
Surfside’s lemonade line is the obvious alternative for adults who do not want black or green tea at the center of the drink.
The current Lemonade Variety Pack contains Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blueberry Lemonade. Black Cherry Lemonade remains part of the broader portfolio but is not listed in the current four-flavor variety pack.
Lemonade + Vodka
The simplest citrus option. Expect lemonade to dominate because there is no tea or berry flavor competing with it.
Raspberry Lemonade + Vodka
Raspberry adds a sharper fruit note to the lemon base. Choose it when you want berry flavor with noticeable citrus.
Strawberry Lemonade + Vodka
A familiar fruit-and-citrus combination that works particularly well for mixed groups.
Black Cherry Lemonade + Vodka
Black cherry offers a deeper fruit character than lighter berry flavors.
Blueberry Lemonade + Vodka
Blueberry Lemonade launched in February 2026 and is sold in single-flavor packs as well as the updated Lemonade Variety Pack.
Surfside Green Tea Flavors
Surfside expanded heavily into green tea during 2025, adding Peach Green Tea, Mango Green Tea, and Green Tea & Lemonade alongside its existing Green Tea.
These drinks offer an alternative to the stronger black-tea profile found in Original Iced Tea.
Green Tea + Vodka
Surfside describes its Green Tea as having honey and ginseng notes and says it is made with vodka and real tea.
Peach Green Tea + Vodka
Peach gives green tea a softer fruit layer and may suit people who find black tea too strong.
Mango Green Tea + Vodka
Mango creates the most tropical drink in this family and performed particularly well in Tasting Table’s 2026 ranking.
Green Tea & Lemonade + Vodka
This combines green tea with lemonade for citrus brightness without abandoning the tea base.
The current Green Tea Variety Pack contains Green Tea, Peach Green Tea, Mango Green Tea, and Green Tea & Lemonade.
Surfside Half & Half Flavors
Half & Half means iced tea plus lemonade. Surfside expanded that basic formula into a full fruit-flavored family in 2026.
The current Half & Half pack contains Original, Raspberry, Mango, and Blackberry.
Original Half & Half
Start here if you are unsure about the fruit versions. You get tea bitterness, lemonade sweetness, and citrus acidity.
Raspberry Half & Half
Raspberry makes the combination brighter and fruitier. It is ideal for someone who enjoys Raspberry Tea but wants more lemon.
Mango Half & Half
Mango creates the most tropical Half & Half. The fruit shares attention with tea and lemonade.
Blackberry Half & Half
Blackberry gives the classic mixture a darker berry character and can suit drinkers who find raspberry too predictable.
Which Surfside Variety Pack Should You Buy?
A variety pack makes more sense than a single-flavor case when you have never tried Surfside.
| Variety Pack | Included Flavors | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Iced Tea Pack | Original, Peach, Half & Half, Raspberry | First-time tea drinkers |
| Lemonade Pack | Lemonade, Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry | People who dislike tea |
| Green Tea Pack | Green Tea, Peach, Mango, Green Tea & Lemonade | Softer tea fans |
| Half & Half Pack | Original, Raspberry, Mango, Blackberry | Tea-and-lemonade fans |
Iced Tea Pack
Choose this if you have no strong preference. It covers plain tea, fruit tea, berry tea, and tea-lemonade in one box.
Lemonade Pack
Choose this if you want fruit and citrus without tea at the center.
Green Tea Pack
Green tea gives the assortment a more distinctive identity than standard black tea.
Half & Half Pack
Three of its four flavors—Raspberry, Mango, and Blackberry—were introduced in 2026.
Surfside Calories, Sugar, and Carbs
For its standard products, Surfside publishes an average analysis per 12 fluid ounces.
The current figures are 100 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fat, and 0 grams of protein. The brand also advertises 2 grams of sugar.
| Nutrition Item | Per Listed 12 fl oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Alcohol | 4.5% ABV |
A Common Longboard Nutrition Mistake
Do not automatically assume a larger Longboard contains only 100 total calories.
Surfside’s detailed disclosure describes the average analysis as per 12 fluid ounces, while Longboards are sold in larger containers. Check the actual can’s serving information before calculating the total.
Surfside Ingredients, Sweeteners, and Gluten-Free Status
Surfside says its products are made with vodka, iced tea and/or lemonade, natural flavors, and artificial sweetener. Individual flavor pages also identify real tea or real juice where applicable.
The current flavor page displays gluten-free labeling across the range.
Does Surfside Use Artificial Sweetener?
Yes.
That is important because the low listed sugar number does not mean the drinks are unsweetened.
The brand’s public general disclosure says artificial sweetener, but it does not identify a specific sweetener by name on the pages reviewed for this guide. If a particular sweetener matters because of taste or sensitivity, check the current can label.
Can You Taste the Artificial Sweetener?
That depends heavily on the drinker and the flavor.
Independent reviewers have disagreed about its impact. Tasting Table found the sweetener more noticeable in several lemonade flavors, while Sporked rated some of those same drinks more positively.
How Much Alcohol Is in Surfside?
Standard Surfside drinks are 4.5% alcohol by volume, or 9 proof.
That percentage sounds simple, but container size changes the actual amount of alcohol consumed.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines one U.S. standard drink as approximately 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol.
Standard 12-Ounce Surfside
That works out to roughly 0.9 U.S. standard drinks.
Why Container Size Matters
Two containers with the same 4.5% ABV can deliver very different amounts of alcohol.
A larger can does not become weaker just because the percentage stays unchanged.
Surfside Longboard Explained
The Surfside Longboard is a larger single-can format designed for venues and convenience-style retail.
There is an important labeling issue shoppers should understand in 2026.
Stateside Brands’ February 2026 announcement describes select Longboards as 19.2-ounce cans with an SRP of $3.99. Surfside’s current trade-facing material also promotes 19.2-ounce offerings.
However, several current pages on the official Stateside online store still describe certain Longboards as 700 mL cans. One Half & Half store listing instead shows 19.2 fluid ounces.
Alcohol in a 19.2-Ounce Longboard
That is about 1.44 U.S. standard drinks using the NIAAA definition.
Alcohol in a 700 mL Longboard
700 mL equals about 23.7 U.S. fluid ounces.
That works out to approximately 1.78 standard drinks.
Do Surfside Drinks Have Caffeine?
Surfside’s black-tea and green-tea products use real tea, so caffeine is a reasonable question.
The current official product pages reviewed for this guide do not provide one verified caffeine amount per can.
That means it would be misleading to claim that every tea-based Surfside contains a specific number of milligrams.
Which Surfside Drinks Are Most Relevant to Caffeine-Sensitive People?
Pay particular attention to products based on:
- Iced Tea
- Peach Tea
- Raspberry Tea
- Half & Half
- Green Tea
- Peach Green Tea
- Mango Green Tea
- Green Tea & Lemonade
- Flavored Half & Half varieties
Are Surfside Drinks Carbonated?
No. Surfside is specifically marketed as having zero bubbles.
That is one of the most important differences between Surfside and many canned cocktails.
There is no sparkling-water base and no seltzer-style fizz.
What Does That Mean for the Drinking Experience?
| Surfside Feels More Like | Surfside Does Not Feel Like |
|---|---|
| Bottled iced tea | Hard seltzer |
| Still lemonade | Vodka soda |
| A pre-mixed tea cocktail | Sparkling canned cocktails |
Do not mistake the lack of carbonation for low alcohol strength. Surfside remains 4.5% ABV regardless of bubbles.
Surfside vs. Twisted Tea vs. High Noon Iced Tea
Surfside is not the only hard tea on the shelf. Two especially relevant alternatives are Twisted Tea and High Noon Iced Tea.
| Feature | Surfside | Twisted Tea Original | High Noon Vodka Iced Tea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Vodka | Malt beverage | Vodka |
| Standard ABV | 4.5% | 5% | 4.5% |
| Carbonated | No | No | No |
| Tea | Real tea | Real brewed tea | Real iced tea |
| Calories | 100 per listed 12 oz | Check current label | 90 per 12 oz |
| Sugar Positioning | 2g listed | Naturally sweetened | No added sugar |
| Main Strength | Large flavor range | Classic hard-tea style | Lighter nutrition profile |
If You Want Variety
- Widest tea-and-lemonade flavor selection
- Blueberry, blackberry, mango and multiple Half & Half styles
- Vodka-based drink
- 2g listed sugar per 12-ounce serving
If You Want Classic Hard Tea
- Familiar malt-based category
- 5% ABV in the standard Original
- Established brewed-tea style
If Nutrition Matters
- Vodka plus iced tea
- 90 calories per 12-ounce can
- No added sugar positioning
- Fewer choices than Surfside
Which Is Better?
There is no objective winner.
Surfside has the stronger choice advantage. High Noon has the lower listed calorie count. Twisted Tea offers the familiar malt-based hard-tea style and slightly higher standard ABV.
Your best option depends on taste, alcohol base, sweetness preference, and flavor variety.
Where to Buy Surfside Drinks, Prices, and Serving Tips
Surfside has a U.S. store locator, but the brand specifically recommends contacting retailers to confirm inventory. One store may carry Original Iced Tea while another has newer Half & Half packs.
For the February 2026 product rollout, Stateside Brands listed suggested prices of $10.99 for 12-ounce four-packs, $19.99 for eight-can variety packs, and $3.99 for select 19.2-ounce Longboards. Retail prices, taxes, deposits, promotions, and pack sizes can differ.
Smart Buying Tips
- Start with a variety pack before buying a large single-flavor case.
- Check the carton because pack contents can change after new launches.
- Verify stock before driving far for a specific 2026 flavor.
- Check the actual Longboard volume printed on the package.
- Compare price per can, not just total package price.
- Confirm alcohol-delivery rules if ordering rather than buying in person.
Best Way to Serve Surfside
Surfside requires almost no preparation.
- Chill the can thoroughly.
- Open only when you are ready to drink it.
- Drink from the can or pour over fresh ice.
- Add lemon or fresh fruit only if you want extra aroma.
- Do not add more vodka if you are trying to track alcohol intake.
Tea flavors work well with a lemon wheel. Peach can pair with fresh peach, while berry lemonades can be served with matching berries.
Storage
Store unopened cans according to package directions and keep them away from excessive heat.
Once opened, refrigerate the remaining drink and consume it promptly for the best flavor. Because Surfside is not carbonated, you do not need to preserve fizz, but freshness still declines after opening.
Responsible Hosting
- Provide plenty of water
- Offer non-alcoholic drinks
- Make food available
- Keep alcohol away from minors
- Do not pressure guests to drink
- Arrange safe transportation when necessary
Surfside Drinks FAQs
What Kind of Alcohol Is in Surfside?
Surfside uses vodka. That distinguishes it from malt-based hard teas such as Twisted Tea Original. Surfside describes itself as a spirits-based iced tea and lemonade ready-to-drink brand.
How Strong Is a Surfside?
Standard Surfside products are 4.5% ABV. A regular 12-ounce can contains about 0.9 U.S. standard drinks. Larger Longboard cans contain more total alcohol because the container holds more liquid.
How Many Calories Are in a Surfside?
Surfside lists an average of 100 calories per 12 fluid ounces. Do not automatically apply that number to an entire larger Longboard. Check the serving information on the specific container.
How Much Sugar Is in Surfside?
The brand currently advertises 2 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving. Surfside also uses an artificial sweetener, so low listed sugar does not mean the beverage is unsweetened.
Which Surfside Flavor Is Best?
There is no single winner for everyone. For a safe starting point, try Original Iced Tea for classic tea, Peach Tea for fruit-and-tea balance, Peach Green Tea for a lighter tea profile, or Raspberry Half & Half for berry, tea, and lemon together.
Which Surfside Flavor Is Least Fruit-Forward?
Original Iced Tea is the obvious starting point because it does not add peach, raspberry, mango, blackberry, or another named fruit.
Does Surfside Taste Like Vodka?
The amount of noticeable vodka flavor varies by palate and flavor. Several independent 2026 tasting notes found the alcohol character subtle in specific Surfside varieties, but that does not change the 4.5% ABV.
Is Surfside Stronger Than Twisted Tea?
Standard Surfside is 4.5% ABV, while Twisted Tea Original is 5% ABV. That makes standard Twisted Tea Original slightly higher in alcohol percentage. Container size still matters, so compare both ABV and ounces.
Is Surfside Stronger Than High Noon Iced Tea?
Standard Surfside and High Noon Vodka Iced Tea are both listed at 4.5% ABV. The main differences are ingredients, nutrition positioning, flavor selection, and personal taste rather than standard alcohol percentage.
Are Surfside Drinks Gluten-Free?
Surfside currently displays gluten-free labeling for its range. Anyone managing a serious allergy or medical dietary restriction should still check the exact package rather than relying only on a general brand statement.
Are Surfside Drinks Carbonated?
No. Surfside has zero bubbles and is intentionally non-carbonated. That gives it a still iced-tea or lemonade texture rather than a hard-seltzer texture.
Does Surfside Have Caffeine?
Tea-based Surfside varieties use real black or green tea, but the current official product pages reviewed here do not give one verified caffeine amount per can. If caffeine matters to you, check the current package or contact the manufacturer rather than relying on an unofficial universal number.
What Is the Newest Surfside Flavor?
The major 2026 releases are Blueberry Lemonade, Raspberry Half & Half, Mango Half & Half, and Blackberry Half & Half. Stateside Brands announced all four on February 17, 2026.
Conclusion
Surfside drinks now cover far more than basic vodka iced tea. The 2026 range includes classic black tea, five lemonade styles, four green-tea combinations, and a growing Half & Half family.
If you are buying Surfside for the first time, start with the flavor family rather than chasing one universal “best” can. Original Iced Tea suits tea drinkers, the Lemonade Pack works for fruit-first tastes, Green Tea offers a softer alternative, and the Half & Half Pack is the easiest way to explore the newest 2026 flavors.
Before buying, check the 4.5% ABV, container size, serving information, and actual pack contents. That is especially important with Longboards, where current Surfside materials show more than one size description.
Serve the drink cold, keep water and alcohol-free options available, and enjoy responsibly.
