Who says the oh-so-beloved iced tea always has to be innocent? Ever thought of adding a splash of vodka to it? This tip of ours can literally result in some of the best iced tea you would have, ever! It’s the ultimate crossover of calm, refreshing flavors with the smooth, no-nonsense kick of vodka. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or just throwing in a cozy brunch party for your friends, here are some easy and unique recipes and serving ideas for vodka iced tea!
Don’t worry, vodka iced tea is exactly what it sounds like. It is a classic iced tea with a boozy twist, the twist here being a splash of vodka. The base is brewed black or green tea, which is then chilled and mixed with lime juice, sugar/honey, and maybe even a splash of soda or juice. The result? A crisp, bubbling cocktail that ‘s lighter in alcohol content than most other hard drinks but still boozy enough to pack the punch.
It is simply too perfect for those who like their cocktails a little on the sweeter side and prefer masking away the taste and aroma of hard liquor. The tea tones down the sharpness of vodka while also lending it a unique flavor. It is a flavorful cocktail to have on a hot, breezy summer afternoon, a pool party, or just about any occasion when you’re in the mood for some iced tea + vodka!
Also Read: Gin or Vodka? Breaking Down Taste, Versatility, and Pairings
The idea of ‘spiking’ tea isn’t new, though the word itself has come to gain a negative connotation today. In fact, the legendary Long Island Iced Tea – which famously contains no tea at all – paved the way for boozy ‘tea’ cocktails after its popularity took off somewhere in the 1960s and 70s.
And while LIIT ‘pretends’ to be a tea even without a single drop of tea, the vodka iced tea has a more natural, balanced approach with actual ‘tea’ in it. Instead of pretending to be iced tea, it actually is one, just with a high-spirited sidekick, pun intended!
Today, iced tea cocktails are ever so popular thanks to mixologists openly experimenting with different flavors and ingredients instead of just sticking to the classics. Be it matcha, peach, hibiscus, or elderflower, there are tons of ingredients with which today’s mixologists are finding creative ways to make the classic iced tea more refreshing yet experimental!
When it comes to mixing up iced tea and vodka, you don’t necessarily need the most high-quality tea out there. However, having a smooth, flavorful vodka bottle by your side is definitely important. Here are some of our top vodka picks that we think would beautifully blend in an iced tea to give you a refreshing vodka iced tea!
1. Absolut Vodka
Price: Approx INR 2000-2500 for 750 ml
Absolut is clean, wheat-based, and a globally acclaimed vodka brand that you certainly can’t go wrong with. It won’t overpower the tea’s flavor, plus Absolut’s citrus variants like Absolut Lime or Absolut Citron would definitely add a zesty edge to your iced tea.
2. Smirnoff Vodka
Price: Approx 1500-2000 for 750 ml
Smirnoff is a pretty decent vodka option to make a refreshing vodka iced tea. It’s also crisp and versatile, making it a go-to vodka for most vodka cocktails and mixed drinks. With zesty flavors like lemon or fruity flavors like peach or raspberry, Smirnoff definitely steals the show.
3. Grey Goose
Price: Approx 5000 for 750 ml
It’s smooth, sophisticated, and crafted from French wheat, Grey Goose is an elegant and refined vodka choice for an iced tea cocktail. Pair it with an oolong tea or an Earl Grey tea and watch its magic unfold!
Also Read: 5 Vanilla Vodka Recipes That Will Blow You Away!
Vodka and iced tea are two incredibly versatile ingredients that can come together effortlessly to create a rejuvenating cocktail within minutes. So, what are you waiting for? Here are our top 3 recipe picks for vodka iced tea cocktails!
1. Classic Lemon Vodka Iced Tea
Ingredients:
Method:
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients except the ice and the garnish. Shake well and pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Finally, garnish the drink with lemon slices and mint leaves! Ready within minutes and simply too iconic to not be included in this list!
2. Peachy Paradise Vodka Iced Tea
Ingredients:
Method:
Add ice into a tall glass and then pour all the ingredients in it. Stir them well and then top off with soda water. This one’s summer in a cup – juicy, fruity, and lightly boozy.
3. Matcha Vodka Iced Tea
Ingredients:
Method:
This one’s for all the matcha lovers here! Simply whisk the matcha with water and honey/agave syrup until smooth. In a tall glass, add vodka and ice. Then slowly add the matcha and stir the ingredients well. It’s earthy (or grassy for some), energizing, and equal parts refreshing!
It’s not that iced tea was ever out of culinary and mixology trends, but in 2025, they are just all the rage. After all, gone are the days when you’d consume your hard liquor only the conventional way. Today’s times are all about experimenting with different ingredients, including teas, and adding a more sophisticated, energizing, and refreshing touch to your spirits. Whether you’re into fruity blends, herbal twists, or classic lemony goodness, there’s a version of a vodka iced tea with your name on it.
