Hard tea is quickly gaining popularity in the ready-to-drink market, with U.S. volumes more than doubling from 2021 to 2025, according to International Wine and Spirits Research. Charleston bars are matching that growing interest with bartender-crafted versions, pairing tea with everything from gin and vodka to bourbon and Japanese whisky. See below for a few examples:
- The Pluff and Proper, The Palmetto Hotel: Kicking off a series of fall “tea-tinis” in collaboration with Oliver Pluff & Co., The Pluff and Proper features Oliver Pluff’s Orange Clove Tea, The Botanist Gin, lemon juice, Demerara syrup and Italicus. Imagery linked HERE.
- The Illusionist, The Establishment: Tito's Vodka, Earl Grey tea, sweet tea elixir, lemon and aromatic bitters.
- Sun Tea Sour, The Belmont: Charleston tea-infused bourbon, lemon, sweet tea, vanilla and egg white.
- Kintsugi, The Charleston Place: Bourbon, Japanese whisky, blueberry tea, maple, amontillado sherry and mole bitters.
- Tea Tini, Beautiful South: Vodka, Borghetti espresso liqueur, Montenegro liqueur and black sugar.