Do Surfsides Have Sugar in Them? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Most Surfside vodka iced teas contain just 2 grams of sugar per can, but some of their lemonade varieties have significantly higher sugar levels, according to product information from distributors and the brand itself. For health-conscious drinkers, this begs the question: do surfsides have sugar in them, and what is the real nutritional picture?

Quick Summary

Surfside ready-to-drink cocktails vary in sugar content by flavor, with iced teas and seltzers typically containing 2 grams per can, while certain premium lemonades can contain 11-12 grams. The company offers low-calorie, non-carbonated options, but ingredient lists should be checked for specific varieties.

Key Points

Variable Sugar Content: The sugar level in Surfside drinks is not uniform and varies significantly between the different product lines, such as iced tea versus premium lemonade.
Low Sugar Options: Surfside's signature vodka iced tea and hard seltzer varieties contain only 2 grams of sugar per standard 12-ounce can, making them a low-sugar alternative.
Higher Sugar Lemonades: The premium lemonade products, which use pure cane sugar, contain a higher amount of sugar, with some cans having 11 to 12 grams.
Low Calorie, No Bubbles: Most Surfside drinks are 100 calories and are notably non-carbonated, distinguishing them from many bubbly hard seltzers.
Uses Mixed Sweeteners: Surfside can use a combination of real cane sugar, real fruit juices, and artificial sweeteners, depending on the specific flavor and formula.
Competitive Advantage: When compared to many traditional hard lemonades and premixed cocktails, Surfside's low-sugar options offer a more diet-conscious choice.

The Truth About Sugar in Surfside Drinks

The amount of sugar in a Surfside ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail is not consistent across all product lines. While the company is well-known for its lower-sugar offerings, particularly its vodka iced teas, the sugar content can vary significantly, especially when comparing their iced tea and hard seltzer varieties to their premium lemonades. This makes reading the label essential for anyone monitoring their sugar intake. The brand's focus on low calories (typically 100 calories per can) and the absence of carbonation is a key selling point, but it should not be mistaken for a zero-sugar product across the board.

The Low-Sugar Surfside Products

For those seeking minimal sugar, Surfside's core iced tea and hard seltzer lines are the primary options. These products are formulated with a modest amount of sweetener to balance the flavor, resulting in a low overall sugar count per serving. The standard 12-ounce cans in these product categories consistently report only 2 grams of sugar. This is achieved by combining premium Stateside Vodka with real brewed tea, real fruit juice, and natural flavors, alongside a measured amount of sugar or artificial sweetener. The use of artificial sweetener in some flavors, like the green tea and some lemonades, is noted in product descriptions.

The Higher-Sugar Surfside Lemonade Varieties

In contrast to the standard teas and seltzers, Surfside's premium lemonade products contain a higher sugar concentration. For example, their premium lemonade variety pack utilizes pure cane sugar along with cold-pressed lemon juice, leading to a much sweeter profile. A 16-ounce can of the Original Lemonade can contain 11 grams of sugar, while flavors like Raspberry and Strawberry Lemonade can have up to 12 grams per 12-ounce can, according to some retailers. It is important to check the nutritional information for the specific pack or can size you purchase, as the formula can differ.

Key Ingredients That Contribute to Sugar Content

Surfside's recipe for its various drinks can include a mix of the following:

Pure Cane Sugar: Used as a primary sweetener in some of the lemonade and premium lines.
Real Brewed Tea & Juice: The natural ingredients themselves contain some sugar.
Natural Flavors: Can sometimes include small amounts of added sugar or natural fruit derivatives.
Artificial Sweetener: Mentioned in the ingredient list for certain varieties, particularly those branded with the lowest sugar count.

Surfside vs. The Competition: A Comparison Table

To put Surfside's sugar content in context, here is a comparison with other popular ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. As research from Action on Sugar has noted, many popular pre-mixed spirits and cocktails often have high and hidden sugar and calorie counts.


Beverage Type	Brand	Typical Sugar Content (12oz/355ml)	Surfside Comparison
Hard Iced Tea	Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka	2g	One of the lowest sugar options available.
Hard Seltzer	Surfside Seltzers	2g	Comparable to many popular hard seltzers like White Claw.
Premium Hard Lemonade	Surfside Original Lemonade (16oz)	11g	Much lower than many hard lemonades, which can contain 30-40g.
Traditional Hard Lemonade	Mike's Hard Lemonade	~32g	Significantly higher sugar than Surfside's premium options.
Classic Cola	Coca-Cola	~39g	For comparison, an extremely high sugar benchmark.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, do surfsides have sugar in them? Yes, but the amount depends entirely on the flavor and product line. The brand has successfully carved out a niche with its low-sugar, low-calorie iced tea and seltzer options, which contain just 2 grams per can. However, their premium lemonades use pure cane sugar and contain a much higher sugar count, closer to 11-12 grams for a standard serving. For consumers who prioritize minimal sugar, sticking to the iced tea or seltzer lines is the best bet. For those who enjoy a sweeter, more traditional lemonade taste, the higher sugar content in the premium lemonades should be taken into consideration. Always check the nutritional information on the specific product before purchasing to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.

For more detailed information on ingredients and nutritional facts, visit Surfside's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 12-ounce can of Surfside vodka iced tea contains just 2 grams of sugar.

Yes, Surfside lemonade contains sugar. The premium lemonade varieties, which are made with pure cane sugar, can have 11 to 12 grams of sugar per can, depending on the size and flavor.

No, not all Surfside drinks are low in sugar. While the iced teas and seltzers are low-sugar, the premium lemonades have a higher sugar content, so it's important to check the specific flavor.

Some Surfside products, particularly certain green tea and lemonade flavors, list artificial sweeteners as an ingredient.

Surfside's low-sugar iced teas and seltzers, with 2 grams of sugar, are significantly lower than many other ready-to-drink cocktails and hard lemonades, which can contain 30 grams or more.

Yes, Surfside cocktails, which are made with premium vodka, are certified gluten-free.

Most 12-ounce cans of Surfside, including the iced teas and seltzers, contain 100 calories.

Due to its low-sugar and low-calorie content (in most varieties) and the use of real ingredients and vodka, Surfside is often considered a more health-conscious alternative compared to many sugary, malt-based ready-to-drink cocktails.