AriZona Hard: The Two-Part Alcohol Story
While AriZona is famously known for its non-alcoholic beverages, its entry into the spiked tea market is a bit more complex than a single product. The company, in partnership with Molson Coors, released different lines of AriZona Hard, each with a distinct alcohol base. Consumers will find that some products are made with a malt beverage base, while newer releases feature six-times-distilled vodka. This variation is a crucial detail for anyone interested in the specifics of what they're drinking.
The Flavored Malt Beverage Base
For a time, the primary alcohol base for the AriZona Hard line was a flavored malt beverage (FMB). This is a common practice for many hard teas and other ready-to-drink flavored cocktails. A malt beverage is an alcoholic beverage fermented from malted barley, and it can then be flavored with various ingredients. For AriZona Hard, the FMB base is combined with real brewed tea and natural fruit flavors. Products with this base are often found in variety packs and large-format cans.
Key characteristics of the malt-based versions include:
- Brewed from malted barley: The alcohol is derived from the fermentation of grains.
- Classic flavor profiles: Many of the initial releases, including the classic Lemon Iced Tea, Peach Iced Tea, and Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey, were available in this format.
- 5% ABV: The alcohol by volume for these products typically sits at 5%, making it comparable to a standard beer.
- Familiar taste: The goal is to mimic the classic AriZona flavors, but with a subtle alcoholic kick.
The Vodka-Based Product Line
In an effort to expand its offerings, AriZona introduced a new line of hard teas made with a premium vodka base. The "AriZona Hard with Vodka" variety packs feature a clean, crisp kick that differs from the malt-based products. This line, which includes flavors like Lemon, Peach, and Green Tea/Honey, uses a six-times-distilled vodka to create a smoother, more spirit-forward profile. The vodka-based teas are particularly appealing to consumers who prefer a gluten-free option or dislike the sometimes-malty aftertaste of an FMB.
Noteworthy aspects of the vodka-based versions are:
- Distilled spirits: The alcohol comes from distilled vodka, not fermented grains.
- Crisp, clean finish: Using a six-times-distilled vodka provides a smoother, less complex taste profile.
- Gluten-Free: Unlike the malt-based versions, the vodka line is typically gluten-free, which is an important consideration for many drinkers.
- Similar ABV: The vodka variety pack also features an alcohol by volume around 4.5% to 5%.
Comparison of Malt-Based vs. Vodka-Based AriZona Hard Teas
To help you decide which AriZona Hard Tea is right for you, here is a quick comparison of the two main types of alcohol bases used by the brand.
| Feature | Malt-Based AriZona Hard Tea | Vodka-Based AriZona Hard Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Source | Fermented malted barley | Six-times-distilled vodka |
| Taste Profile | Can have a slightly malty or beer-like undertone | Cleaner, crisper finish; more spirit-forward |
| Gluten Status | Contains gluten from barley | Typically gluten-free |
| Variety Availability | Found in classic 12-packs and large cans | Found in newer variety packs, such as the Vodka Variety Pack |
| Alcohol Content | Typically 5% ABV | Typically 4.5-5% ABV |
| Manufacturing Partner | Molson Coors Brewing Company | Molson Coors Beverage Company |
How to Tell the Difference on the Shelf
When you are shopping for AriZona Hard Tea, it is important to check the labeling to distinguish between the two alcohol types. The most definitive way is to look for the prominent wording on the packaging. The vodka-based products are clearly labeled as "AriZona Hard with Vodka". In contrast, the malt-based versions typically do not specify the alcohol source, relying on the industry classification as a "flavored malt beverage". This distinction helps consumers make an informed choice based on their taste preferences and dietary needs.
Understanding the Manufacturing and Brand Relationship
AriZona Hard is not directly produced by AriZona Beverages, the company behind the non-alcoholic teas, but is a product of a partnership with Molson Coors Beverage Company. This collaboration is common in the adult beverage industry, allowing a well-established brand like AriZona to enter a new market with the manufacturing and distribution expertise of a major brewery. This arrangement is why you might see "Brewed by Molson Coors" or similar text on the packaging. It explains the existence of both malt-based and vodka-based products, as the parent company can leverage different production methods to create a diverse product line. The creation of AriZona Hard allows the brand to tap into the growing hard tea market while maintaining its recognizable flavor profiles. For more information on the brand's products, see the official DrinkAriZona site.
Conclusion
In summary, the alcohol in AriZona Hard Tea is not one single type but varies depending on the product line. For the brand's flavored malt beverage (FMB) releases, the alcohol is derived from fermented grains. However, for the more recently introduced products, the base is a premium, six-times-distilled vodka. By checking the product label for the words "with Vodka," consumers can easily identify which type of alcohol they are purchasing. The collaboration between AriZona and Molson Coors has allowed for this dual-pronged approach, offering variety to consumers with different preferences for their spiked iced tea.
