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What liquor is in Dunkin' Spiked?

2 min read

Contrary to what some might assume, Dunkin' Spiked does not contain liquor like vodka or rum. Instead, the alcohol is derived from a fermented malt base, which officially classifies the product as a flavored malt beverage. This ready-to-drink line, developed with Harpoon Brewery, offers an alcoholic twist on classic Dunkin' flavors.

Quick Summary

The alcoholic component in Dunkin' Spiked beverages is a fermented malt base, not a distilled spirit. These canned offerings include iced coffee and iced tea versions with different ABV levels and flavor profiles.

Key Points

  • Malt Base: The alcohol in Dunkin' Spiked comes from a fermented malt base, making it a flavored malt beverage, not a hard liquor.

  • No Hard Liquor: Despite some misconceptions, neither the iced coffee nor the iced tea versions contain distilled spirits like vodka or rum.

  • ABV Levels: The Spiked Iced Coffee has a 6% ABV, while the Spiked Iced Teas contain 5% ABV.

  • Lower Caffeine: Both product types contain caffeine from real coffee and tea, but at much lower levels than a standard non-alcoholic Dunkin' beverage.

  • Harpoon Partnership: The beverages are produced by Mass. Bay Brewing Co., which also owns Harpoon Brewery, an established brewing partner of Dunkin'.

  • Not Gluten-Free: The malt base used in the fermentation process means that Dunkin' Spiked is not a gluten-free product.

In This Article

Understanding the Malt Base

When people ask, "What liquor is in Dunkin' Spiked?", they are often surprised to learn the beverage contains no hard liquor at all. Instead of vodka, rum, or whiskey, Dunkin' Spiked is a flavored malt beverage (FMB). This means the alcoholic component is a fermented base, primarily derived from sugar, with a small amount of gluten-containing grain (malt) brewed in. The fermentation process is similar to brewing beer, which is why some tasters have noted a slight beer-like undertone, particularly in the coffee versions.

The Fermentation Process Explained

The creation of the alcohol in a flavored malt beverage like Dunkin' Spiked begins with fermenting a sugary solution. This process is distinct from how distilled spirits are made, which involves heating and concentrating alcohol.

The Dunkin' Spiked Product Lineup

The Dunkin' Spiked line includes both iced coffee and iced tea options, each with different alcohol percentages and flavors. The Spiked Iced Coffee series has a 6% ABV and contains real coffee and natural flavors. It offers a boozy version of classic coffee flavors, with about 30 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can. The Spiked Iced Teas have a 5% ABV and are brewed with either black or green tea. Caffeine content ranges from 15 to 30 mg per 12-ounce can.

To see the full product lineup and compare features with other alcoholic beverages, you can visit the {Link: Dunkin' News Website https://news.dunkindonuts.com/news/dunkin-spiked}.

Who Brews Dunkin' Spiked?

Dunkin' Spiked is a collaboration with Mass. Bay Brewing Co., the parent company of Harpoon Brewery. This partnership builds on previous successful seasonal beer collaborations between Dunkin' and Harpoon.

Conclusion: A Ready-to-Drink Malt Experience

In summary, Dunkin' Spiked does not contain liquor but is a flavored malt beverage with alcohol derived from a fermented malt base. It is classified similarly to hard teas and seltzers, not distilled spirit-based cocktails. Offering both iced coffee and iced tea flavors with different ABVs, it provides a unique ready-to-drink option resulting from Dunkin's partnership with Harpoon Brewery. More information is available on the {Link: official Dunkin' Spiked website https://dunkinspiked.com/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Dunkin' Spiked is not made with vodka or any other hard liquor. The alcohol is derived from a fermented malt base, classifying it as a flavored malt beverage.

The Dunkin' Spiked Iced Coffee has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6%, while the Dunkin' Spiked Iced Tea has an ABV of 5%.

Yes, because it is made with real coffee and real tea, Dunkin' Spiked contains caffeine. However, the caffeine content is less than what is found in a typical cup of non-alcoholic Dunkin' coffee or tea.

No, Dunkin' Spiked beverages are not sold in Dunkin' retail locations. They are available in grocery stores and package stores in select markets.

No, Dunkin' Spiked is not a gluten-free product. The malt base used in the brewing process contains gluten from grain.

Dunkin' collaborated with Mass. Bay Brewing Co., the parent company of Harpoon Brewery, to develop and manufacture the Spiked line.

For many, the taste is noticeably different from standard iced coffee. The malt base can lend a beer-like quality to the beverage, and some have described the taste as more like a coffee stout than spiked iced coffee.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.