Twisted Tea Ha Half

Ha Half is a ready-to-drink spiked tea from Twisted Tea. The name points to the half-and-half format, where black tea and lemonade are combined in the style of an Arnold Palmer. The product details here don't confirm the recipe, ABV or can size, so check the label for those. Drinks in this style usually pair the tannic, slightly malty bite of brewed black tea with a tart citrus lift. Expect a lightly sweet, lemon-forward finish rather than a dry tea profile. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, with the can or bottle chilled to around 3 to 4°C. At that temperature the lemon stays crisp and the sweetness doesn't turn syrupy. Pouring it over ice is the better choice on a warm day, since a full glass of ice slows dilution and keeps the tea character from washing out. Use a tall highball or Collins glass, or a pint glass, and add a lemon wheel. A sprig of mint also suits the tea-and-citrus base. Because it is already a balanced drink, it needs little help. If you want to build on it, a splash over a shot of bourbon or a light rum makes a quick long drink with more backbone. Topping it with a little extra fresh lemon juice sharpens a version that comes out too sweet. A float of soda water stretches it on a hot afternoon without adding sugar. For food, the tea tannins and citrus work well with salty, smoky and fried dishes. Barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken, grilled sausages, and chips with a creamy dip are all good matches. The acidity also holds up against sweeter sauces like honey mustard or a molasses-based glaze.