Loyal Iced Tea

Loyal Iced Tea is a ready-to-drink spiked tea from Esplanda. It is sold in the spiked tea category, which means it is a tea-forward drink with alcohol already blended in, so it needs no mixing or measuring. The details on file don't give an ABV, a flavor variant or a base spirit, so check the label for those. Spiked teas in this category usually taste of brewed black tea, with a dry, slightly tannic finish. Many add lemon, peach or a light sweetener, and the alcohol is typically kept in the background. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, and pour it over a full glass of ice. A tall highball or collins glass suits it, as does a mason jar if you want a casual look. Ice matters here because it keeps the tea crisp as it warms and slows dilution. Cold tea of this kind can taste flat or overly sweet once it warms up. A lemon wheel or a few fresh mint leaves are the obvious garnishes. Because it is already a finished drink, you don't need to build a cocktail around it. If you do want to mix with it, top a glass of ice with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter, fizzier pour. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to sharpen a sweeter bottle. For food, iced tea styles go well with fried chicken, barbecue, grilled sausages, salty snacks and sandwiches, where the tannin and chill cut through richness. They also work with citrus-dressed salads and light desserts like shortbread or lemon bars.