Surfside Raspberry Half & Half + Vodka

Surfside Raspberry Half & Half + Vodka is a canned ready-to-drink cocktail built on the half-and-half idea: iced tea and lemonade in roughly equal parts, with raspberry flavor and vodka added. It's made in the United States and comes in at 4.5% ABV, which puts it in the range of a strong beer rather than a spirit-strength cocktail. Expect the tea to give the drink a dry, tannic backbone and the lemonade to supply sweetness and acidity. The raspberry should sit on top as a bright, jammy fruit note instead of a heavy berry syrup. The vodka is there for alcohol, not for flavor. In a can at this strength it usually stays in the background, so the drink tastes like a spiked fruit-tinted Arnold Palmer rather than a vodka cocktail. A full cocktail would take on the vodka's bite. This one is easier to sip and stays soft from start to finish. Styles like this are generally lightly sweet, and the tea keeps the sweetness from turning cloying. Since it's already mixed, serving it comes down to temperature. Chill the can thoroughly in the fridge, or pour it over a full glass of ice, because the tea and lemonade both taste thinner and sweeter as the drink warms. A tall glass or a rocks glass with plenty of ice works well. A lemon wedge or a few fresh raspberries are good garnishes, and the fruit echoes what's already in the can. A sprig of mint also suits the tea and raspberry combination. It fits outdoor settings where you want something light and easy to carry, such as a cooler at the beach, a backyard cookout, or a picnic. At the table it goes with grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue, and salads dressed with citrus or berries. If you want a bit more kick, add a splash of plain vodka over ice. Otherwise, the can is meant to be opened and poured as is.