Local Man Launches Sandy Hook Iced Tea
For Matthew Brescia, Highlands, Sandy Hook and Super Storm Sandy became a “lost and found” experience. Brescia lost his home in the storm, but he also “found” something that may help pay his bills.
While Brescia was living at Sandy Hook, N.J., where he has worked for the National Park Service since 1999, Brescia created the Sandy Hook Iced Tea, a drink that is 5 percent alcohol by volume with a blend of malt, green tea, and natural fruit juices with no preservatives.
Brescia said, “At the time my friend and I had a chuckle once we realized the acronym the name formed. We thought it would be a million dollar idea if anybody every moved on with it!”
Friday, October 4 is the official local launch of Sandy Hook Iced Tea at the newly renovated Claddagh Irish Pub, 297 Bay Avenue, Highlands 07716, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. To celebrate the launch, everyone can taste Sandy Hook Iced Tea; enjoy live bands and beer cocktails; play Cornhole, a bean bag toss game; and win prizes.
Andrea Guttadauro, an account executive with Greater Media radio station 95.9 the WRAT, said, “We at the WRAT are looking forward to celebrating Brescia’s achievement at the Sandy Hook Iced Tea launch. We will be giving out prizes and sponsoring games.”
Besides Claddagh, Sandy Hook Iced Tea is available at Off the Hook, The Chubby Pickle, and Andy’s Shore Bar, all in the Highlands. Brescia said, “I really want to try to bring some business and recognition to Highlands. Very soon we will be looking to branch out much further.”
For now, Minhas Craft Brewery, Monroe, Wisconsin, is putting Sandy Hook Iced Tea in cans but Brescia would like to have his concoction brewed in New Jersey “where it belongs.”
Although Sandy Hook Iced Tea is only available in cans, Brescia is looking into offering his brew in bottles and kegs by next summer. He has a few other recipes in mind for the future.
“Ultimately, I would love to open a brewery at one of the abandoned buildings on Sandy Hook. There are a lot of things that would have to happen to make that a possibility, but I think it would be a great asset and attraction to the Park.”
For more information, visit sandyhookicedtea.com.