How Sweet Tea Became the Drink of the South
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Iced Tea Is a Timeless Southern Tradition
Nothing is more refreshing than sitting back outside, sipping on an ice-cold glass of sweet tea. It is more than just a drink — it is a tradition, nostalgia, and a classic southern comfort. Sweet tea has a surprisingly layered history that has shaped what it is today. This refreshing beverage is so popular that it is sold in grocery stores, and found in restaurants. Sweet tea brings people of all ages together, creating a timeless drink favorite.
The Origins of Sweet Tea In North America
Trade for tea in America dates as far back as the late 1600’s when English colonies began to settle in “New Amsterdam” which is now known as New York. In the 1700’s, tea was common in cocktails or “punch” with various kinds of liquor and added sugars as well as tea. Around this time, tea began to grow on American soil in South Carolina. The plantation, now called Charleston Tea Garden in Summerville, is still the largest tea farm in the United States today.
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The earliest known documentation of sweet tea in America appears in 'Housekeeping in Old Virginia. Published in 1878, this book contains southern recipes including the classic “iced tea.” Check out the recipe yourself here. Iced tea began to be a national summertime favorite with the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis becoming a turning point. This event popularized many iconic American foods like ice cream, Jell-O, and iced tea.
Iced tea follows us through time from the rise of consumerism to the prohibition era. The 1920s brought fashionable crystal tea sets. Prohibition came and sweet tea became an alcohol substitute. Iced tea appeared in more and more cookbooks following these events.
What Makes Sweet Tea Southern?
So what exactly makes sweet tea a Southern-acclaimed drink? The most well-known answer begins in Summerville, South Carolina. This small historic town prides itself as “the birthplace of sweet tea.”
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The climate in the south is humid and hot most of the year, compared to the north, the weather reaches cooler temperatures more often, making a glass of iced tea a refreshing drink to cool off. Naturally, iced tea is more common in the southern states, where the warm temperate climate makes an ideal location for the Summerville plantation to thrive.
Southern Hospitality and Sweet Tea
Given the history of sweet tea, it’s easy to see how it plays a major role in the history and culture of southern hospitality. Extending a welcome to a friend or stranger shows generosity, kindness, and community. Providing food or drink to a guest, creates a familial community and togetherness. Sweet tea is often offered and has been the drink of choice for centuries. It continues to be a social drink appearing at lunches, gatherings, and church.
Sweet tea and unsweet tea are found in most restaurants down south. Iced tea is so popular that many people have preferences and beliefs on the “right” way sweet tea should be. It's all about the amount of sugar and nostalgia. Sweet tea isn’t only “southern,” it is something that has brought people together throughout time through community.
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Unwind at Timoti’s
Coming back from visiting the small town of Summerville or spending the day outside? Come down to Timoti’s Seafood Shak to grab a delicious bite to eat and a classic sweet tea to wash it all down.