Sweet Tea & The South: A History
When you think of the South, you probably think of sweet tea.
The two have become synonymous with each other in every account. No one
questions why sweet tea is the holy water of the South, yet history tells of a
surviving need for honeyed elixir. The concoction is relatively new compared to
hot tea seeped in Asian cultures. Against the thousands-year-old hot tea, sweet
tea was just created in the early 19th century.
The first recipe was published in the 1839 book The Kentucky Housewife by Lettice Bryan. She suggests combining very strong tea with tons of sweet cream and sugar. Though this may sound close to today’s recipe, she then says to stir in a whole bottle of Champagne or claret. The alcohol-infused tea is boiled together in a final step and then served hot or cold.
As the recipe moved into the 20th century, black tea leaves were substituted for green tea leaves. Increasing imports from Africa, India, and South America made the darker leaves cheaper and more abundant than other choices. Additionally, refrigeration technology allowed drinks to be cooled in their chambers or splashed with ice. Since this distinction was new and exciting, many people wanted to cool any beverage they could with their new devices.
The alcohol ingredient met its end during the Prohibition in 1920. Though saddened by its loss, Southerners couldn’t help but yearn for the cold sweet tea. They forwent the alcohol and found the drink still desirable without it. After Prohibition ended in 1933, the non-alcoholic version remained the preferred concoction.
The new recipe allowed all family members to enjoy the drink on a hot summer day regardless of age. Ever abundant with hot days, the South maintained its heavy reliance on sweet tea. Not to mention, South Carolina became a thriving tea-growing industry and has made the drink cheaper than if it were to be built with imported ingredients.
Now, the recipe has remained relatively consistent with its early beginnings, minus the alcohol. Hot tea is steeped for the strongest flavor and then mixed with sugar. The final batch is chilled in the fridge and then served over ice. For extra fun, some people squeeze lemon juice or add mint leaves. Whichever way the drink is made, this staple has been the South’s lifelong partner.
The best Southern sweet tea can be found at Wishbone Scratch Kitchen in Duncan, Oklahoma. Our time-honored traditions and family-first values replicate those found in any Southern home. However, we take Southern foods to the next level in an elevated fashion for savory wonders. Plus, the service-orientated staff brings Southern charm and friendliness to every meal.
At Wishbone Scratch Kitchen, every meal pairs nicely with sweet tea and biscuits. Call (580) 606-6034 or email us at happy@wishbonescratchkitchen.com for more information. You can also visit our website for our menu and daily specials.
Sources
http://wishbonescratchkitchen.com/
https://southernbreezesweettea.com/blogs/sweetlivin/why-is-sweet-tea-only-in-the-south
https://firstwefeast.com/features/2016/07/sweet-tea-quintessential-southern-drink
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