Sweet tea is a Southern beverage made by adding substantial sugar to brewed tea, usually before it is chilled and served over ice.
Tea has been consumed in North America since the colonial period, but sweet iced tea became especially associated with the American South. Hot weather, access to ice, and the growth of inexpensive sugar helped make the drink a practical refreshment. Lemon may be added, but it is not required for sweet tea.
The amount of sugar varies greatly. In many Southern recipes, sugar is dissolved while the tea is hot so it blends evenly; other preparations use simple syrup. Black tea is the most common base, although blends and decaffeinated versions are also used.
Sweet tea should not be confused with unsweetened iced tea, lemonade, or an Arnold Palmer. An Arnold Palmer combines iced tea with lemonade, while sweet tea is defined by sweetened brewed tea itself.