Origins of Iced Tea: The History and Varieties of
America's Favorite Summer Beverage

The origins of it can be traced back to the late 19th century. Legend has it
that it was created accidentally when a tea merchant in Georgia mixed extra
water into hot tea and then found it too weak. He placed the tea in the
refrigerator and realized that chilling it created a refreshing summer
beverage. The idea took off and it became closely associated with Southern
cuisine and regional traditions over the following decades. Some of the
earliest documented references to it 
come from turn of the century publications from the Southern United
States.



Sweet vs Unsweetened



There are two Iced
Tea varieties of it - sweetened and unsweetened. Southern-style iced
tea is almost always sweetened, traditionally with cane sugar. However, many
people now opt for artificial sweeteners to reduce calories. Unsweetened or
"unsweet" iced tea retains only the natural flavor of the brewed tea
leaves with no additional sugar. Unsweetened tea allows the tea flavors to
shine through without competing with sugar. It is popular for those watching
their sugar or calorie intake. Most restaurants and fast food establishments
will offer both sweetened and unsweetened options to satisfy different tastes.



Black, Green and Herbal Varieties



Black tea is overwhelmingly the most popular variety used for traditional
Southern tea due to its bold, brisk flavor. Earl Grey, English Breakfast and
Assam black teas work especially well chilled. However, green tea is also
excellent iced, taking on bright, vegetal flavors with a refreshing chill.
Japanese sencha and Chinese gunpowder green teas make light, aromatic teas. Herbal
"teas" like mint, hibiscus, fruit and rooibos varieties can also be
served hot or cold. Their naturally sweet and aromatic constituents shine when
chilled into summery drinks. Popular combinations include peach-mango and
cherry-hibiscus teas.

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Tea