Sweet tea, specifically iced sweet tea, gained popularity in the 1920s in the United States.
During this time, iced tea consumption rose significantly, largely due to Prohibition, when families were seeking alternatives to alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. This created a favorable environment for sweet tea to flourish. A significant marker in its popularization was the publication of a recipe by Mrs. S.R. Dull in the 1928 cookbook Southern Cooking, which became a standard for Southern iced tea.
| Time Period | Reason for Popularity | Supporting Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | Prohibition | Families sought alternatives to alcohol. |
| 1928 | Standardized Recipe | Mrs. S.R. Dull's recipe in Southern Cooking. |
