Yes, sweet tea is still tea, even with the addition of sweetener.
While adding sugar or other sweeteners modifies the flavor profile of traditional tea, the base ingredient remains tea leaves. Sweet tea is typically made by brewing black tea and adding sugar or simple syrup while the tea is hot, allowing the sweetener to dissolve completely. It is then almost always served iced.
Here's a breakdown:
- Core Ingredient: The primary component is tea leaves, typically black tea.
- Sweetener: Sugar, simple syrup, or artificial sweeteners are added to achieve the characteristic sweetness.
- Preparation: The sweetener is usually added while the tea is hot to ensure proper dissolution.
- Serving Style: Served cold, often over ice.
- Optional Flavors: Sometimes flavored with lemon, peach, raspberry, or mint.
Therefore, the fundamental element defining "tea" – the presence of tea leaves and the brewing process – is maintained in the creation of sweet tea. The addition of sugar or other sweeteners simply alters the taste and does not negate its status as tea.
