Sweet Tea Vodka
Dolly Parton referred to Sweet Tea Vodka as “the house wine of the South.” It is an apt description even if the concept of vodka-infused tea drinks like the sweet tea vodka began elsewhere.
The legend of tea began in China almost 5,000 years ago. The story tells about an emperor who was drinking hot water when a strong wind blew tea leaves into his cup, producing the first cup of tea. When trading began between different countries and the Orient, tea was one of the most traded products. In Russia, tea was initially rejected until someone had the bright idea of adding in some sweet jam. Tea soon began to gain popularity and became second to vodka as a national drink. As a natural course of action, vodka ended up being mixed with tea to give the drink a bit more kick to it.
In Southern California, sweet iced tea has always been a favorite drink. It is refreshing and soothing and, as we all know, contains some caffeine to boost one’s energy level. Infusing vodka was triggered by a distillery known as Firefly Distillery located on Wadmalaw Island. Within months, their sweet tea vodka swept the country with 70% proof—not as strong as a straight vodka, but perfect with the sweetness of iced tea.
It can be mixed as a drink with a variety of other ingredients such as lemonade, Sprite, ginger ale, water, and ice cubes. Interestingly, sweet tea vodka comes in different flavors like Peach, Mint, Strawberry, Lemon, and Raspberry.
Sweet tea vodka has become so popular that there are now forums facilitating debate on how to make this particular blend at home. Some are drawn to making their own in an effort to save money while others are more interested in creating a more potent, less sugary sweet tea vodka—their own personal blend. Commercial or homemade, sweet tea vodka is a hit and will most definitely be around for generations.
