Sweet tea, a popular beverage in the Southern United States, is essentially black tea that has been brewed and sweetened with sugar, typically while still hot. This process allows the sugar to dissolve completely, resulting in a smooth, sweet flavor profile that is both refreshing and versatile.

In the context of cocktails and alcoholic beverages, sweet tea serves as an excellent mixer due to its balanced sweetness and robust tea flavor. It pairs particularly well with spirits like bourbon, vodka, and rum, adding a unique twist to traditional cocktails. For example, a bourbon sweet tea combines the rich, caramel notes of bourbon with the smooth, sugary taste of sweet tea, creating a delightful and easy-to-drink cocktail. Similarly, sweet tea can be used in vodka-based drinks to add a layer of complexity and sweetness, making it a favorite ingredient for summer cocktails and gatherings.