The transition from the alleged ancient tea plant of Camellia sinensis, who has bestowed its title to several other sources... Indeed, that may be the case then -- it does not necessarily require hot water, but... perhaps it is the addition of water to an separate ingredient.

[ Yi Sang falls silent. Is soup a tea? He sighs, though not out of frustration. Rather, it's a satisfied exhale. ]

I suppose it is ultimately all semantics. There is something beautiful in the transformation and evolution, whether it be in the form of drink or the hands that brewed the coffee or tea. In time, that process ultimately leads to each's ideal forms.