National Iced Tea Day

A sunny day at the beach, a refreshing glass of iced tea with lemon slices, coastal fashion with colorful summer attire, beach scene with sand and waves.. — National iced tea day illustration

Ready to beat the summer heat with a glass of refreshment? Then pull up a comfortable chair and get ready to raise a toast to National Iced Tea Day! This day of thirst-quenching recognition slips off the edge of the lemon slice into your glass on June 10th each year, making a splash of flavor in conversations that simply can't be ignored.

When is Iced Tea Day?

It's national iced tea day on the 10th June.

History of National Iced Tea Day

While the exact origin of National Iced Tea Day is as cloudy as a chilled glass of homemade brew, the thirst for it can be traced back to 2015, when the internet saw a delightful brew-bubbling 14653 mentions of this delightful day on 10th June. That’s a lot of clinking glasses! It's clear to see that this wondrous drink has not only quenched thirst but also sparked a fire of internet chatter.

A Tea-riffic Celebration

Whether it's steeped with the delicate flavor of green tea leaves or the robust tang of black tea, served sweet or tart, iced tea has a special place in our glasses (and our hearts!). It's no wonder then that this refreshing delight has its own National Day, and to celebrate it, folks around the nation indulge in their favorite iced brews. Some dive deeper, looking for exciting new recipes and concoctions (iced chai tea, anyone?), while others take a moment to appreciate the simple yet underrated pleasure of a chilled glass of tea on a hot day.

Let's Hear it for the Loyal Tea

So, how does one celebrate National Iced Tea Day? The la(tea)tudes are endless! Throw an iced tea party, experiment with tea flavors, add a slice of whimsy with fruity garnishing, or simply enjoy a refreshing brew in the solitude of your garden. Don't forget to share your iced tea adventures on social media with the hashtag #NationalIcedTeaDay - because if it's not on Instagram, did it even happen?

History behind the term 'Iced Tea'

1904

The St. Louis World's Fair

Iced tea gained popularity during the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904. In an effort to attract fairgoers during the scorching summer, English tea merchant Richard Blechynden decided to serve his hot tea over ice. This innovative idea was an instant hit, and the refreshing drink soon became a sensation among fair visitors.

1919

Prohibition and Long Island Iced Tea

During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), the consumption of alcoholic beverages was prohibited. As a result, creative bartenders experimented with new non-alcoholic drinks. In 1919, a particularly interesting concoction called the Long Island Iced Tea emerged. This mix of tea, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water mimicked the appearance of real iced tea, but contained no alcohol. Despite its name, the Long Island Iced Tea we know today, which includes multiple liquors, was not developed until much later.

1920s

Iced Tea Goes Commercial

During the 1920s, commercial production of bottled iced tea began. Companies recognized the growing demand for this refreshing beverage and developed methods to produce and distribute it on a large scale. Bottled iced tea allowed people to conveniently enjoy the drink without having to brew it themselves, contributing to its rising popularity throughout the country.

1940s

Iced Tea Becomes an American Staple

By the 1940s, iced tea had firmly established itself as a beloved American beverage. It became particularly popular in the southern states, where the warm climate made it exceptionally refreshing. In fact, sweet tea, a variation of iced tea sweetened with sugar, became a cultural symbol of hospitality in the Southern United States and is still widely enjoyed in that region today.

20th century onwards

Iced Tea Goes Global

In the latter part of the 20th century, iced tea started to gain popularity beyond the United States. As people traveled and experienced different cultures, the love for iced tea spread worldwide. The drink underwent various regional adaptations and flavor variations, incorporating ingredients like fruits, herbs, and spices. Today, iced tea is enjoyed by people of diverse backgrounds all over the globe, making it a truly international beverage.

Did you know?

Did you know that iced tea gained national popularity in the United States because of a heat wave that struck during the 1904 World's Fair? With the temperatures soaring, participant Richard Blechynden, who initially intended to sell hot tea, switched to serving it cold - and voila! A nationwide favorite was born.