National Hot Tea Day is celebrated on January 12 each year. In the middle of winter, few things are as comforting as a hot cup of tea. True tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and includes black, green, white, oolong and pu-erh teas. Herbal 'teas' such as chamomile and peppermint are technically infusions. While most tea Americans drink is iced, a steaming mug is the perfect way to warm up in January.
History of National Hot Tea Day
According to Chinese legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea around 2737 BC when leaves blew into his pot of boiling water. Whether or not the story is true, tea has been part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. During the Tang dynasty (618–907), scholar Lu Yu wrote 'The Classic of Tea', one of the first books about tea. Tea spread to Japan and Korea, where elaborate tea ceremonies developed.
Dutch traders brought tea to Europe in the early 1600s, and it became wildly popular in Britain. In the American colonies, tea was so important that taxes on it helped spark the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
In 1908, New York tea merchant Thomas Sullivan sent samples of tea in small silk bags. Some customers brewed the bags directly, and the tea bag was born. Today, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Who created National Hot Tea Day is not documented.
Why National Hot Tea Day Matters
Tea is a simple, inexpensive way to slow down and enjoy a moment of calm during the busy winter months.
It also connects people to cultures around the world, from British afternoon tea to Japanese matcha, Indian chai and Moroccan mint tea.
Unsweetened tea is a low-calorie drink, and green and black teas contain plant compounds called polyphenols, which researchers continue to study for possible health benefits.
How to Celebrate National Hot Tea Day
- Brew it right: use cooler water for green tea and boiling water for black tea.
- Try a new type: taste oolong, white tea or pu-erh.
- Make chai: simmer black tea with milk and warm spices.
- Host a tea party: serve tea with scones or cookies.
- Use loose leaf: try an infuser for fuller flavor.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, set up a tea station with several varieties and invite coworkers to try something new during a break. In classrooms, students can learn how tea traveled along trade routes, explore the Boston Tea Party or compare how different cultures serve tea. At home, families can host a cozy tea party with warm drinks and snacks. Choose caffeine-free herbal infusions for children and evening cups.
Fun Facts About National Hot Tea Day
- Green tea brews best at about 175°F; black tea at about 200–212°F.
- The tea bag was popularized after Thomas Sullivan's 1908 samples.
- Tea is the world's most consumed drink after water.
National Hot Tea Day FAQs
When is National Hot Tea Day?
National Hot Tea Day is celebrated on January 12 each year.
What is true tea?
Tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, including black, green, white and oolong teas.
What temperature should water be for tea?
About 175°F for green tea, 185–195°F for oolong and 200–212°F for black tea.
Who invented the tea bag?
New York merchant Thomas Sullivan's silk tea samples in 1908 led to the tea bag.
How long should tea steep?
Usually 2–3 minutes for green tea and 3–5 minutes for black tea.
Is herbal tea really tea?
Not technically; herbal 'teas' are infusions made from other plants.