On a hot summer day, few drinks are as refreshing as a tall glass of iced tea. National Iced Tea Day, on June 10, celebrates this American favorite, whether sweet, unsweetened, flavored with lemon or brewed with fruit and herbs. Iced tea is especially beloved in the South, where sweet tea is practically a way of life, but it is enjoyed across the country.
History of National Iced Tea Day
Tea has been consumed in China for thousands of years and became popular in Britain and the American colonies in the 1600s and 1700s. Cold tea punches, often mixed with alcohol, were served in the early 1800s.
Recipes for iced tea began appearing in American cookbooks in the late 1800s. One well-known early recipe for sweet iced tea appeared in 'Housekeeping in Old Virginia' by Marion Cabell Tyree in 1879.
Iced tea became much more popular after the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. According to a famous story, tea merchant Richard Blechynden was offering free hot tea, but in the summer heat, no one wanted it. He poured it over ice, and it became a hit. While iced tea already existed, the fair helped popularize it nationwide. Who created National Iced Tea Day is not documented.
Why National Iced Tea Day Matters
Iced tea is a refreshing, affordable drink that can be made at home with just tea bags and water.
Unsweetened iced tea is a low-calorie alternative to soda, and brewing it at home lets you control the sweetness.
It also connects to American history and regional traditions, especially Southern hospitality, where offering a guest a glass of sweet tea is a classic welcome.
How to Celebrate National Iced Tea Day
- Brew a pitcher: steep tea, cool it and pour over ice.
- Make sun tea or cold brew: let tea steep slowly in cold water in the fridge.
- Add flavor: mix in lemon, mint, peach or berries.
- Try an Arnold Palmer: mix iced tea and lemonade.
- Explore teas: try green, black, herbal or rooibos iced teas.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, an iced tea bar with different flavors and fresh fruit is a refreshing summer treat. In classrooms, students can learn about the tea trade, compare how fast tea steeps in hot and cold water, or design their own tea blends. At home, families can brew a pitcher together, add fruit slices, or freeze tea into ice cubes. Many teas contain caffeine, so choose herbal or decaf options for children. For safety, many experts recommend cold-brewing in the fridge rather than sun tea.
Fun Facts About National Iced Tea Day
- An 1879 cookbook included an early sweet iced tea recipe.
- The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair helped popularize iced tea.
- Sweet tea is a Southern tradition.
National Iced Tea Day FAQs
When is National Iced Tea Day?
National Iced Tea Day is June 10.
When did iced tea become popular?
It grew popular in the late 1800s and especially after the 1904 World's Fair.
What is sweet tea?
Iced tea sweetened while hot, popular in the South.
What is an Arnold Palmer?
A mix of iced tea and lemonade.