Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the entire world, and iced tea is an American innovation that is commonplace all across the country.
Sweet tea is very popular in the American South, and the popularity of unsweetened iced tea has spread all the way across the globe. National iced tea day takes place each year on June 10th, and it is a great way to celebrate this crisp and refreshing beverage!
History of Iced Tea
Hot tea has been around for thousands of years, with some of the earliest versions being consumed as far back as 2700 BC. It is an important part of life for many people all around the globe, though iced tea is a fairly recent phenomenon compared to traditional hot tea.
The most widely accepted story regarding the origins of iced tea dates back to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. Legend has it that tea plantation owner Richard Blechynden decided to serve his tea over ice and give it away at the fair for free, as the heat made hot tea sales nearly impossible.
By the time ice machines and refrigerators became commonplace in the 1920s, iced tea had gained popularity all throughout the United States. Having quick and easy access to ice made the drink much more popular, and the introduction of the tea bag in the 1930s made iced tea even easier to make at home.
30 years later, the invention of powdered iced tea made things even more simple, and by that time many American families had already become accustomed to keeping a full pitcher of iced tea in the home refrigerator.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a major rise in flavored iced tea options, with flavors like lemon and raspberry being the most common. Companies like Arizona Iced Tea began mass producing and distributing many different flavors of iced tea, and cans and bottles of iced tea became popular at gas stations and grocery stores.
While the origin story of iced tea itself is widely accepted as fact, there is little concrete history surrounding the origins of National Iced Tea Day. All that is clear is that the holiday started sometime in the early 2000s, and many people believe that the US Tea Council helped launch the idea.
I have personally taken advantage of some of the discounts and drink specials offered by large chains like Starbucks on National Tea Day. There are many deals and discounts to be had on iced tea, and there are even shops and cafes that throw parties to celebrate the holiday.
Celebrating National Iced Tea Day in 2023
One of the best ways to celebrate National Iced Tea Day is to relax outside with an ice-cold glass of your favorite iced tea. I personally celebrate by making an “Arnold Palmer,” which is a combination of unsweetened iced tea and fresh squeezed lemonade.
Starbucks is also well known for offering drink specials and discounts each year to celebrate National Iced Tea Day. There are plenty of great discounts available on tea drinks and refreshers at Starbucks, and 2023’s offers should be announced soon.
Large grocery chains like Kroger also offer discounts on iced tea each year to celebrate the holiday, making it easy and affordable to whip up a batch of your favorite iced tea at home. I personally enjoy using tea bags over instant iced tea, and have been known to enjoy an Arnold Palmer iced tea by Arizona!
Celebrating National Iced Tea Day in 2024
While it is still a bit early for individual announcements surrounding National Iced Tea Day in 2024, it is safe to assume that the “usual suspects” like Starbucks will continue to offer discounts and limited-time iced tea drink releases.
Different Variations of Iced Tea
Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is the most popular style of iced tea in the American South, and it is a traditional part of life for many people. It is simply made by adding white sugar to traditionally brewed and chilled iced tea, and it is offered at restaurants and diners across the South.
Unsweetened Iced Tea
The most simple and straightforward style of iced tea is called “unsweetened iced tea” at many restaurants and cafes. It is often served with a slice of lemon and is one of the most widely available options across the United States.
Flavored Iced Tea
Flavored iced tea rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, and there are dozens of different flavors to choose from today. Fruity flavors like peach and raspberry are common, as well as more mild options like mint and lemon.
Arnold Palmer
The famous golfer Arnold Palmer helped popularize this refreshing and delicious beverage, which is made by combining unsweetened iced tea and lemonade. This is my personal favorite type of iced tea, and I enjoy it primarily in the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Iced Tea Day?
National Iced Tea Day takes place every year on June 10th. It is fitting that the holiday takes place during the summer every year, as iced tea is best enjoyed outside on a hot summer day.
How is Iced Tea Made?
The most common way to make iced tea is to brew hot tea traditionally, and then chill it in a refrigerator. It is recommended to add extra tea bags when steeping, as serving over ice will dilute the tea.
National Ice Tea Day – Final Thoughts
National Iced Tea Day is one of my favorite summer holidays, and I love taking advantage of different deals and discounts each year on June 10th. There are many different ways to celebrate National Iced Tea Day, and my favorite is to sit outside in the sunshine while enjoying an Arnold Palmer. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any special traditions for National Iced Tea Day, and feel free to let me know of any deals or specials you know about!
