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National Iced Tea Day

When the weather gets too warm for hot tea, just ice it! Mint tea, fruity teas, even the Southern classic sweet tea will all refresh you on a warm and sunny day.

Food & Drink Tea62

Marketing angleinferred

Drive summer beverage sales and brand awareness by celebrating iced tea's refreshing heritage and modern flavor innovations across retail, food service, and e-commerce channels.

Relevance 62medium intent

Spotlight regional iced tea traditions (Southern sweet tea, bubble tea, herbal blends) with customer stories and recipes
Launch limited-edition summer iced tea flavors or bundle promotions tied to the 1904 World's Fair heritage angle
Create how-to content on brewing perfect iced tea at home, featuring specialty glasses, spoons, and premium tea products
Partner with influencers for refreshment-focused content: iced tea styling, mixology twists, and wellness angles

History

While recipes for Iced Tea go back as far as the 1870’s, it wasn’t until 1904 that it exploded in popularity. This was due in no small part to the World’s Fair and the heat of the summer that was baking it. Iced Tea was being served, and the fair goers were drinking it en masse, and in almost no time at all, it was being served in tall glasses so well known for this purpose that they were called iced-tea glasses.

You know a drink has truly come into its own when special utensils are made for its preparation, and it wasn’t just the glasses, iced-tea spoons and lemon forks were developed to make its consumption both easier and more satisfying.Iced Tea is typically made from the tea plant, but just like with hot teas, it can be made with just about anything, and herbal teas are often a popular choice for the cool drink.

Imagine the parade of flavors available to you, a cool mint tea stirred with a bit of lime, or if you’re in India you may as well do as the locals do and enjoy your tea with a bit of ginger. Our personal favorite? Peach Iced Tea, it’s delightful.

National Iced Tea Day exists to pay homage to the popular and delicious beverage, and it’s something more of us should get involved with.

This is a drink that is growing in popularity, and there is a growing consumer base for it, both in the United States and abroad. This is why manufacturers continue to come up with different and interesting flavors of iced tea that you can choose from moving forward.

How to celebrate

First Printed American Iced Tea Recipes

Cookbooks such as “Housekeeping in Old Virginia” include explicit recipes for serving black tea cold over ice, showing that iced tea was a known household beverage in the United States by the late 19th century. [1]

Iced Tea Popularized at the St. Louis World’s Fair

Tea merchant Richard Blechynden reportedly promotes cold, iced versions of his hot tea to overheated fairgoers, helping push iced tea into mainstream American refreshment culture.

Prohibition Spurs Iced Tea at Social Gatherings

With alcoholic drinks banned in the United States, restaurants and hosts rely more heavily on nonalcoholic options, and iced tea becomes a staple beverage at parties, hotels, and soda fountains.

Sweet Tea Enters Print as a Southern Iced Tea Tradition

A recipe in the cookbook “Sugar Goodness” describes sweet tea made by dissolving sugar in hot tea and chilling it, documenting the growing identity of heavily sweetened iced tea as a Southern specialty.

Bottled and Canned Iced Tea Begin Commercial Expansion

Food companies in Japan and the United States introduce ready-to-drink canned and bottled iced teas, laying the groundwork for a global packaged iced tea market.

Bubble Tea Popularizes a New Style of Iced Tea

In Taiwan, vendors develop milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls served over ice, and this “bubble tea” spreads across East Asia and later North America as a playful, customizable iced tea drink.

Global Growth of Flavored and Herbal Iced Teas

Major beverage brands diversify into flavored, herbal, diet, and green iced teas, responding to consumer interest in lower-soda, tea-based drinks and turning iced tea into a year-round international product category. [1]

FAQ

Did iced tea really debut at the 1904 World’s Fair?

While popular lore credits Richard Blechynden with introducing iced tea at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, evidence suggests the beverage existed earlier. Recipes for iced tea appeared in American cookbooks as early as the 1870s, indicating its presence before the fair.

What is “sun tea,” and is it safe to drink?

Sun tea involves brewing tea by placing it in sunlight for several hours. However, this method can promote bacterial growth due to the lukewarm temperatures. To enjoy a safer cold brew, steep tea in the refrigerator instead.

How do different cultures put unique spins on iced tea?

Globally, iced tea takes on various forms. In Thailand, “Cha Yen” combines strong black tea with condensed milk and spices, served over ice. Taiwan’s bubble tea features iced tea with milk and chewy tapioca pearls. In Malaysia, “Teh Tarik” is a frothy iced milk tea poured between containers to create its signature texture.

Is it true that iced tea can cause kidney stones?

There’s a common belief that iced tea leads to kidney stones due to its oxalate content. However, triggers for kidney stones vary among individuals. Staying hydrated is key, and moderate iced tea consumption doesn’t pose a significant risk for most people.

What’s the story behind the “Arnold Palmer” drink?

The “Arnold Palmer,” a mix of iced tea and lemonade, gained fame through golfer Arnold Palmer, who popularized his preferred blend of the two beverages. This refreshing combination has since become a staple in American drink culture.

Why do some Southern sweet tea recipes include baking soda?

Adding a pinch of baking soda to sweet tea neutralizes tannins in black tea, reducing bitterness and preventing cloudiness. This technique results in a smoother, clearer beverage, enhancing its appeal.

How did Prohibition influence the popularity of iced tea?

During Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), the ban on alcoholic beverages led to a rise in the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks. Iced tea became a popular alternative at social gatherings, solidifying its place in American culture.

Is it a myth that adding milk to iced tea reduces its health benefits?

Some believe that adding milk to tea diminishes its antioxidant properties. However, research indicates that milk doesn’t significantly impact the health benefits of tea, so feel free to enjoy your iced milk tea without concern.

What’s the origin of the term “sweet tea” in the Southern United States?

In the Southern U.S., “sweet tea” refers specifically to iced tea sweetened generously with sugar, often while still hot to ensure complete dissolution. This regional specialty is a cultural staple, especially during hot summer months.

How does the caffeine content of iced tea compare to other beverages?

Iced tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee. An 8-ounce serving of black iced tea has about 25-50 milligrams of caffeine, while the same amount of coffee contains approximately 95 milligrams. This makes iced tea a milder alternative for those monitoring their caffeine intake.