National Ice Tea Day

Young woman sitting outside on a sunny day, holding a tall glass filled with iced tea, wearing a floral sundress, garden setting.. — National ice tea day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready for a tall glass of laughter and refreshment? Well, get ready because it's National Ice Tea Day! Time to sit back, relax, and sip on the chilled goodness of iced tea. Get your taste buds tingling and your funny bone tickled as we explore the fascinating history of this beloved beverage.

When is Ice Tea Day?

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

The Origins of Iced Tea

Legend has it that iced tea was born out of pure laziness. In the scorching heat of the 19th century, a tea plantation owner, Richard Blechynden, was desperately trying to persuade people to drink his hot tea at a fair in St. Louis. Unfortunately, the fairgoers wanted nothing to do with hot beverages in that sweltering weather. In a moment of brilliance (or desperation), Blechynden poured his tea over ice, creating the first glass of iced tea. The crowd went wild, and from that fateful day, iced tea became an instant hit.

The Rise of Iced Tea on the Internet

Fast forward to the internet era, where iced tea has found a new home. Social media platforms exploded with hashtags like #SipAndChill, #TeaLover, and #ThirstyThursday, celebrating the cool and flavorful experience of iced tea. People flooded the internet with pictures of their creative tea concoctions, from classic sweet tea to exotic fruit-infused blends. The mesmerizing images and delightful recipes turned the internet into a virtual tea party, where tea enthusiasts exchanged ideas, shared their favorite brews, and raised their glasses to National Ice Tea Day.

Fun Facts About Iced Tea

Did you know that iced tea is considered an American invention? It first gained popularity in the United States and quickly spread across the globe. Today, you can find countless variations of this beloved beverage, from sweet tea in the South to the famous Long Island Iced Tea cocktail. So, whether you prefer it with a slice of lemon, a dollop of honey, or topped with fresh mint leaves, there's an iced tea out there waiting to quench your thirst.

History behind the term 'Ice Tea'

1904

The Birth of Iced Tea

Iced tea was first introduced to the world during the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Richard Blechynden, the director of the East Indian Pavilion, faced a dilemma when trying to sell hot tea on a sweltering day. To attract visitors, he poured the tea over ice, creating a refreshing and chilled drink. This marked the birth of iced tea, which quickly gained popularity and became a staple beverage during warm summer months.

1908

Bottled Iced Tea Hits the Market

In 1908, Thomas Sullivan, a tea merchant from New York, began selling bottled iced tea. He realized that by bottling the tea, it could be conveniently enjoyed on-the-go. This innovation made iced tea even more accessible, and its popularity continued to grow.

1920s

Prohibition and Sweet Tea Go Hand in Hand

During the Prohibition era in the 1920s, the consumption of alcohol was prohibited. As a result, people turned to alternative beverages, and sweet tea emerged as a popular choice. The combination of tea, sugar, and ice provided a refreshing substitute for alcoholic beverages, leading to the rise of sweet tea as a beloved Southern tradition.

1920s

Mass Production of Iced Tea Bags

In the 1920s, iced tea bags were introduced, making it easier than ever to brew iced tea at home. This convenient invention allowed households to quickly and effortlessly prepare large quantities of iced tea, further popularizing the refreshing beverage across America.

1945

Long Island Iced Tea Invention

Contrary to its name, Long Island Iced Tea does not actually contain any tea. This cocktail was reportedly invented in 1945 by Robert "Rosebud" Butt, a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York. The concoction combines various spirits such as vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and Triple Sec with sour mix and cola. Although it lacks tea, its name and appearance pay homage to the beloved iced tea beverage.

1995

Iced Tea Revolution in a Can

In 1995, Arizona Beverages introduced their iconic line of ready-to-drink iced teas served in large, colorful cans. This innovative packaging caught consumers' attention, and Arizona Iced Tea quickly gained a loyal following. The success of Arizona's iced tea revolutionized the way people consumed and perceived bottled iced tea, paving the way for a new era of convenience and style.

Did you know?

Did you know that iced tea was once more precious than gold? During the Boston Tea Party, when rebellious colonists tossed crates of tea into the harbor, iced tea wasn't spared. Imagine the tragedy of all that refreshing goodness gone to waste! Luckily, we can now enjoy iced tea without sporting tricorn hats and feeling rebellious.