- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- BeverageHealthy Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 10
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍹
National Iced Tea Day refreshes our calendars every June 10. Originating from a hot day at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, this day invites everyone to enjoy a tall, chilled glass. Brew your favorite blend, experiment with new flavors, or seek out a special deal at your local cafe.
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National Iced Tea Day timeline
Chinese legend credits the mythical figure, Shennong, as the inventor of tea.
Tea is served cold in the form of green tea punch heavily spiked with liquor.
Thomas Lipton opens his first tea shop in Glasgow.
At the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, iced tea becomes popular.
National Iced Tea Day FAQs
When is National Iced Tea Day?
National Iced Tea Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, June 10, inviting everyone to cool down with a refreshing glass of their favorite brew. It’s the perfect mid-week pick-me-up as summer approaches.
How much iced tea do Americans drink?
Americans consume over 80 billion servings of tea annually, with iced tea accounting for approximately 80% of all tea consumed in the U.S. This makes it a dominant force in the beverage market, especially during warmer months.
What are the most popular types of iced tea?
Black tea is overwhelmingly the most popular base for iced tea, followed by green tea. Sweet tea, a regional favorite in the Southern U.S., also holds a significant share, alongside various fruit-flavored and herbal iced tea blends.
Is iced tea good for you?
Unsweetened iced tea, particularly green and black varieties, is rich in antioxidants and can be a healthy, hydrating beverage. However, many commercial iced teas contain significant amounts of sugar, which can negate these health benefits.
National Iced Tea Day Activities
Drink it like Southerners do
Take an hour out of your day to steep some sweet tea, which has been a staple in Southerners' diet for a century or more. Park yourself out on the front porch, rock back and forth in your rocking chair, and sip your icy concoction while reading "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Don't have a porch or a rocking chair? A living room and couch will do.
Host an afternoon iced tea party
Invite your friends over for tea time. Organize an outdoor seating area, get out your tall glasses and long stirring spoons, and as an added bonus, prepare a homemade tea dessert. That's right — there's a dessert that's made specifically to go with tea.
Brew a unique iced tea
There are many ways to enjoy an iced tea. Find a unique iced tea recipe that suits your tastes. For best results, plan ahead —the most delicious iced tea is steeped overnight for eight hours.
Why We Love National Iced Tea Day
It's a tasty way to boost your antioxidants
Did you know that tea has between 800% and 1,000% more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables? Scientists unanimously agree that tea is chock full of antioxidants, which help fight disease. And it doesn't matter whether you choose green, black, or oolong — all three come from the same plant and contain equal amounts of good stuff.
There are countless ways to spice it up
Iced tea is one of the most versatile beverages out there. Whether you prefer yours with heaps of sugar (in which case you're probably from the South), cucumber slices, coconut milk, lemon, cinnamon sticks, mango sorbet, or even a splash of rum, you're sure to find an iced tea to suit your tastes.
It's a healthy substitute for soda
If you're trying to kick a soda habit or just looking for a healthier alternative to carbonated beverages, unsweetened iced tea is a great choice. It's naturally low in calories — helping you lose weight and consume less sugar. But watch out! If you load your iced tea with sugar, you'll defeat the purpose.
