Celebrated: June 10
Sip and Refresh: A Cool Celebration
Get ready to cool off with a tall, refreshing glass of iced tea! Celebrated on June 10, National Iced Tea Day honors the iconic cold beverage that has become a staple for hot summer days. While tea itself has ancient origins, it wasn’t until the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair that iced tea became a mainstream sensation in America. Thanks to Richard Blechynden, a tea merchant who saw an opportunity during a heatwave, chilled tea became the ultimate refreshment. Ever since, iced tea has been a favorite way to stay cool and hydrated.
Today, we celebrate National Iced Tea Day by enjoying this chilled, flavorful drink in all its variations. Whether you prefer it sweetened, unsweetened, or flavored with fruits and herbs, iced tea is the perfect beverage to keep you refreshed during the warm months.
Fun Facts About Iced Tea
- Historical Roots: Iced tea was first introduced at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where a heatwave prompted tea merchant Richard Blechynden to serve chilled tea.
- A Global Favorite: While iced tea became popular in America, it’s enjoyed in many countries around the world, from Thailand’s sweet Thai iced tea to the classic British iced tea.
- Sweet or Unsweet?: In the U.S., sweet tea is a southern favorite, but iced tea can be enjoyed unsweetened or flavored with fruit for a lighter option.
- The Versatile Drink: Iced tea can be made with black, green, or herbal teas, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite fruits, herbs, or even a splash of lemon or mint.
- Refreshing Health Benefits: Iced tea, especially when made with green tea, can be packed with antioxidants, making it not just delicious but beneficial for your health.
The History of Iced Tea
While tea has been consumed for thousands of years, iced tea as we know it today didn’t come into play until 1904. Richard Blechynden, a tea merchant at the St. Louis World’s Fair, noticed the incredibly hot weather and realized that his hot tea wasn’t attracting much attention. In a stroke of genius, he decided to serve his tea over ice, which was a big hit with fairgoers seeking a cold refreshment. This simple yet brilliant move changed the way people thought about tea and helped popularize iced tea as a go-to beverage for summer.
Since then, iced tea has evolved, and today, it’s one of the most popular beverages in the U.S., enjoyed by people of all ages.
How to Celebrate National Iced Tea Day
For Everyone:
- Brew Your Own Iced Tea: Brew your favorite tea, chill it, and enjoy it with a splash of lemon or a few sprigs of mint. Get creative by experimenting with different tea flavors and fruit infusions.
- Iced Tea Party: Host a backyard iced tea party with friends and family. Offer a selection of iced teas with various sweeteners and garnishes.
- Iced Tea Challenge: Try making different versions of iced tea—sweet, unsweetened, or fruit-infused—and have a taste test to find your favorite.
- Sweeten the Deal: Try southern-style sweet tea, or mix things up with new sweeteners like honey or agave to create your own signature iced tea recipe.
For Restaurant Owners:
- Iced Tea Special: Feature a limited-time iced tea or offer a variety of iced tea options, such as flavored or sparkling iced teas, to celebrate the day.
- Pairing Menu: Pair your iced tea with fresh summer dishes like salads, grilled items, or light desserts. Create a refreshing, seasonal menu.
- Iced Tea Happy Hour: Host an iced tea happy hour with discounted iced tea drinks or a “build-your-own iced tea” bar for guests to mix and match flavors.
Iced Tea Success Starts with Certivance
At Certivance, we’re committed to helping your business stay safe and compliant. Whether you’re brewing tea in your home kitchen or managing a café, our training and consulting services ensure that your food safety protocols are top-notch. Let us help you keep your iced tea—and your business—safe.
👉 Visit Certivance.com to learn more about how we can support your food safety journey.
