National Iced Tea Day

The story

National Iced Tea Day celebrates the refreshing beverage that captivated America's hearts and palates. The iced tea story began in 1904 at the scorching St. Louis World’s Fair when Richard Blechynden, a tea plantation owner, introduced chilled tea drinks, marking a turning point in its history. Although tea itself dates back to 2737 B.C. in Chinese legend, the fair's introduction of iced tea created a sensation. Cold tea punch, often mixed with liquor, gained popularity in the 1800s, and in 1876, Thomas Lipton's tea brand became synonymous with the beverage. The fair solidified iced tea's popularity as fairgoers embraced this cool alternative. Iced tea, beyond being a drink, serves as a versatile canvas for flavor exploration. From traditional sweet tea in the deep South to global variations like mint tea with lime or ginger-infused tea in India, the possibilities are endless. Personal favorites like peach iced tea capture the essence of this cool concoction. Celebrating National Iced Tea Day is a homage to the beloved beverage whose roots trace back to the 1860s, gaining prominence in the scorching 1870s. Its popularity surged during Prohibition, providing a refreshing alternative to illegal beverages. Today, iced tea is the second most consumed beverage, with 85% of Americans enjoying its chilled embrace.