National Iced Tea Day (June 10)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on
Mason jars of iced tea with lemon slices and red striped straws on a tray by the lake, perfect for National Iced Tea Day picnic.

As summer heat sets in, National Iced Tea Day offers the perfect excuse to sip something cold, crisp, and refreshing.

Celebrated every year on June 10, this holiday highlights just how beloved iced tea has become, from sweet Southern brews to fruity herbal infusions.

It’s a simple pleasure that’s stood the test of time, and it’s worth celebrating in all its variations. A great addition to the weird holidays in June.

Iced tea with lemon slice and crushed ice in a tall glass, perfect for summer and National Iced Tea Day visuals.

When is the Holiday?

National Iced Tea Day is observed annually on June 10.

Who Invented It?

There’s no single inventor behind National Iced Tea Day. The celebration grew from the drink’s long-standing popularity in the U.S., especially in the South.

Three glasses of citrus iced tea with lemons, limes, and oranges on ice, styled for National Iced Tea Day celebration.

The History of the Holiday

Iced tea dates back to the early 1800s, but its popularity surged in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair.

On a scorching day, tea vendor Richard Blechynden served his brew over ice, and the rest is history.

Sweet tea later became a Southern staple, enjoyed at nearly every gathering.

Iced tea being poured into a tall glass with ice, a refreshing way to celebrate National Iced Tea Day.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. 85% of tea consumed in the U.S. is iced.
  2. The earliest known iced tea recipe appeared in an 1870s cookbook.
  3. Georgia considers sweet tea its unofficial state drink.
  4. National Iced Tea Day started appearing on food calendars in the 1980s.
  5. Iced tea was originally made with green tea before black tea became standard.
Colorful red iced tea in mason jars with mint and lime garnishes, styled for a festive National Iced Tea Day setting.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Brew your favorite tea and experiment with fresh herbs or fruit.
  • Host a backyard iced tea tasting with friends.
  • Try sun tea—let a jar of tea steep in sunlight for a slow infusion.
  • Support fair trade tea brands with eco-friendly packaging.
  • Share your favorite blend or recipe online using #IcedTeaDay.
Refreshing iced tea with lime slice and yellow straw on a sunny table, perfect for National Iced Tea Day visuals.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

Peach Iced Tea – A Southern classic that blends strong black tea with peach nectar and fresh peach slices. It’s sweet, smooth, and a great crowd-pleaser for warm afternoons.

Iced Tea Lemonade – Combines sweet tea with fresh lemonade for a crisp, balanced drink. Great for those who love a little tartness with their sweetness—perfect for picnics or lunch outdoors.

Cold Brew Iced Green Tea – Uses a slow-steep method in cold water to bring out a mellow green tea flavor without bitterness. Ideal for those wanting a light, antioxidant-rich option.

Strawberry Iced Tea – Infuses traditional black tea with homemade strawberry syrup or puree. A fun, fruity twist that kids tend to love, especially served with ice and fresh fruit.

Thai Iced Tea – Made with spiced black tea and sweetened condensed milk, this version is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, just like what you’d get at a Thai restaurant.

Iced tea with lychee fruit and mint served in a tall glass, styled for a refreshing National Iced Tea Day treat.

Raspberry Iced Tea – Blends fresh or frozen raspberries into brewed tea for a berry-packed option. Naturally tangy and lightly sweetened, this one’s great chilled with lemon wedges.

Rosemary Orange Ice Tea – A sophisticated blend using orange juice and sprigs of rosemary. Herbal, citrusy, and perfect for when you want something a little more unique.

Iced Matcha Latte – Whisked matcha powder combined with milk and poured over ice. A creamy, earthy option that’s great for a caffeine fix without the boldness of black tea.

Earl Grey Lemonade – Fuses floral Earl Grey tea with fresh lemonade for a grown-up spin on iced tea. Slightly sweet, slightly bitter, and very refreshing.

Blackberry Iced Tea – Rich in berry flavor, this tea uses blackberries and honey to add natural sweetness. Refreshing and colorful, it’s great served at summer brunches or barbecues.

Iced tea in mason jar glass with lemon slice and straw, perfect for celebrating National Iced Tea Day in June.

Related Holidays

National Lemon Juice Day (August 29) – Celebrates the zesty ingredient behind so many bright, refreshing drinks, including iced tea blends with a citrusy twist.

National Lemonade Day (1st Sunday in May) celebrates another iconic summer drink that pairs perfectly with iced tea in hybrids like Arnold Palmers.

National Pina Colada Day (July 10) – Brings attention to tropical flavors, reminding us that iced tea can be fun to experiment with—think coconut-infused or pineapple tea blends.

National Gourmet Coffee Day (January 18) – Shines a spotlight on elevated coffee creations, offering a nice contrast to iced tea and inspiring thoughtful drink crafting year-round.

Two glasses of iced tea with lemon slices and striped straws on a rustic board for National Iced Tea Day celebration.

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Pitcher and glass of iced tea with lemon on National Iced Tea Day, featuring sunflower design and bright summer lighting.