National Iced Tea Day is celebrated every year on June 10, a food-and-drink holiday devoted to one of America’s most popular warm-weather beverages. Arriving just as summer heat sets in, it is a well-timed excuse to pour a tall, cold glass of tea.
When is National Iced Tea Day?
National Iced Tea Day falls on June 10. It is a fixed date, landing on the same calendar day each year rather than following a floating rule. In 2026 it falls on a Wednesday. Its early-June placement is fitting, as rising temperatures make a chilled, refreshing drink especially welcome.
History and origin of National Iced Tea Day
The precise origin of National Iced Tea Day is not documented. No specific founder is on record, and the honest answer is that who created the June 10 date remains unknown. The day is often linked loosely to the tea industry, with major brands promoting it as a marketing occasion, and it appears to have grown in popularity during the early 2000s as iced tea consumption climbed.
The drink itself has a far longer history. Iced tea began appearing in the United States in the 1860s and became more widespread in the 1870s, when hotels and railroads offered it on their menus. A frequently told story credits the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis with boosting its popularity: a tea merchant planning to serve hot tea faced a heat wave, added ice to his brewed tea to attract customers, and drew crowds eager to try the cold drink. While historians note iced tea already existed before the fair, the event helped cement its place in American culture.
Why National Iced Tea Day matters
Iced tea is a genuine staple of American drinking habits, especially in the summer and across the southern United States, where sweet tea is a regional tradition. National Iced Tea Day celebrates that everyday popularity and the drink’s role in gatherings, meals and hot afternoons.
The day also highlights variety and choice. Iced tea can be black, green, herbal, sweetened, unsweetened, or infused with fruit and herbs, and it can be a lighter alternative to sugary sodas. The observance is a chance to explore that range and find a new favorite.
Iced tea’s appeal also lies in how easy and economical it is to make at home. A single pitcher can serve a whole family or a gathering at a fraction of the cost of bottled drinks, and it can be adjusted to suit any taste, from barely sweetened to a rich Southern-style sweet tea. Unsweetened versions offer a refreshing, low-calorie option, while herbal and fruit infusions let people avoid caffeine entirely if they prefer. National Iced Tea Day arrives just as summer entertaining ramps up, making it a fitting occasion to set out a pitcher at a cookout, picnic or backyard gathering and let guests customize their own glasses.
How to celebrate National Iced Tea Day
- Brew a fresh pitcher of iced tea at home, hot-brewed and chilled or cold-brewed.
- Experiment with flavors by adding lemon, mint, peach or berries.
- Try a tea you do not usually drink, such as green, hibiscus or oolong.
- Make a lighter version by reducing or skipping added sugar.
- Visit a local cafe or tea house and order their iced tea.
- Host a summer gathering with a make-your-own iced tea bar.
- Share your recipe or photo online using the day’s hashtag.
Related days and observances
National Iced Tea Day connects with other beverage celebrations, including National Hot Tea Day, National Sweet Tea Day, National Smoothie Day and National Lemonade Day. Summer-timed food and drink observances share a natural link with the theme.
Fun facts
Iced tea accounts for a large share of all tea consumed in the United States, far more than in many other countries. Sweet tea is such a regional icon in the American South that it is sometimes jokingly called the “house wine of the South.” Cold-brewing tea, steeping it slowly in cold water, produces a smoother, less bitter result than pouring hot tea over ice, which is why many enthusiasts prefer it. Iced tea’s popularity climbs sharply in the summer months, and its versatility means it pairs well with almost any meal, from a casual barbecue to a formal dinner, cementing its place as a year-round favorite that simply peaks when the weather turns warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Iced Tea Day?
National Iced Tea Day is celebrated on June 10 every year. It is a fixed date, arriving as summer weather makes cold drinks especially appealing.
Who started National Iced Tea Day?
The founder is undocumented. The day is often linked loosely to the tea industry and appears to have grown popular in the early 2000s, but no specific creator is on record.
Why do we celebrate National Iced Tea Day?
The day celebrates iced tea, one of America's most popular beverages, and its refreshing appeal during the warm summer months.
How do you celebrate National Iced Tea Day?
People brew a pitcher of iced tea, try new flavors and infusions, visit a favorite tea spot and share recipes with friends.
Is National Iced Tea Day a public holiday?
No. It is an informal food observance rather than a public or federal holiday, so it does not affect work or school schedules.
What is the hashtag for National Iced Tea Day?
The most common hashtag is #NationalIcedTeaDay, often used with #IcedTeaDay and #IcedTea.