National Iced Tea Day
When the weather gets too warm for hot tea, just ice it! Mint tea, fruity teas, even the Southern classic sweet tea will all refresh you on a warm and sunny day.
Iced tea is too pure and natural a creation not to have been invented as soon as tea, ice, and hot weather crossed paths.
John Egerton
Drinks are such a key part of modern culture that they are so much than just a necessity for the body. We drink water to survive, we drink coffee to stay alert, we sip cocktails to feel refreshed and get in the mood, and we drink soda to relax and unwind.
Different drinks feed into different moods and give us new and unique experiences that play a big role in our lives, both socially and at home. So, it is important to make sure you sample as many different beverages as you can.
When it comes to quenching thirst and being refreshed on a hot summer’s day, there are a lot of things you can choose from.
Many will crack open a beer or a bottle of wine, but how about sampling some gorgeous iced tea. There are a lot of things you need to keep in mind when it comes to trying this delicious beverage.
In fact, there is even an National Iced Tea Day, solely dedicated to the discovery and enjoyment of all things iced tea related; try to ensure you make the most of this as much as you can right now.
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing that quenches the thirst and fosters relaxation quite as much as a frosty cold glass of iced tea. While hot tea is delicious and certainly an excellent beverage for most situations, it’s purely inappropriate for picnics, and it only stays hot so long.
Instead, it is necessary to branch out to the more versatile and refreshing alternatives. Sweet tea is one of the most popular beverages in the deep South, but it’s just one example of the variety that can be iced tea.
How to Celebrate National Iced Tea Day
Making the most of National Iced Tea Day by way of celebration is a great way of being able to sample some of the tasty and unique types of iced tea that are on offer.
This is something you need to make sure you think about when you are looking to make the most of this. Now, there are plenty of things you can do if you are serious about celebrating this day properly.
- See if you can get a coupon for free iced tea
- Get creative and come up with your own recipe
- Enjoy the different iced tea flavors that restaurants and bars are offering
- Iced tea popsicles is a great addition to the day
- Hosting an iced tea party would be the absolute best approach to take to celebrate this day
- Add some booze into the mix to make adult iced teas
Of course, there are so many different flavors you can enjoy with iced tea, and this is the beauty of it. Make sure you take the time to enjoy and experiment with all the different flavors that you can use, and try to come up with some combinations of your own.
This is something that can really go a long way toward enhancing and improving your enjoyment of National Iced Tea Day, and you can make a thing of it each year.
The best way to celebrate National Iced Tea Day is with a frosty glass of iced tea! But given that you’ll be enjoying it on a special occasion, why only work with one?
Instead, you can prepare a positive banquet of delicious iced teas. Peach Iced Tea, Mango Iced Tea, Ginger Lemon, or just an old fashioned sweet tea like they can only make in the south, there’s simply nothing like it. Why not try to come up with your own combination?
History of National Iced Tea Day
While recipes for Iced Tea go back as far as the 1870’s, it wasn’t until 1904 that it exploded in popularity. This was due in no small part to the World’s Fair and the heat of the summer that was baking it.
Iced Tea was being served, and the fair goers were drinking it en masse, and in almost no time at all, it was being served in tall glasses so well known for this purpose that they were called iced-tea glasses.
You know a drink has truly come into its own when special utensils are made for its preparation, and it wasn’t just the glasses, iced-tea spoons and lemon forks were developed to make its consumption both easier and more satisfying.
Iced Tea is typically made from the tea plant, but just like with hot teas, it can be made with just about anything, and herbal teas are often a popular choice for the cool drink.
Imagine the parade of flavors available to you, a cool mint tea stirred with a bit of lime, or if you’re in India you may as well do as the locals do and enjoy your tea with a bit of ginger. Our personal favorite? Peach Iced Tea, it’s delightful.
National Iced Tea Day exists to pay homage to the popular and delicious beverage, and it’s something more of us should get involved with.
This is a drink that is growing in popularity, and there is a growing consumer base for it, both in the United States and abroad. This is why manufacturers continue to come up with different and interesting flavors of iced tea that you can choose from moving forward.
National Iced Tea Day FAQs
Did iced tea really debut at the 1904 World’s Fair?
While popular lore credits Richard Blechynden with introducing iced tea at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, evidence suggests the beverage existed earlier.
Recipes for iced tea appeared in American cookbooks as early as the 1870s, indicating its presence before the fair.
What is “sun tea,” and is it safe to drink?
Sun tea involves brewing tea by placing it in sunlight for several hours. However, this method can promote bacterial growth due to the lukewarm temperatures. To enjoy a safer cold brew, steep tea in the refrigerator instead.
How do different cultures put unique spins on iced tea?
Globally, iced tea takes on various forms. In Thailand, “Cha Yen” combines strong black tea with condensed milk and spices, served over ice.
Taiwan’s bubble tea features iced tea with milk and chewy tapioca pearls. In Malaysia, “Teh Tarik” is a frothy iced milk tea poured between containers to create its signature texture.
Is it true that iced tea can cause kidney stones?
There’s a common belief that iced tea leads to kidney stones due to its oxalate content.
However, triggers for kidney stones vary among individuals. Staying hydrated is key, and moderate iced tea consumption doesn’t pose a significant risk for most people.
What’s the story behind the “Arnold Palmer” drink?
The “Arnold Palmer,” a mix of iced tea and lemonade, gained fame through golfer Arnold Palmer, who popularized his preferred blend of the two beverages.
This refreshing combination has since become a staple in American drink culture.
Why do some Southern sweet tea recipes include baking soda?
Adding a pinch of baking soda to sweet tea neutralizes tannins in black tea, reducing bitterness and preventing cloudiness. This technique results in a smoother, clearer beverage, enhancing its appeal.
How did Prohibition influence the popularity of iced tea?
During Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), the ban on alcoholic beverages led to a rise in the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks.
Iced tea became a popular alternative at social gatherings, solidifying its place in American culture.
Is it a myth that adding milk to iced tea reduces its health benefits?
Some believe that adding milk to tea diminishes its antioxidant properties.
However, research indicates that milk doesn’t significantly impact the health benefits of tea, so feel free to enjoy your iced milk tea without concern.
What’s the origin of the term “sweet tea” in the Southern United States?
In the Southern U.S., “sweet tea” refers specifically to iced tea sweetened generously with sugar, often while still hot to ensure complete dissolution.
This regional specialty is a cultural staple, especially during hot summer months.
How does the caffeine content of iced tea compare to other beverages?
Iced tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee. An 8-ounce serving of black iced tea has about 25-50 milligrams of caffeine, while the same amount of coffee contains approximately 95 milligrams.
This makes iced tea a milder alternative for those monitoring their caffeine intake.
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