"Iced tea! Nothing is half so refreshing as a glass of black tea piled high with ice! More than a quencher of thirst, it is a tamer of tempers, a lifter of lethargy, and a brightener of smiles."
-Paul Kortepeter, Tea with Victoria Rose
June is a time of warm, languorous days, and a wide variety of celebrations — each made better with cold, refreshing beverages. June 10 just so happens to be National Iced Tea Day. With that in mind, what better way to celebrate the dads and grads in your life than by raising a tall glass of iced tea?
Some of the best inventions rise from obscurity through necessity. Iced tea has its roots in the early 19th century, but it gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. Richard Blechynden, then India Tea Commissioner and tea vendor at the fair, had planned to serve hot tea. But spurred to action by the scorching heat of the day, he purchased ice blocks and had his staff pour the brewed tea over ice chips to combat the searing temperatures. It was an instant hit — and a catalyst for the broader marketing of iced tea, whose popularity has only grown since.
Iced tea preparation is a snap: we recommend starting with a tea concentrate. Simply double the amount of tea leaves and prepare the tea as you would normally, steeping for the recommended time for your chosen tea. Let it cool, then pour over ice.
For iced tea made even snappier: our One-Gallon Iced Tea Pitcher and Glass Iced Tea Pitcher, with their attractive styles and slim profiles, are both stylish and convenient ways to prepare and serve your iced tea. Our generously sized Extra Large Teapot Filter Papers and Clips for Filter Bags pair perfectly with the glass pitcher.
Most teas you enjoy hot may also be enjoyed iced, but an especially full-bodied selection really shines through.
The Classics Always Impress:
This choice Ceylon black tea blend offers a bright, toasty/woody cup with a full mouthfeel and gentle honey sweetness. A clean, crisp citrus nuance lingers in the finish — the perfect refreshing zing over ice.
A balanced combination of premium Darjeeling and Ceylon black teas. The fruity and toasty notes of Darjeeling accent the brisk, citrusy Ceylon flavor for a smooth and refreshing glass of iced tea.
Bolder Selections for the Hearty Sip:
A rich blend, especially suited for those who enjoy a powerful cup. Java teas are never expensive, so you get the best for pennies to the glass.
A classic Ostfriesen blend of Assam teas. Authentic 100% orthodox tea, blended in Germany.
A Robust, Refined Refresher:
A rich, organic tea with solid body and full mouthfeel. A pleasing, balanced glass with a classic Nilgiri flavor and style.
However you choose to refresh and relax, stay cool and energized, and don’t forget the ice.
Until next time, keep sipping!