June 10 is National Iced Tea Day, one day in the year when we can celebrate and indulge in one of the world’s most favorite refreshing drinks: iced tea! USA Today reports that “tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water and 80% of it is served on ice,” as per the Tea Association of the USA. It is estimated that in 2017, there were about 84 billion servings consumed in the United States alone. That’s about 3.8 billion gallons of tea! In celebration of National Iced Tea Day 2020, some stores are offering some free iced tea. But for those who want to try some at-home recipes while quarantining with family, we’ve rounded up some of the most interesting recipes here.
National Iced Tea Day: Recipes to Try at Home
Sweet Tea Rum Punch
A different approach to traditional iced tea, this recipe by Brigid Washington traces its roots back to Barbados and is inspired by Rum Punch, made of lime, sugar, dark rum, and water. Today, add a touch of Rum Punch, a Caribbean staple, to the modern iced tea.
Photo by Brigid Washington/Food52
What You Need:
4 cups freshly brewed black tea
3 cups dark rum
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 cups simple syrup
2 tablespoons Angostura bitters
1 thinly sliced lemon
1/2 pineapple, trimmed and sliced lengthwise into 6 stalks
1 pinch grated nutmeg
What to Do:
- Brew black tea of your choice by adding tea bags to boiled water. Let steep for 5 minutes.
- Take a pitcher and fill about a quarter with ice. Add the black tea.
- Add the juices, rum, syrup, and bitters. Stir until the ingredients are all combined and ice is completely melted.
- Take some pineapple stalks and lemon slices and add to the mixture. Save some for garnishing the glasses.
- Serve by adding large ice cubes to highball glasses and pouring in the drink, adding a pineapple stalk and lemon slice as garnish. As a finishing touch, add a pinch of nutmeg.
Read more about Brigid Washington’s Sweet Tea Rum Punch recipe at Food52. Check out more amazing iced tea recipes here:
Photo by Food52
Rhubarb Iced Tea
A refreshing take on iced tea with a dash of rhubarb. Check out the recipe at Food52.
Photo by Food52
Earl Grey and Orange Iced Tea
Add a citrus touch to the much-loved Earl Grey tea with this recipe from Kirthana at Food52.
Photo by Food52
Lime and Basil Iced Tea
With an leveled up herbal twist to iced tea, this recipe from Kirthana uses fresh basil to add a unique flavor to a summer staple. Get the recipe at Food52.
Photo by Food52
New Long Island Iced Tea by Rustun Nichols
Let’s be honest, Long Island iced tea is more booze than iced tea, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a perfect drink to serve up this National Iced Tea Day 2020! This amazing recipe by Rustun Nichols is an improved version of what one might have been used to. Check out the recipe at Food52.
Sleek Entertaining Essentials to Celebrate National Iced Tea Day
1. VIETRI Drop Decanter and Drop Tall Tumbler
The bright, sunny, and elegant Drop Decanter from Vietri is a summer entertaining must-have. It is a mouth-blown piece expertly crafted in Veneto, Italy. It adds gorgeous depth to any tablescape especially when paired with the Drop Tall Tumbler, which is also hand-crafted in Veneto, Italy. The decanter measures 9 3/4 inches and can hold 32 oz, while the short tumbler which features fun contemporary dots, holds 10 oz each. All of these are dishwasher safe. The Vietri Drop Decanter and Drop Tall Tumbler are both available at Nordstrom.
2. GODINGER Pineapple Glass
“If you like pina colada…” It won’t be difficult to imagine a carefree summer with the Godinger Pineapple Glass (and maybe some Long Island iced tea?) on your hand. This roomy pineapple-shaped glass is the perfect entertaining accessory and is great for serving up a fruity, refreshing ice-cold drink. It holds 17 oz. Shop at Nordstrom.
3. ORREFORS Peak Highball Glass, Set of 4
These elegant highball glasses from Orrefors are sure to impress guests with its angled bevels inspired by glacier peaks. Each glass has a 12.5 oz capacity that’s perfect for serving refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout summer. These exquisite glasses are crafted in Germany. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.
4. JAY IMPORTS La Maison Glass Beverage Dispenser with Silver-Tone Lid
Bring the family together this summer with some refreshments in the garden with this rustic Jay Imports La Maison beverage dispenser. It is handsome with its vintage-style charm with a French accent and embossed flourishes and bright silver-tone lid. This beverage dispenser is about 14 inches in height and has a 9.5-inch diameter. Shop at Macy’s.
5. CIRCLE GLASS Circle Pattern 2.5gal/ 9.4L Dispenser with Hermetic Lid
A post-quarantine get-together won’t be complete without this Circle dispenser that provides a festive atmosphere for special occasions. It features a large 2.5 gallon capacity so no one goes thirsty. It has a hermetically sealed glass lid, silver tone pouring spout, and a glass, plastic spigot. Also features a unique circle embossed design that’s perfect for summer. Get 45% off for a limited time at Macy’s.
Best Iced Tea Brands for National Iced Tea Day
1. TAZO Passion Caffeine-Free 20 Tea Bags, Pack of 6
An exuberant herbal tea infusion featuring the delightful flavors of hibiscus, orange peel, rose hip, and passion fruit, Tazo Passion Herbal Tea is a unique blend that’s perfect for summer. It’s bursting with tart tart hibiscus flowers, orange peel, rose hips, passion fruit flavor, and a lively hint of cinnamon spice. It’s also unsweetened and caffeine-free, which is perfect for serving to the entire family. It makes for a delicious, crisp iced tea that’s great for refreshing during the warmer months. This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This is the only way I am buying this tea because the value is just amazing! So much cheaper than in the stores! We buy the pack of 6. I can make it hot or iced. My kids love it and the passion tea has no caffeine in it. Refreshing and we put a little honey and lemon in it. Tastes amazing!” David L.
2. PURE LEAF Cold Brew Tea in Tropical Mango, 14 oz (8 Pack)
Unlike other bottled iced teas, Pure Leaf Cold Brew Tea is brewed three times longer and at a colder temperature, resulting in the smoothest taste. It is slightly sweet with its black tea brew with tropical mango, a totally summer-appropriate flavor. This product is Rainforest Alliance certified. This product has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
3. LIPTON Iced Tea K-Cups for Keurig Brewers Unsweetened, Sugar Free 12 K-Cup Pods (6 Count)
Want perfectly brewed iced tea every time? Then go for the Lipton Iced Tea Unsweetened Black Tea K-Cup Pods, which features black tea made from 100% real tea leaves picked and pressed at the peak of freshness. This caffeinated black iced tea is a refreshing way to perk up in summer. It’s a refreshing cold beverage that can be served up any time of the day. It is made with only 100% rainforest alliance certified tea bags. Enjoy the delicious flavor that you can expect from traditional tea-brewing methods. This product has an overall customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Great Lipton tea taste. These have more flavor than some other ice tea brands. In fact they are strong enough to run through twice and still get a great glass of iced tea.” Kathy B.
4. GOLD PEAK TEA Sweet Tea 16 oz, (Pack of 6)
Featuring a home-brewed taste that’s sweetened with real sugar, Gold Peak Tea Sweet Tea offers a refreshing break from everyday grind. It’s the perfect iced tea to make BBQs and family gatherings even sweeter. This product has an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Best packaged sweet tea on the market. Closest to home made that I have found.” Michael Luczynski
5. TEAVANA Beach Bellini Herbal Tea With Pineapple and Mango, 48 Count (4 Packs of 12 Sachets)
Get into the tropical groove with the bursting flavors of real pineapple, papaya, mango, rose petals and orange peel in this unique, tropical blend from Teavana. This tea is blended by experts, resulting in high quality tea that you can enjoy at home. The brand uses the finest premium teas and fruit and botanicals from regions known for their excellence. Teavana is committed to ethically sourced tea by 2020 and supports tea-growing communities and responsible farming practices so you know you’re purchasing a product that gives back to the community and the Earth. Beach Bellini is inspired by the classic champagne cocktail and is great for hot or iced tea. This product has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I love fruity teas. This isn’t too sweet to me and I don’t add anything to it. I heat the water, pour it over ice, and thoroughly enjoy. The flavor is strong without being overpowering. It’s refreshing and tastes great hot or cold. The flavor doesn’t tarnish over the course of the day, either. I took it to work and it was still just as refreshing at 4:00 as it was at 7 that morning. The little tub does great to keep the tea fresh, as well, though I’d love to use less plastic.” Leah
Tea-Themed Gifts for National Iced Tea Day
1. KitchenArtPrints Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Watercolor Digital Art Print
Show off your love for iced tea with this digital file downloadable and printable artwork. It features a fun watercolor print and a handy recipe for some delightful Long Island iced tea! Shop at Etsy.
2. LoveArtDecals Refreshing Kitchen Sticker Wall Decal
This summer, spruce up your living space or kitchen with this wall decal that features a trio of refreshing drinks for the season! These stickers are made to the highest quality standards using ultra-efficient and brand-new Latex machinery. The stickers do not have toxic odor emissions and are safe for kitchen, nurseries, and more. Each sticker is printed in high resolutions so there’s no visible pixelation. Shop at Etsy.
3. OliverRaeCo Tea Lover Sticker Decal
For sticker and journal-loving friends, get them this high quality vinyl sticker featuring one of the world’s most favorite beverages: iced tea! This sticker is waterproof and is great for travel cups and reusable water bottles. It’s laminated with a clear matte finish that offers no glaring. Add a dash of personality to any frequently used items with this fun sticker. Shop at Etsy.
4. MaddieGreenDesigns Mason Jar Iced Tea Sticker
There’s something rustic and charming about a mason jar! The same charm can be found in this cute iced tea sticker featuring a refreshing drink served in a mason jar. Great for decorating your water bottle, laptop, journal, iPhone, and anything else! This is a weatherproof, water resistant sticker with a matte finish. Shop at Etsy.
5. DecoMaki Spill the Tea 2-Inch Hard Enamel Pin
It’s time to spill the tea with this fun hard enamel pin featuring a teapot pouring out the tea! It measures 2 inches and features a rose gold plating and two rubber clotches at the back. It’s a unique addition to any chic, contemporary outfit. Shop at Etsy.
For more awesome gift ideas and fun holidays, make sure to check out the stories from The Teelie Blog archive in the links below.
National Doughnut Day: Gifts for Doughnut Lovers!
This List is For Anyone Who’s Obsessed with Llamas!
May the Fourth Be with You! Best Gifts for Star Wars Day 2020
World UFO Day: Gifts for UFO Enthusiasts and Space-loving Friends
10 Fun Rainbow Inspired Things That Will Color Your Life This Summer
Astronomy Day: The Best Astronomy-Inspired Gifts for Everyone
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
