The Origins of Iced Tea

Iced tea is a staple of American summers and a beloved beverage worldwide. It has a rich history that reflects broader societal changes, technological advancements and shifting cultural preferences.

The story of iced tea begins in the early 19th century when tea was already a popular drink in the United States. However, the idea of serving tea cold didn't take hold until the availability of ice became more widespread. In the early 1800s, ice was a rare luxury, particularly in the hot southern states. It wasn't until northern entrepreneurs began shipping ice down south the notion of iced tea began to spread. By the mid-19th century, iced tea was being served in the form of alcohol-infused punches, such as the popular Regent's Punch, which combined green tea with an array of spirits.

The first known recipes for non-alcoholic iced tea appeared in American cookbooks in the 1870s. These early recipes marked the beginning of iced tea as we know it today. However, it was the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, which truly popularized the drink. As temperatures soared, fairgoers sought out cold refreshments and iced tea became a sensation. Richard Blechynden, a tea plantation owner, is often credited with introducing iced tea to the masses by serving it chilled, rather than hot, in the sweltering summer heat.

Following the fair, iced tea's popularity continued to grow, especially in the American South, where the sweetened variety, known as sweet tea, became a regional specialty. The beverage's rise was further propelled by Prohibition in the 1920s, as people turned to non-alcoholic drinks in place of the banned spirits. With the advent of home refrigeration in the 1930s, iced tea became even more accessible, allowing people to enjoy it year-round.

"Iced tea continues to be a favorite among our customers, especially in warmer climates where customers are more often looking for a refreshing drink," said Chief Commercial Officer Tom Bauer. "It's more than just a drink. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and reminds many of us of simpler times spent with family and friends."

Today iced tea accounts for about 85% of all tea consumed in the United States. For generations, it has been a go-to beverage served sweetened or unsweetened with lemon or mint, and remains a refreshing testament to the evolution of American taste and ingenuity.