Serendipi-tea: National Iced Tea Day June 10
Culture and tradition in a glass. Iced tea. When you order iced tea in South Carolina, you ask for “sweet tea”. Is there any other way to serve it? Not here.
And in June, it’s not only the signature beverage of the south, but it is National Iced Tea month, Mark your calendar to celebrate Iced Tea Day on June 10.
Many stories have circulated regarding the origin of iced tea. The most widely accepted is its introduction at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Richard Blechynden, an American merchant promoting teas from India and Ceylon, offered cups of hot tea to passersby. On a steaming hot day, people wanted to cool off, not drink hot tea. In desperation and with a spark of creativi-tea, Blechynden poured his hot tea over a vat of ice and iced tea was born. Even though other stories circulate about the origin of iced tea, this desperate tea merchant is credited with popularizing and commercializing a fairly unknown beverage. What a serendipi-tea for the inventor to recoup his expenses and for Fair visitors to quench their thirst.
Ennjoying iced tea led to manufacturing opportuni-teas. Within ten years, Americans were buying tall glasses (which became known as iced-tea glasses), long spoons for stirring sugar into taller glasses, and lemon forks. Serendipi-teas are not always one-time events; they expand and spread. People enjoy conversations on a porch and refresh with iced tea- a serendipi-tea for sure.
Perhaps you can plan ahead, make “sweet tea” and share a glass with a friend on National Iced Tea Day. You might exchange serendipi-teas with each other, though my guess is, time together is serendipi-tea enough.
Proverbs 27:9 tells us that sweet friendships refresh the soul. We can't rush drinking a glass of tea. The combination of a refreshing beverage and friendship brings joy. Some Bible translations compare that refreshment to soothing lotions and… Share on X
What about you? Sweet or not, hot or iced? Lemon or none? Herbal or traditional black or green tea? Do you have a favorite?
Now for an opportuni-tea! Comment below about your tea preferences or experiences and share this post with a friend. Tag me if you share on social media. If you are not a subscriber to my site, sign up and you’ll be entered in a drawing along with those who comment and share this post for a book I wrote several years ago when I was part of a tea group and had a tea ministry. Tea Lovers’ Devotions to Go! will refresh your soul and you’ll learn about tea too. I’ll keep the opportuni-tea open for the month of June. After all, June is National Iced Tea Month!
The Conversation
I love iced tea so I’m glad to know we have a National Tea Month. I even drink it in the winter, along with hot tea, of course. When we lived in Korea we visited a tea plantation, and I had green tea ice cream. It wasn’t my favorite, but I still enjoyed it. Thanks for the tea history, Marilyn.!
Barbara, I visited a tea plantation too and was amazed at how many leaves were needed to make a small package of tea. Not to mention the process. You’re welcome for the history lesson. Thanks for contributing to the conversation. Marilyn
I grew up in the south where sweet tea is a staple. Now I take it half and half to cut down on the sugar, and I prefer black tea. I’m also discovering the values of sipping hot herbal tea. It slows down my tendency to rush through life. I never add sugar to hot tea. I wonder why that is.
Candyce, that’s what I like about hot tea. It is intended to be sipped and quietly enjoyed. You just don’t drink it fast like a carbonated beverage or espresso in Italy! Marilyn
When we moved to Warner-Robins AFB Fa. From The Pentagon we lived on base. The local
Merchants were VERY KIND TO US; grateful
For the base. our favorite restaurant was owned by one of our Speech Pathology Aide’s family. PO MO’S. Served sweet tea. It was so sweet it made my front teeth hurt but that was THE norm everywhere there. I quickly got used to it and I am enjoying a tall glass here in Ohio right now? GREAT MEMORIES!? Sally
Thanks for sharing your experience. I can’t imagine teeth hurting from the sweetness. What a memory. Marilyn
I usually have hot English breakfast tea with a little honey and half and half! I like iced tea when I’m out and it’s hot outside.
Debbie, That’s one of the “sweet: things about tea. It is a versatile beverage. Cnfessio: I have come to enjoy some herbal teas (which aren’t teas at all:) A favorite is maple tea from Canada. Marilyn
I agree. English breakfast tea is perfect to start the day or sip on a chilly morning.
I’m a sweet tea lover from way back–a born and bred southern girl. I enjoyed learning more about how iced tea came about. Thank you for this uplifting message.
Somehow I knew that Katherine. I wouldn’t expect anything less than sweet tea for you. Marilyn
I love sweet tea! One of my granddaughters is named Teagan and we call her Sweet Tea. My favorite tea is chai tea latte.
Vickie, I enjoy chai latte t00-especially as an alternative to coffee. Welcome and thanks for joining the conversation. Marilyn
What a fun way to observe the day! When I do drink tea, sweet with lemon is the only way to go! Some restaurants make it too sweet for me but I can’t handle unsweet. You’re sweet (;-)) to give someone the chance to win your devotional book.
I anticipated your comment before I read it:) Georgia girl and sweet tea with lemon is your only way. Yes, we go way back on writing our devotional books. Yours too, holds timeless truth.
With my British background, my go to is hot tea with nothing in it (other than a dunked cookie). If I get iced tea, I usually get unsweetened. Thanks for the lovely thoughts.
Thank you for commenting and sharing your preferences. I’m with you on simplicity- no embellishments to a hot cup of tea.
I love this, Marilyn! I prefer hot black tea, no sugar or creamer. It’s best when I drink it with friends in Siberia.
Well I have to admit if I were giving a prize for the most unique comment, yours would win! Siberia!