Harney & Sons Spotlights Its "Icon Collection" as a Celebration of Nostalgic Summer Flavors

By Emeric Harney
August 21, 2026

When my grandfather, John Harney, first launched our family business back in 1983, the foundation of our catalog was built upon a modest, focused selection of just six teas: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Gunpowder Green, Formosa Oolong, and Irish Breakfast. At the time, that collection represented a carefully curated gateway into the world of fine tea, grounded in tradition and classic profiles. However, the trajectory of our company over the last four decades has been defined by a relentless curiosity and a passion for experimentation that has seen our offerings expand far beyond those original six pillars.

By 1997, our roster had grown to include more than 100 distinct varieties, reflecting a rapidly evolving market and a growing consumer appetite for diverse flavor profiles. Today, that growth has continued at a pace that sometimes surprises even those of us within the family. Last time we conducted a formal inventory, we found our selection had climbed to more than 300 teas, with new blends being conceptualized and added to our library on a regular basis. As my Uncle Paul once observed with a mix of humor and resignation, "We can’t seem to kill a tea." Our catalog is a living archive of our journey, and while we are proud of our expansive reach, we often find ourselves looking back at specific collections that define our character.

If you were to dedicate an afternoon to browsing our website, you would find that our offerings are segmented into a variety of specialized collections. In past blog entries, we have taken the time to highlight some of our most significant partnerships and themed sets, such as the Historic Royal Palaces collection, which brings a touch of British grandeur to the teacup; our Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, which seeks to blend art history with the sensory experience of tea; and our Colonial Williamsburg collection, which honors early American traditions. Yet, despite the breadth of our offerings, we have rarely focused on one of our most distinct and visually striking subsets: the Icon Collection. Today, we are finally shifting our focus to this small-but-mighty group of blends.

The Icon Collection is defined by its commitment to evocative, nostalgic flavors and is housed in whimsical, beautifully illustrated tins that serve as a testament to the artistry of our brand. For those looking to elevate their summer experience with a touch of the extraordinary, this collection offers a unique sensory journey. It feels particularly tailor-made for the summer months, a season that often feels like it demands a bit of playfulness and indulgence.

The Connection Between Summer and Indulgence

For most of us, the way we experience summer is fundamentally shaped by the memories formed during childhood. The season occupies a unique space in our collective consciousness—a time defined by long, languid afternoons with no pressing obligations, the rhythmic sound of bicycle tires on pavement, the cooling relief of a local pool, and the anticipation of family vacations. Beyond the activities, summer is intrinsically tied to the flavors we associate with the heat: the sharpness of freshly picked fruit, the sweetness of sun-ripened berries, and the comforting indulgence of our favorite frozen treats.

These memories are rarely just about the taste; they are about the feeling of a moment suspended in time. Our Icon Collection was developed with the intention of capturing those fleeting sensations and translating them into the medium of tea. By selecting ingredients that mirror the most beloved tastes of summer, we hope to provide our customers with a way to revisit those cherished memories, one sip at a time.

A Sensory Exploration of the Icon Collection

The collection currently features several standout blends, each crafted to provide a specific atmospheric experience. Take, for example, our Strawberry Milkshake tea. This blend seeks to evoke the classic, creamy joy of a roadside diner treat. By incorporating natural strawberry essence and a nuanced hint of vanilla into a base of our popular Milky Oolong tea, we have created a beverage that is remarkably smooth and creamy. Despite being caffeinated, it manages to feel light and refreshing. The aromatic profile is strikingly reminiscent of a fresh strawberry milkshake, offering the indulgence of a dessert without the associated calories, making it a perfect choice for an afternoon pick-me-up.

For those who lean toward richer, more comforting profiles, our Cookies & Cream blend offers a direct nod to one of the most iconic ice cream flavors. We start with a robust black tea base, which provides a sturdy foundation for the addition of sweet vanilla and luxurious chocolate notes. It is a cup that bridges the gap between the vibrancy of a summer day and the comforting ritual of a warm beverage, proving that even in the heat, there is a place for a decadent, dessert-inspired tea.

The inspiration for our Blueberry Green tea, however, comes from a much more personal place for our family. Growing up in Salisbury, Connecticut, many of our summer afternoons were spent wandering the slopes of Mount Riga, basket in hand, hunting for wild blueberries. That experience of foraging—the quiet of the woods and the satisfaction of finding ripe fruit—is distilled into this blend. We combine Chinese green tea with bright, zesty lemongrass, authentic blueberry, and a touch of vanilla. The result is a versatile brew that shines just as brightly when served hot as it does when poured over ice, making it an ideal companion for a warm summer day.

We also cater to those who prefer a more subdued, refined experience with our Vanilla Bean blend. This decaffeinated option is centered on the purity of natural vanilla flavor. We use real vanilla bean flakes that steep alongside the leaves, infusing the water with a depth of flavor that is both smooth and subtly sweet. It is a sophisticated, luxurious cup that adds a gentle, cooling touch to the quiet moments of a summer evening, perfect for winding down as the sun begins to set.

Finally, we must acknowledge the Nutcracker Blend, which occupies a special place in the collection’s history. Debuting in the winter of 2023, it is the original member of the Icon family. Despite its seasonal name, it has become a staple year-round. Featuring a black tea base, it is accented with apricot pieces and marigold petals, while the flavor profile is dominated by the festive, warm notes of chocolate, vanilla, almond, and hazelnut. It is important to note for our customers that, despite the taste, the blend contains no actual nuts, making it a safe and accessible way to enjoy those rich, nutty flavors.

Embracing the Season Before It Fades

The most poignant aspect of summer is its transience; it never seems to last quite as long as we want it to. As we move deeper into the season, there is always the subtle, creeping awareness of the inevitable change in the air—the return of routines and the eventual shift toward the harvest flavors of autumn. With pumpkin spice season waiting just around the corner, there is a certain urgency to enjoying these "lazy, crazy, hazy" days while they are still in full swing.

I encourage our customers to explore the Icon Collection while the summer sun is still high. These teas were designed to be part of the rhythm of the season, and whether you are sitting on a porch, cooling off in the shade, or looking to preserve a memory of the warmer months, these blends offer a way to make your summer just a little more iconic. We are proud to keep adding to our history, one tin at a time, and we look forward to seeing which of these flavors becomes a staple in your own summer story.