A Legacy of Flavor: Harney & Sons Spotlights Its Whimsical "Icon Collection"

By Emeric Harney
August 21, 2026

When my grandfather, John Harney, first launched our family business back in 1983, the landscape of the tea industry looked drastically different than it does today. Our original roster was modest, consisting of only six foundational teas: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Gunpowder Green, Formosa Oolong, and Irish Breakfast. It was a humble beginning, defined by the classics that had anchored tea culture for generations.

The growth of the business over the subsequent decades has been nothing short of extraordinary. By 1997, our catalog had expanded to more than 100 varieties, reflecting a rapidly evolving global interest in specialty tea. Today, the scale of our operation has grown exponentially; the last time any of us sat down to conduct an official count, we were well north of 300 unique teas, with new blends constantly in development. As my Uncle Paul once observed with a mix of humor and resignation, "We can’t seem to kill a tea." Our inability to stop innovating has become a hallmark of the Harney & Sons brand, turning what was once a small family venture into a vast library of flavors.

For those who take an afternoon to browse our website, it is easy to see how expansive our offerings have become. We have organized our portfolio into various collections, many of which celebrate specific partnerships and historical contexts. Past blog entries have highlighted these collaborations, including our work with the Historic Royal Palaces, our long-standing partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and our curated selection for Colonial Williamsburg. However, despite the depth of our catalog, we have yet to dedicate a spotlight to one of our most distinct and visually captivating lines: the Icon Collection.

That changes today. The Icon Collection is a series defined by a sense of playfulness and nostalgia. Each tea in this collection is inspired by iconic, comforting flavors and is housed in whimsical, beautifully illustrated tins that stand out on any shelf. For those looking to capture the essence of the current season and make their summer rituals feel just a little more iconic, this collection offers a perfect entry point.

Summer as a Time for Indulgence

Our relationship with summer is rarely just about the weather; it is deeply rooted in our collective memory. For most of us, the season is a sensory experience shaped in childhood—those long, golden afternoons where time seemed to stand still, the freedom of neighborhood bike rides, the anticipation of jumping into a cool pool, and the joy of family vacations. Beyond the activities, summer is defined by its unforgettable flavors. From the first bite of a freshly picked berry to the cooling relief of a favorite frozen treat, these tastes become the backdrop of our best memories.

The Icon Collection was designed to capture those specific, fleeting memories and translate them into a tea-drinking experience. By focusing on flavors that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, we have created a series of blends that serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a moment of indulgence in every cup.

The Flavors of the Season

The centerpiece of the Icon Collection is the Strawberry Milkshake tea. This blend is a masterclass in nostalgia, utilizing a base of our popular Milky Oolong. By adding natural strawberry and a subtle hint of vanilla, we have created a profile that is remarkably smooth and creamy. It provides a caffeinated treat that captures the exact sensory experience of drinking a strawberry milkshake, yet it remains light enough for a summer afternoon. It is, in essence, the experience of enjoying a decadent dessert, but without the calories, making it a perfect companion for those looking for a sophisticated, sweet pick-me-up.

For those who lean toward richer, more dessert-forward flavors, the Cookies & Cream blend offers a different kind of satisfaction. Inspired by the classic ice cream flavor, this blend starts with a robust black tea base. We then layer in sweet vanilla and luxurious chocolate notes to create a cup that is both caffeinated and deeply comforting. It is an ideal choice for those moments when you want the indulgence of a cookie without the heaviness of a full snack.

My own connection to these flavors is deeply personal. Growing up in Salisbury, Connecticut, the Harney family spent many of our happiest summer afternoons picking blueberries on the slopes of Mount Riga. That sense of joy and connection to the land is what we aimed to capture in our Blueberry Green tea. This blend features high-quality Chinese green tea as a foundation, which is then artfully balanced with notes of lemongrass, blueberry, and vanilla. The result is a vibrant, refreshing brew that is equally delicious when served hot or poured over ice, making it an incredibly versatile addition to any summer pantry.

We have also included the Vanilla Bean blend for those seeking a more tranquil experience. This decaffeinated tea is smooth and sweet, featuring authentic natural vanilla flavor and real vanilla bean flakes that steep alongside the tea leaves. The presence of these actual bean flakes ensures a deeper, creamier mouthfeel, adding a touch of quiet luxury to the end of a long day and a gentle, natural sweetness to the cooling summer evenings.

Finally, the collection features the Nutcracker Blend. While it may seem unconventional to discuss a "winter" flavor during the heat of August, the Nutcracker Blend has the distinction of being the "O.G." of the Icon Collection, having debuted in the winter of 2023. It remains a fan favorite for its complexity: a black tea base accented with apricot pieces and marigold petals, rounded out by the festive flavors of chocolate, vanilla, almond, and hazelnut. It is important to note that despite the rich, nutty aroma, there are no actual nuts in the blend, making it a safe indulgence for those with sensitivities who still want to experience that classic, comforting profile.

Embracing the Moment

The inherent challenge of summer is its brevity; it always feels as though the season is slipping away just as we are beginning to settle into its rhythm. With the arrival of cooler weather and the inevitable surge of pumpkin spice season looming on the horizon, I hope our customers take the opportunity to explore these Icon teas while the lazy, hazy, and crazy days of summer are still in full swing.

The Icon Collection is more than just a series of products; it is a reflection of our history and our enduring commitment to finding joy in a cup of tea. Whether you are looking for a refreshing iced beverage for a sweltering afternoon or a comforting, warm brew to close out a summer evening, these teas were crafted to help you celebrate the season in your own way. As we continue to expand our roster of hundreds of teas, it is the whimsical, nostalgic, and flavorful additions like the Icon Collection that remind us why my grandfather started this business over four decades ago. We invite you to find your favorite, pour a cup, and savor the fleeting beauty of the summer.