{"id":1567,"date":"2026-09-29T14:19:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T14:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/?p=1567"},"modified":"2026-09-29T14:19:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T14:19:21","slug":"celebrating-national-iced-tea-month-a-seasonal-guide-to-summer-refreshment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/?p=1567","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating National Iced Tea Month: A Seasonal Guide to Summer Refreshment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>By Emeric Harney<br \/>\nJune 12, 2026<\/p>\n<p>As the calendar turns to June, the shift in seasons brings with it a unique set of celebrations. Beyond the recognition of Pride Month, the historical significance of Juneteenth, and the annual observation of Father\u2019s Day\u2014a particularly poignant time for a family-owned business like ours\u2014June marks the arrival of the summer solstice. With the Northern Hemisphere basking in increasingly warm temperatures, it is perhaps no surprise that since 1994, this month has been officially designated as National Iced Tea Month. It is a period dedicated to the art of the cold steep, a practice that transforms the humble tea leaf into the ultimate summer refreshment.<\/p>\n<p>To mark this important occasion, we are exploring the myriad ways to enjoy iced tea, whether your preference lies in convenient pouches, grab-and-go bottles, portable cans, or the traditional, ritualistic method of brewing hot tea to be chilled at home. The versatility of tea is its greatest strength, allowing it to adapt to any lifestyle or temperature preference.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-inline-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.harney.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/Picture1_d6674dea-671a-4ed1-9abf-d85ebd031928.jpg?v=1781272079\" alt=\"Celebrate National Iced Tea Month\" class=\"article-inline-img\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3>The Art of the Fresh Brew<\/h3>\n<p>When the days grow long and the heat intensifies, few things are as satisfying as a tall, chilled glass of iced tea. For those who enjoy the ritual of crafting their own beverages, our Fresh Brew Iced Tea pouches offer an unparalleled balance of convenience and quality. These pouches are designed to keep your pitcher filled throughout the summer months, with most varieties available in boxes of 15 pouches\u2014each capable of brewing two quarts\u2014or boxes of 50 pouches, which are perfect for brewing a full gallon at a time.<\/p>\n<p>Among the classic options, our Organic Plain Black Fresh Brew Iced Tea remains a cornerstone of the collection. The full leaves are picked by hand, ensuring that the bright, rich body of the tea remains intact during the brewing process. For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness, a simple drop of honey can elevate the tea\u2019s natural character, creating a sophisticated base that serves as a canvas for any summer gathering.<\/p>\n<p>For those looking to embrace a Southern-inspired refreshment, the Peach Fresh Brew Iced Tea\u2014notably a favorite of Paul Harney\u2014features the delicate, exquisite notes of Georgia peaches layered over a foundation of hand-picked, full-leaf Chinese black tea. It is a quintessential summer drink that balances the boldness of the tea with the gentle sweetness of orchard fruit. Meanwhile, our Tropical Mango Fresh Brew Iced Tea offers a more vibrant profile, starting with a rich black tea base complemented by juicy mango, creamy coconut, and a bright, citrusy blend of pineapple and orange. This profile provides a taste of the tropics that is equally effective whether served plain or lightly sweetened.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-inline-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1234\/1342\/files\/Picture2.jpg?v=1781271269\" alt=\"Celebrate National Iced Tea Month\" class=\"article-inline-img\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>The appeal of iced tea extends well beyond black tea varieties. Our Organic Green with Coconut Fresh Brew Iced Tea, which has already established itself as a staple in our hot tea collection, translates beautifully to an iced format. This Thai-inspired blend incorporates lemongrass, ginger, vanilla, and sweet coconut, resulting in a fragrant, complex cup. Similarly, the Watermelon Mint Fresh Brew Iced Tea utilizes a soothing green tea base as a foundation for crisp mint and the juicy, refreshing essence of watermelon and strawberry. It is an indulgent, rejuvenating experience that feels like a tribute to the peak of summer.<\/p>\n<p>For those who prefer a caffeine-free alternative, our Hibiscus Fresh Brew Iced Tea offers a striking crimson hue and a refreshingly tart flavor profile with a sweet, citrusy aroma. Many of our customers have discovered that this particular blend serves as a sophisticated, flavorful substitute for juice during the morning hours. Complementing this is the Indigo Punch Fresh Brew Iced Tea, which is as vibrant in color as it is in taste. By blending raspberry, hibiscus, butterfly pea flower, rosehips, lemongrass, and apple pieces, this infusion creates a reddish-blue hue and an aroma reminiscent of honey, citrus, and ripe berries.<\/p>\n<h3>Convenient Refreshment: Bottled and Canned Selections<\/h3>\n<p>While brewing at home has its own rewards, the demand for high-quality, ready-to-drink options has never been higher. Our line of bottled beverages is designed for those on the move who refuse to sacrifice quality for convenience. The Organic Peach Iced Tea is a standout in this category, blending organic black tea with organic honey, cane sugar, and natural peach flavor to achieve a perfect equilibrium of briskness and sweetness. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-inline-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1234\/1342\/files\/Picture3.jpg?v=1781271269\" alt=\"Celebrate National Iced Tea Month\" class=\"article-inline-img\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Green tea enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in the Organic Green with Citrus &amp; Ginkgo Iced Tea. This infusion enhances a light, crisp green tea base with the botanical benefits of ginkgo biloba, along with lemongrass and a subtle touch of organic cane sugar. For those seeking a richer profile, we have also introduced a bottled version of the Black Currant tea, which was John Harney\u2019s first flavored black tea. It carries a deep, fruity aroma and a full-bodied flavor that has long made it a customer favorite.<\/p>\n<p>For those who prefer a zero-calorie or caffeine-free option, the Blood Orange Iced Tea stands out by steeping hibiscus flowers and apple chips with sun-drenched blood orange peel, augmented by rosehips, beet root, and the natural essence of orange, raspberry, and grapefruit. Alternatively, the Butterfly Flower Lemonade Iced Tea utilizes the unique blue and purple hues of the Southeast Asian Butterfly Pea Flower, blending its exotic, floral character with our organic lemonade.<\/p>\n<p>For those who favor the portability and durability of a can, our canned iced tea collection ensures that a cold beverage is always within reach. The Organic Plain Black Iced Tea in cans provides an energizing, lightly sweetened experience, while the Watermelon Mint Iced Tea offers a crisp, zero-calorie blend of green tea, spearmint, watermelon, and strawberry. The Organic Peach Iced Tea cans, meanwhile, capture the bright, delicate flavor of freshly sliced peaches, followed by the bracing, brisk notes of premium black tea.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-inline-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1234\/1342\/files\/Picture4.jpg?v=1781271269\" alt=\"Celebrate National Iced Tea Month\" class=\"article-inline-img\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3>A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation<\/h3>\n<p>Beyond our standard bottled line, we are proud to offer the Colonial Williamsburg collection, which pairs our tea with packaging designed to evoke the elegance of 18th-century America. The Williamsburg Black Iced Tea is brewed for strength and rounded out with a touch of cane sugar, resulting in a crisp, clean finish that matches the historic aesthetic of the bottle. We also offer a Williamsburg Peach variant, which softens the briskness of the black tea with ripe peach notes, and a Williamsburg Lemonade &amp; Tea juice drink, which marries the tartness of citrus with the natural depth of black tea.<\/p>\n<p>It is worth noting that many of our hot teas are equally suited for the ice. A simple trade secret is to brew these teas at double strength to account for the dilution of the ice, steep them, chill them, and serve. This method works exceptionally well with breakfast blends, fruit-forward teas, and mint-infused green teas. Our English Breakfast, a celebrated 100% Keemun Chinese black tea, remains a staple whether served steaming hot or poured over ice. Similarly, our Horchata blend, which features toasty rice, oolong, and cinnamon, offers a creamy, comforting experience regardless of the season. The Apricot tea, also available in a decaffeinated version, provides a sweet, aromatic profile that performs well in both hot and cold settings, as does our caffeine-free Strawberry Kiwi Fruit Tea.<\/p>\n<p>To facilitate the perfect brew, we have curated a selection of high-quality equipment, such as the ForLife Mist Glass Iced Tea Jugs. These vessels, available in 50 oz and 68 oz capacities, feature built-in infusers that allow for direct brewing of loose tea, while their borosilicate glass construction ensures durability and resistance to thermal shock. For those who require their beverage to remain at a specific temperature for extended periods, our Served Vacuum Insulated Pitchers provide double-walled, copper-lined insulation, ensuring your iced tea stays cold throughout the longest summer afternoons.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-inline-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1234\/1342\/files\/Picture5.jpg?v=1781271269\" alt=\"Celebrate National Iced Tea Month\" class=\"article-inline-img\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>As National Iced Tea Month continues, we encourage you to experiment with these blends and methods. Whether you are a fan of the traditional, the botanical, or the fruity, the world of iced tea is vast and waiting to be explored. By choosing your favorite luxury in the format that suits your lifestyle, you can ensure that this summer is as refreshing as possible. For those wishing to delve deeper into the lore and methodology of the craft, our online resources\u2014including our comprehensive guides on how to brew the perfect pitcher\u2014remain available as you embark on your summer tea journey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Emeric Harney June 12, 2026 As the calendar turns to June, the shift in seasons brings with it a unique set of celebrations. Beyond the recognition of Pride Month, the historical significance of Juneteenth, and the annual observation of Father\u2019s Day\u2014a particularly poignant time for a family-owned business like ours\u2014June marks the arrival of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1566,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[591],"tags":[1448,48,1342,593,1449,131,595,1450,1259,1192,594,592],"class_list":["post-1567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tea-culture-and-ceremonies","tag-celebrating","tag-guide","tag-iced","tag-matcha","tag-month","tag-national","tag-pu-erh","tag-refreshment","tag-seasonal","tag-summer","tag-tea-ceremony","tag-tea-culture"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1567"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1567\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1566"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}