During our routine days we become creatures of habit. So much so, that we achieve a taste for our “favorite beverage” and order it automatically to go with our meals.
Sure, sometimes our health dictates that we drink healthy and that means a diet beverage that is caffeine free or even skim milk with our cereal.
Nevertheless, we are 10 days into the wonderful month of June which signals to us that in just 11 days on Sunday, June 21 – we will welcome Summer 2026.
For your edification, this month is officially recognized as – NATIONAL ICED TEA MONTH.
During this month our senses are awakened by the urges for picnics, cookouts, and iced tea. Good reason too, because summertime brings long days, warm sunny weather and our natural love for outdoor gatherings with our favorite refreshing drinks.
Something about these hot days that alerts us to our enduring tradition when we indeed yearn for some delicious iced cold tea.
Let’s scan the past decades to early in the 20th century to 1904 at the World’s Fair in Saint Louis. Even then, tea was a very popular beverage and was chilled through lead pipes to make it drinkable under the sun.
In the south, especially here in Kentucky, iced tea became a staple, often called “sweet tea” and served with sugar and lemon.
When the lunch bell rings and you’re out on the patio it’s almost demanding that your cool iced tea is a natural compliment to so many lunch dishes that favor spicy flavors such as
• Asian – Inspired meals
• Salads, grilled vegetables or light sandwiches
• Herbal or green iced tea with roasted vegetables and so many other inspired plates
So, on this NATIONAL ICED TEA DAY or for that matter, whenever the occasion arises – here are some tips for both lunch and outdoor use…
• Flavor Variety – classic black, green, herbal or fruit enhanced iced tea to match cuisines and moods
• Options – For Fall and mild weather sparkling iced tea adds a crisp fizzy addition for outdoors
• Pairing your tea – Match your tea flavor with your food such as citrus tea with lemon desserts, herbal tea with light salads and sweet tea with pastries.
The bottom line to it all is that iced tea is a flexible, health conscious and crowd-pleasing choice for lunch or a picnic.
Speaking of occasions, here’s an idea for the family, neighbors or your friends here in June: HOW ABOUT A TEA PARTY.
It’s really a light gathering that takes place in the mid-morning or afternoon outdoors. Amid the conversations, finger food and delicious tea will indeed fill the bill.
In fact, outdoor tea parties are perfect for birthdays, showers, holidays, or just getting together for some wonderful moments with friends and family.
The location can be your back yard, a shaded patio, or even a public park.
In fact, just be creative and the fun will come and your Tea Party will be a hit.
Here’s a thought – as mentioned earlier, Father’s Day is coming quicky – Sunday, June 21.
A great opportunity for a cookout to honor Dad and to celebrate the beginning of summer amid the great food and of course, chilled iced tea.
Here’s another thought – remember TEA BAGS?
For the record, tea bags were patented way back there in 1901 and by1908 the USA loved them as they revolutionized tea brewing because of single – serving tea conveniently and certainly less messy.
LONG ISLAND ICED TEA: There may be quite a number who know and understand what this high-powered drink really is and then there are those like me who never gave it a thought.
So, to those of you who would like to be enlightened, here we go – you may be surprised – Long Island Iced Tea is really a high–ball cocktail made with no less than 5 liquors that include vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and orange liquor.
When the drink is mixed it resembles any tea in any cup of glass except for the significant alcohol punch.
The alcohol content is very high up to 80 proof or even higher. Indeed, moderation is recommended without any doubt. To say it’s “high powered” would be accurate.
A SPOT OF TEA: Somewhere along the way in your life, you may have heard a British idiom and had no idea as to what it meant. It could have come from a book, movie or even the news over these many years.
It has become a cultural shorthand for taking tea in a very small informal way.
Let’s not forget this bit of history from our good neighbors across the pond in England.
The term dates to the 17th Century when tea was first introduced to England to create a sort of break or moment of pause.
While “a spot of tea” is still widely used in England, it has become common here in the United States as well. To be certain, it is used as a tongue in cheek declaration when ordering a cup of tea.
So, be sure the next time you’re out for dinner or lunch and the waiter asks what your choice is for your beverage, you can declare with vigor – “I’ll have a spot of tea.”
That should create a question for sure – not to mention “sweet or unsweetened.”
So, on this June day, instead of having your favorite soft drink or coffee, dial up an iced tea or some hot tea either way, you will love it.
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.