Did you know that there are two separate holidays that celebrate tea, its history, and its versatility? Here in the United States, we technically only celebrate International Tea Day, but National Tea Day is the British version, and who’s to say we can’t sip on a hot tea or long island iced tea in their honor, too?

In this blog, we’re going to answer all of your questions about tea and Tea Day – regardless of where you want to celebrate it. Plus, we’ll give you some delicious tea cocktail recipes you can try, including a long island iced tea recipe that will knock your socks off. Let’s dive right in.

What Is National Tea Day?

As we’ve seen with the holidays we’ve already covered here at Distillery Nearby, there can be a holiday for literally anything! “Why not,” we say. Tea is a delicious beverage enjoyed the world over – and it has been for thousands of years. And, it’s incredibly versatile, too. For these (and many more) reasons, National Tea Day and International Tea Day are celebrated across the world.

When Are National Tea Day & International Tea Day?

National Tea Day is, unsurprisingly, a British holiday that is celebrated on April 21st every year. However, if you want to get technical and celebrate International Tea Day in the United States, you’ll have to wait until May 21st. In our opinion, why not celebrate along with those who love tea the most – the British?

When Was the First National Tea Day?

The first official National Tea Day was observed in 2016. The holiday was reworked from the original International Tea Day and selected to fall on April 21st because it was also Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. Since 2016, Great Britain has officially celebrated this delightful beverage, and we can, too!

Fun Fact: The first ever International Tea Day was celebrated on May 21st in 2005.

A Brief History of Tea:

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. It’s delicious, refreshing, and has a variety of health benefits. But where did tea come from? And how did it become so popular?

The history of tea is a long and winding one, but it all started in China. According to legend, tea was first discovered in 2737 BC by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong. He was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from the tree blew into the water. Shen Nong, a renowned herbalist, decided to try the infusion that his servant had accidentally created. The tree was the species Camellia sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call “tea.”

Tea quickly became popular in China, and it soon easily spread to other parts of Asia. It was introduced to Japan in the 8th century, and to Korea in the 13th century. Tea was brought to Europe in the 16th century by Portuguese traders, and it quickly became popular there as well.

Today, tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. Tea leaves are grown in over 30 countries, and this beverage is consumed by billions of people every day. Tea is available in a variety of flavors, from black tea to green tea to white tea. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it can be used in a variety of recipes – including cocktails!

How to Celebrate International & National Tea Day

Here at Distillery Nearby, we’re always game for an excuse to celebrate a little bit. When it comes to tea, you have a surprising number of ways to celebrate – it’s great hot, cold, baked into treats, and mixed into cocktails! Let’s take a look at some ways you can celebrate National Tea Day and International Tea Day with tea-related festivities and drinks:

#1: Have a Tea Party!

There’s nothing more quintessentially tea-related than a tea party! From elegant and upscale to relaxed, boozey, and fun, you can throw any type of tea party you want! Choose some yummy baked goods to go with your tea beverages, and select fun decór for your guests to enjoy.

#2: Try Something New

There are so many different kinds of teas and things you can do with tea. Have you ever had a cocktail made with tea? Expand your horizon a little bit and see if there are any other delicious beverages (or baked goods) that use tea that you might enjoy!

#3: Learn a Bit More About Tea

You’re already off to a great start on this one; learning more about tea and its rich history is a great way to celebrate National Tea Day – even if you aren’t British! If you love tea, learning more about different ways to brew it, where it comes from, and new ways to use it in your cooking, drink mixing, and baking can be a fun way to spend your day.

#4: Support Small Businesses

Do you have a local tea or coffee shop near you where you can get fun brews? Check out your area to see what’s available and take a fun tea trip!

#5: Grab Some Local Spirits and Mix Up Tea Cocktails

That’s right – you can absolutely use tea in alcoholic beverages, and we whole-heartedly encourage it. Some sources will suggest using caution when mixing caffeinated beverages with booze, but as long as you aren’t over-indulging, you’ll be just fine. In the next section, we have several tea cocktails for you to try out on National Tea Day or International Tea Day.

Is There Tea In a Long Island Iced Tea?

We know what you’re thinking – a long island iced tea recipe would be perfect for this blog. But, unfortunately, you’d be wrong!

The long island iced tea has no tea in it whatsoever!

That’s right! However, we’ve briefly listed it here because it’s such a common question. The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail, but it’s only made with vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec, and it is then topped with cola. The result is a refreshing and delicious drink that is sure to please everyone. But, it only looks like tea.

Delicious Tea Cocktails for International & National Tea Day

Are you looking for some yummy tea cocktails to try? Tea is a great cocktail ingredient because it provides a lovely floral aroma and some bitter background to a beverage. Try combining things you love to create a fun, new cocktail! Here are a few stand-bys that are popular all over the world:

The “Earl Grey Martini”

If you love the almost “fruity” aroma of bergamot, this tea cocktail is certainly for you. To make this drink, shake 2 oz gin, 1 oz simple syrup, ½ oz lemon juice, ice, and an Earl Grey tea bag in a shaker gently, so as to not rupture the tea bag. Strain the contents into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a lemon peel, and enjoy.

The “Black Tea Mule”

If you like a darker, heartier tea flavor, the black tea mule will delight your senses. First, combine 2 oz vodka, 4 oz ginger beer, 1 oz lime juice, and a black tea bag in a copper mug. Add ice and stir gently, then garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

The “Chamomile Collins”

Chamomile is a more gentle flavor, with hints of vanilla and apple, making this Collins something special. To make the Chamomile Collins, combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, and one chamomile tea bag in a shaker with ice. Shake “vigorously” for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice. Top with 4 oz club soda, garnish with a lemon peel, and enjoy!

The “Mint Julep Iced Tea”

This cocktail is perfect for summer afternoon parties, since you can easily make up a pitcher to share. For six servings, combine 8 fresh mint leaves, one sliced lemon, and one sliced lime in a pitcher and muddle a little bit. Stir in a cup of your favorite bourbon, add three cups of cold, sweet tea, and then serve over ice. Recommended garnishes include citrus wedges and fresh mint leaves.

The “Everything Nice”

If you’re looking for another pitcher to mix up, this one is perfect, too. This cocktail pitcher will require that you make up an “Earl Grey syrup,” following this recipe. To mix up your pitcher, combine 9 oz dry gin, 3 oz slivovitz, 4 oz of your Earl Grey syrup, 4 oz lemon juice, and 6-8 oz of soda water. Stir together gently with ice and serve!

Distillery Nearby: Your Source for Local, Craft Spirits That Pair Well With Tea

Are you excited about some of the drinks above, but need a good, local spirit to mix it up with? Look no further than our location view – where you can find distilleries near you to visit, taste spirits, and buy local bottles for use in any drink recipe. 

From all of us here at Distillery Nearby, Happy National or International Tea Day!