National Hot Tea Month
Observed
the month of January
Dates
January 1st, 2024 to January 31st, 2024
January 1st, 2025 to January 31st, 2025
January 1st, 2026 to January 31st, 2026
January 1st, 2027 to January 31st, 2027
January 1st, 2028 to January 31st, 2028
Child Events
Tags
Food & Drink
Hashtags
Sources
National Hot Tea Month is observed throughout January as a time to enjoy hot tea and appreciate the beverage’s cultural significance. Tea is described as the world’s second most consumed beverage after water, and tea traditions appear in cultures around the globe, including England’s afternoon tea, Japan’s matcha ceremonies, and China’s tea ceremonies. Bee Inspired Goods notes that the Tea Council of the USA established the month in 1950. January also includes National Hot Tea Day on January 12.
Tea has a long and storied background. According to legend, Chinese Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when leaves blew into boiling water, although this account is presented as folklore rather than verified history. In Indiana, historical photographs document tea enjoyed at home, taught by Girl Scouts, served at community events, and prepared during Japanese American tea ceremonies. The Indiana Historical Society presents these examples as part of the beverage’s social and cultural history.
How to Observe National Hot Tea Month
Celebrate by brewing a favorite hot tea, then make January an opportunity to try a variety you have never tasted. Compare different brewing temperatures or steeping times, or host a small tea tasting with friends and family. You can also learn about tea customs in places such as China, Japan, India, or Morocco, or create a quiet daily tea ritual with time to savor each cup. Bee Inspired Goods offers ideas for tea tastings and experimenting with brewing techniques.


