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National Hot Tea Day

Sip into the warmth of National Hot Tea Day - indulge in a comforting mug of your favorite tea and relax with a good book!

Tuesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYCoffee

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Hot Tea Day on January 12 with a cup of your favorite brew! This day has been around for centuries, and is believed to have originated in China sometime during the 3rd century AD. Since then, it's become a staple drink for many cultures all over the world; from green tea in Japan to chai tea in India and beyond.

TIMELINE

National Hot Tea Day Timeline

Tea Discovery in China

According to legend, Emperor Shennong of China discovered tea when leaves from a nearby bush fell into a pot of water he was boiling.

Tea Introduced to Europe

Portuguese merchants first brought tea to Europe during the 16th century.

Tea Arrives in Britain

Introduced by Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II, tea became popular in Britain during the late 17th century.

Tea Cultivation Begins in India

The British started tea plantations in India during the 19th century, particularly in the regions of Darjeeling and Assam.

Tea Consumption Worldwide

Tea has become one of the most popular beverages globally, with an estimated three billion cups consumed daily.

First National Hot Tea Day

Celebrated on January 12th every year, the first National Hot Tea Day was recognized in the United States in 2016.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Hot Tea Day

Brew your own tea

Brewing your own hot tea is the perfect way to celebrate National Hot Tea Day. Pick up some loose leaf tea and a teapot, and try different varieties of tea with friends and family.

HOST

Host a Tea Party

Invite friends over to celebrate National Hot Tea Day with a tea party! Create a meal plan that includes traditional tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Don't forget to have plenty of different kinds of hot tea for guests to choose from.

VISIT

Visit a Tea Room

For an extra special experience, find a local tea room and celebrate National Hot Tea Day there! A tea room will have an extensive selection of teas available for tasting, so it's a great way to discover new favorites.

EXPERIMENT

Experiment with Tea Cocktails

Tea isn't just for sipping - it can also be used in cocktails! Try recipes such as the Earl Grey Martini, or the Red Snapper (a popular Bloody Mary variant).

TRY

Try Different Blends

Look for unique blends or flavored teas from your local specialty store or online. You can even experiment with brewing your own herbal blends at home.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Hot Tea Day

Hot Tea helps relax

Sipping on a warm cup of herbal tea can be a great way to relax after a long day. Many types of herbal teas contain compounds like chamomile and lavender which are known for their calming properties that can help relieve stress and promote quality sleep!

Hot Tea has Health Benefits

Hot tea is packed with antioxidants that have numerous health benefits. From boosting your immune system to aiding in digestion, sipping hot tea can help improve your overall physical and mental wellbeing!

Hot Tea is easy to make

Making a cup of hot tea is so easy! All you need is some loose leaf tea or tea bags, boiling water, and a teapot. Then you just let it steep for the recommended time before pouring into your favorite mug and adding any mix-ins such as milk or honey for added flavor.