International Tea Day is observed on May 21, the date the United Nations set aside to celebrate the world’s favorite drink after water. The next International Tea Day is Friday, May 21, 2027. Keep an eye on the live countdown above and use the time to stock up on a few new leaves worth trying.
From a grassroots campaign to a UN day
The day has two histories. Starting in 2005, tea-producing countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya and Vietnam marked an International Tea Day on December 15. That first event was organized in New Delhi by trade unions and civil society groups focused on the rights and wages of tea workers.
On December 21, 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming May 21 as the official International Tea Day, and it was first observed in 2020. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads the observance. The UN recognizes tea’s long cultural history as well as its role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security. According to the FAO, the tea sector supports more than 13 million people, and smallholder farmers grow about 60 percent of the world’s tea.
One plant, many cups
Black, green, white, oolong and pu-erh tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference lies in processing, especially how much the leaves are allowed to oxidize. Herbal “teas” such as chamomile, peppermint and rooibos are technically infusions, because they contain no tea leaves at all. China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are among the biggest producers.
Tea habits vary a lot between countries. In the US, much of the tea people drink is iced, often brewed in big pitchers and served sweet in the South. In the UK, a hot cup of black tea with milk is still the everyday default, and the debate over whether the milk goes in first never quite ends.
Ways to celebrate
- Hold a tasting flight: brew one black, one green and one oolong side by side and compare color, aroma and taste.
- Get the water right: green tea usually prefers water below boiling, around 160–180°F (70–80°C), while black tea can take a full boil.
- Try cold brew: steep loose leaves in cold water in the fridge overnight for a smooth, less bitter iced tea.
- Look for the label: certifications such as Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance are one way to support better conditions for growers.
- Host an afternoon tea: scones, small sandwiches and a pot of tea make an easy weekend gathering.
Planning a tea event?
Cafés, libraries and tea shops often use May 21 for tastings or talks with growers. If you are organizing one, share this countdown link with your guests or add the date to your calendar so the invitation does not get lost. You can also embed the countdown on your shop’s website.
Related days
Coffee drinkers get their turn on International Coffee Day, October 1, and anyone with a sweet tooth can look ahead to World Chocolate Day on July 7.