Friendship can begin in a thousand different ways—small talk in the school pickup line, shared lunches in the break room, sidewalk conversations with neighbors. But few things have brought people together across cultures and generations quite like tea.
From ancient tea houses to modern tea parties, a shared cup has long been the start of something meaningful. In honor of International Day of Friendship on July 30, we invite you to celebrate the connections (and blends) that matter most.
A Shared Cup Across Cultures
Across thousands of years and countless cultures, tea has served as an invitation to connect. In China, tea culture dates back more than 4,000 years. One of the earliest legends credits Emperor Shen Nong with discovering tea when a few leaves blew into his pot of boiling water. That serendipitous beginning gave rise to a rich tradition of tea appreciation, including the development of Oolong and Pu-erh teas, which are prized for their depth, complexity, and exceptional aging potential. The art of brewing, especially with small, porous Yixing clay teapots, is often a shared, meditative experience among friends or family. Each steeping round deepens both the flavor and the conversation.
As tea spread across Asia, it quickly shaped the daily rituals of gathering. In India, it took on a bold and communal form through Chai. Traditionally brewed with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom and ginger, masala chai is served everywhere. Offering someone a cup of chai is as natural and heartfelt as a hug. The same can be said for green tea in Japan. The traditional tea ceremony, also known as chanoyu, is a meditative practice rooted in Zen Buddhism and centered around the precise preparation of Matcha. Everyday teas like Genmaicha, a blend of green tea and toasted rice, and bright, grassy Sencha are also staples of Japanese hospitality, often enjoyed together in homes and workplaces.
By the mid-1600s, tea found a rightful home in British culture. Initially, it was an exotic luxury enjoyed only by royals and the upper class. Over time, it became synonymous with British life, evolving from a simple act of refreshment to a cornerstone of connection. Afternoon tea turned into a cherished tradition, with blends such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and English Breakfast offering a welcome respite from the day. Served alongside sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and pastries, the ritual provided dedicated time for conversation and companionship in both grand tearooms and cozy homes. Inviting someone for “a cuppa” remains a warm way to welcome company and share a moment.
The Friends Behind the Flavors
At Harney & Sons, friendship is more than a theme; it is part of our very foundation. Over the years, close friends and collaborators have inspired some of our most cherished teas. Each blend carries its own unique story shaped by the bonds that bring people together.
- Sally’s Secret – Our celebration of life, love, and fine tea. This aromatic blend honors our dear co-worker Sally, whose expert blending, steady friendship, and love of all things pink we remember and miss every day. It combines our classic Earl Grey with delicate pink rosebuds to create a lovely tea meant to be shared with a friend.
- Stanley’s Blend – This simple yet elegant combination of Assam and Darjeeling pays tribute to Stanley Mason, the man who transformed John Harney’s appreciation of tea from casual enjoyment to true mastery. As John put it, “Before learning from Stanley Mason, tea was just a nice drink. He showed me how to make great teas and also taught me the traditions of tea.”
- Malachi McCormick – Named for a friend with an adventurous heart and deep respect for tea traditions. We created this black tea blend of Assam and Keemun to honor its namesake, an Irish author and small-press publisher. Though his handmade book A Decent Cup of Tea is small in size, Malachi McCormick’s words speak volumes about the challenge of finding well-prepared tea in hotels. Known simply as “Malachi” among its many fans, this blend has become a favorite for morning or afternoon cups.
- Eight at the Fort – Our signature blend of eight teas, created especially for the historic 1997 dinner at The Fort Restaurant. This event was attended by the Group of Eight world leaders in the high mountains above Denver. The blend remains a harmonious combination, with each tea contributing notes that work beautifully together. We are also proud to celebrate our family friend, the owner of The Fort Restaurant, who has been inducted into the Colorado Restaurant Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Ralph's American Breakfast – A rich, malty blend with hints of toasted hay, this tea was developed in collaboration with Ralph Lauren to evoke the warmth and comfort of home. Named for the iconic designer, Ralph’s American Breakfast is a familiar favorite with timeless character. The handsome tin it’s packaged in was designed to live on as a cheerful and stylish reminder that good taste begins with great tea.
Gifts Worth Sharing
Tea has always been a thoughtful gesture — an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and feel cared for. Whether you’re celebrating a lifelong friendship or reaching out to reconnect, a gift of tea speaks volumes without saying a word.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Gifts for Every Occasion collection. You’ll find dozens of thoughtfully curated offerings to match any taste and style. From elegant tins to beautiful boxed sets, there’s something for everyone, including those new to tea. The Finest Tea Starter Kit features some of our most popular blends, complete with essential accessories for the perfect cup.
A cheerful pick for fruit lovers or iced tea enthusiasts, the Fruity Medley Sampler refreshes the day, and the Teabag & Honey Sampler adds a touch of sweetness to every sip. The variety in our Sampler and Chest Collections makes for mindful, generous gifts, offering the chance to explore at their own pace. These collections are also ideal for sharing; bring a sampler to a picnic, host a tea tasting with friends, or include a few blends in a thoughtful care package. Or go straight for a Bag of 50 of their favorite blend, because nothing says “thinking of you” like making sure they never run out.
Time For a Tea Party
We believe that any occasion is worthy of a tea party. Tea has a unique way of turning ordinary gatherings into heartfelt celebrations. There’s a magic in slowing down in a space where conversations flow as freely as the tea itself. Those special moments don’t have to be reserved for milestones like birthdays or bridal showers. Even a simple catch-up with friends can channel the charm of a tea party. Set out a few favorite blends, pass around some sweets, and let laughter, stories, and steeped joy fill the table.
For easy entertaining, especially in the summer, our Fresh Brew Iced Teas are crowd pleasers. With a variety of flavors, these blends are easy to brew and refreshing on hot, sunny days. Don’t have time to steep? Stock your fridge with our ready-to-drink bottled iced teas, juices, and elixirs ahead of time. From bold and fruity to light and floral, there’s a sip to suit every taste, so you can pour freely and focus on connecting with your guests.
For a more traditional tea party, lean into timeless blends like Paris, Earl Grey Supreme, and Hot Cinnamon Spice. These beloved classics set the scene for a close, intimate gathering. Get your friends together for a baking lesson, craft night, or a relaxed afternoon outside. No matter what you decide, sharing a pot of tea adds intention and charm to every moment.
Don’t worry, we have a blend to match every Celebration. The next time you host or attend a Birthday Party, Garden Party, or Wedding, consider bringing along the tea specially crafted for the occasion. Not only do these unique brews make for a memorable gift, but they also add a charming touch to the theme. With a tin in hand, you can make every gathering truly special.
