Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Is Arizona iced tea from Arizona?

No, Arizona iced tea is actually from New York. Arizona Beverages was founded in 1971 as a beverage distributor under the name as Ferolito, Vultaggio and Sons, and it wasn't until 1992 when the company began producing their iconic iced teas. Originally located in Brooklyn, they are now headquartered in the Long Island hamlet of Woodbury.

So why the name Arizona? According to the company themselves, the owners wanted to name it after someplace hot and decided on Arizona after looking at a map. Santa Fe was also under consideration. A story claims the decision was made when Vultaggio remembered his uncle moved there, while another story claims the name originated when Vultaggio’s wife was inspired by a trip to the state.