09/19/2025
I have a confession to make: my name is Kelli, and I am a tea-aholic.
While most people start their mornings with a steaming cup of coffee, I don’t. For me, it’s tea—preferably iced. Hot, cold, unsweet, lemon, peach… it doesn’t matter. Iced tea is my comfort, my ritual, my non-negotiable.
The thing about tea, though, is that it isn’t complicated. At its core, it’s just water with a little flavor steeped in. Not sparkling water, not mineral water, not some imported spring water in a glass bottle. Just plain tap water is all you need. Which is why sometimes I’m floored by how much restaurants charge for it.
Take a recent work trip, for example. Bob and I sat down at a nice restaurant and before the waiter could even introduce himself, I had my order ready: “Iced tea, please.”
When it arrived, I was thrilled. Crisp, cold, with a lemon wedge on the rim—exactly what I wanted. I sipped, sighed, and smiled. Then I ordered a refill. And another. And another. Five glasses later, I was still happily sipping away.
But then came the check.
I glanced down at the little black folder, and there it was in bold print: $6.50. For one glass of iced tea. SIX. DOLLARS.AND. FIFTY. CENTS.
Now, I know prices are up everywhere. Groceries, gas, eating out—everything costs more these days. And yes, it was unlimited refills. But $6.50? For flavored tap water? Let’s just say it gave me pause.
To be fair, this isn’t the first time tea has made me question my spending habits. Back when I worked in news, I had a little routine. On my way in to the TV station, I’d call Bob while pulling into Sonic to order a large unsweet iced tea during “happy hour.” Then, after my dinner break, I’d swing by again for another large unsweet tea (again at “happy hour”). It was my thing.
One day Bob pointed out, “Do you realize how much you’re spending on iced tea every week?” I’ll admit—I hadn’t thought about it. But when I did the math, I was a bit taken aback. Two teas a day, five days a week… let’s just say it added up fast. After that, I got smart and started making my tea at home.
Still, when we’re away from home? All bets are off. I need my tea. And yes, even if it’s $6.50, I’ll probably order it anyway. I’ll just make sure I get my value in refills (except in those places that don’t do free refills, but we don’t frequent those unless we have to!)
But maybe, just maybe, I’ll start glancing at the price before I do.
So what about you?
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for iced tea—or any “simple” drink?
Did you feel like it was worth it, or did you vow never again?
Because, if you’re like me, sometimes it’s not about the price—it’s about the comfort of having that glass of tea in hand.
