Mark your calendars to beat the summer heat!
On Thursday, July 16th, 2026, McAlister’s Deli is bringing back its annual Free Tea Day. You can walk in and grab a giant glass of their famous iced tea completely free—no purchase or rewards membership required.
👉 Find a McAlister’s Location Near You
- The Limits: Limit 1 free tea per person for in-store walk-up orders, or up to 4 free teas per order if you place it online or through the McAlister’s mobile app.
- Flavors Included: Sweet tea, unsweet tea, half-and-half, tea/lemonade, and flavored teas (like peach). (Kids’ drinks and frozen beverages are excluded).
- How to Order: Valid for dine-in, takeout, or official app pickup. Third-party delivery services like DoorDash do not qualify.
McAlister’s Rewards — Free Food Year Round
Join the McAlister’s Rewards program and get a FREE tea. Free to join and you’ll earn points on every order redeemable for free food — plus exclusive member deals and early access to promotions like Free Tea Day.
👉 Join McAlister’s Rewards — Free!
🤔 McAlister’s Free Tea: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the annual Free Tea Day at McAlister’s?
McAlister’s hosts its official Free Tea Day every single year on the third Thursday in July (this year it falls on July 16th, 2026). Everyone gets a completely free Big Tea with no purchase or ID required. Mark your calendar to check back every July for the exact date!
Who qualifies for free tea during Appreciation Weeks?
Both teachers and nurses qualify for a completely free beverage during McAlister’s annual appreciation window (held from May 4th–8th). To claim your free drink, simply walk into any participating location and present a valid educator, school, or medical ID to the cashier.
Do I need to make a purchase to get my free tea?
No! Whether you are stopping by on the giant July Free Tea Day or visiting during the May Teacher and Nurse Appreciation week, there is absolutely no purchase necessary. Just show up, ask for your free tea (or show your work ID in May), and walk out with a cold drink.
What specific flavors are included in the free tea offers?
You can choose from their famous Big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, half-sweet/half-unsweet blends, or a half-lemonade and half-tea combo. Please note that add-on flavor shots and purees are typically excluded from appreciation promotions, and the offers never apply to kids’ cups or frozen beverages.
Are these free tea promotions available at every single location?
These events are held at participating nationwide
Looking for more freebies? Check out our Free Food page!
