For the first time ever, Columbia is searching for the recipe that will earn the title of Best Fruit Tea in Columbia, Tennessee. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Columbia Main Street invites the community to battle it out in the Fruit Tea Challenge at the community-wide Fruit Teaser event.
Restaurants, businesses, churches, caterers, nonprofit organizations, civic clubs, and individuals with “secret” recipes passed down through generations are invited to compete for the title. Teams must register at ColumbiaMainStreet.com by September 1st. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
At the event, each competitor will provide approximately 10 gallons of homemade fruit tea to serve during the ticketed tasting. Guests will sample each recipe and vote for their favorite, while a panel of judges will also select a winner.
Two champions will be crowned:
- “The People's Pour” – Community Choice
- “The Golden Glass Award” – Judges' Choice
Both winners will earn community titles of Columbia's Best Fruit Tea, receive special recognition from Columbia Main Street’s social media, and be featured in an official press release announcing their winning recipe.
Want to taste them all? Fruit Tea Tasting Tickets are just $5 and can be purchased in advance at ColumbiaMainStreet.com or at the event. Guests who pre-purchase their tasting ticket will receive a FREE collectible Fruit Tea cup while supplies last.
To learn more about the Fruit Teaser event and other Columbia Main Street programs and events, visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com or follow @ColumbiaTNMainStreet on social media.
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Fruit Teaser is a one-year-only celebration proclaiming Columbia, Tennessee as the Fruit Tea Capital of the World. Join Columbia Main Street for the official proclamation, Fruit Tea Tasting Challenge, chugging contest, youth poetry contest, official song debut, live music, food trucks, themed vendors, and family activities. Be part of Columbia history as we celebrate the drink our community has loved for generations.