Lipton Hard Iced Tea Puts a Quirky Twist on Groundhog Day with “Can Daddy”

Lipton Hard Iced Tea, the 5% ABV refreshing twist on America’s favourite tea, is embracing one of the nation’s most charming traditions with a celebration of connection, optimism, and unfiltered fun. This Groundhog Day, the brand launches a bold and quirky campaign that brings summertime vibes to the heart of winter.

The campaign was created in collaboration with Lipton Hard Iced Tea’s creative AOR Founders Agency.

Stealing the spotlight of the campaign is a towering 9-foot-tall groundhog sculpture crafted from over 6,000 Lipton Hard Iced Tea cans. The structure took months to make as each can was washed, and prepped, and worked by hand, as the groundhog-inspired “Can Daddy” came to life.

Can Daddy has officially embarked on a road trip across the country (built and transported from LA), on the back of a trailer. He departed from Pittsburgh, PA yesterday morning (1/30)  for his Groundhog Day journey and was last seen cruising the PA highway. Along these first few stops, thanks to spottings and social posts, people were seen on the side of the road holding up ‘We Love Can Daddy’ signs. One passer by was even quick enough to steal a can off the sculpture. The journey will culminate in Indiana, PA, where Can Daddy will take centre stage at the corner of Maple St. & Willow Ave. The statue’s quirky charm hopes to draw even more crowds, intrigue local influencers, and generate curiosity, serving as the perfect centrepiece for celebrating one of America’s most eccentric holidays with one of America’s most beloved beverages.

Furthering the creative message, Lipton Hard Iced Tea will unveil several clever billboards with upside-down text that reveals messages as a shadow on the ground. This playful nod to Groundhog Day folklore exemplifies the brand’s knack for finding light even in the darkest days of winter.

The campaign is also featuring a nationwide digital sweepstakes on social media, offering a chance to win a trip to a warm destination. And for one lucky winner, the ultimate prize: Can Daddy himself.

With his unavoidable presence, Can Daddy is setting out to make sure the Lipton Hard Iced Tea vibes are impossible to miss, bringing light, laughter, and curiosity wherever he goes.

“Groundhog Day is a uniquely American tradition, and so is Lipton Hard Iced Tea,” says Lisa Texido, brand director, at Lipton Hard Iced Tea. “With Can Daddy, we’re reminding everyone that even in the coldest months, there’s always something to celebrate. Whether there is a shadow this weekend or not, we’re here to bring people together and inspire moments of joy, connection, and summertime spirit.”

The campaign launches during one of the “coldest” winters in recent history, underscoring Lipton Hard Iced Tea’s commitment to finding optimism in any season. “These are weird times, and we believe they call for an even weirder celebration,” said Katie Reid and Kristin Mizushima, creative directors at Founders Agency. “Groundhog Day’s charm lies in its unpredictability, much like our campaign. We wanted to bring a smile to people’s faces and remind them of the brighter days ahead.”