Russian Tea is a cozy citrus-tea mixture, enhanced with warm mulling spices. This dry mix last months on the shelf; when ready to serve, simply add hot water and stir. (Free gift printable included.)
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What's the Story Behind this Recipe?
As I get older, I find myself remembering more and more about the women in my mother’s circle who influenced my life. Remember Mrs. Houston? I've written about her a couple of times: she was my mother's super-talented, perpetually cranky friend who taught me to embroider and made my family Nuts-n-Bolts for Christmas every year.
Mrs Houston also introduced me to Russian Tea - a warm, cozy concoction that has ties to both the 1960's penchant for convenience foods and NASA’s space program.
Tang, the primary ingredient in Russian Tea mix, was known in my childhood as the drink “the astronauts took to the moon.” Tang first made its appearance in the late 1950’s, but didn’t sell well until it got a super-powered boost from NASA in the early 60’s when it was included in the food-stores of John Glenn’s Mercury spaceflight, and later on the Gemini missions. Mom was suspicious of anything unfamiliar to her Midwest Depression Era upbringing (i.e., yogurt, pizza, Swiss cheese, etc.); however, if it was good enough for John Glenn, it was good enough for her.
Do Russians really drink Russian Tea?
Doubtful. We have a family full of Eastern European in-laws, and none of them (to my knowledge) have ever even heard of Russian Tea.
Initially, I thought the name might have something to do the US-Russian Space Race and the Tang connection. However, after doing a little investigating, I learned that recipes for Russian Tea predate the dawn of Tang; appearing first in US post-World War II community cookbooks, as a mix of brewed black tea, orange juice, and warm spices.
Later, when Lipton developed the first instant iced tea formula in the late 1950's - just two years after the release of Tang - Russian Tea became increasingly popular, as it could be made ahead of time in bulk, making it appealing for parties, large gatherings, and gift giving.
Whatever its origins, Russian Tea is just about the coziest non-alcoholic beverage I know of. It tastes a lot like mulled cider, with a warm, citrusy kick.
What Goes into this Recipe
Use whatever products/brands are most familiar and accessible to you. We include the brands we use here for reference only.
★ Orange drink mix: Use a dry, sugar-added, orange-flavored drink mix. We use Tang when we can find it. (Costco often has it.)
★ Instant tea: Use a dry ice tea mix, with or without lemon added. We use Lipton Ice Tea Mix. Do not use Sweet Tea mix.
★ Lemonade mix: Use a dry, sugar-added plain lemonade mix, or use a dry-unsweetened mix and add sugar. We most often use Country Time Lemonade Mix, but have used Wyler's in the past.
★ Sugar: Use plain white sugar. Use sugar only if your lemonade mix is unsweetened.
★ Spices: In addition to the cinnamon and cloves, we often add a little fresh nutmeg to the mix.
How to Make this Recipe
Mix orange drink mix, instant tea, sugar, lemonade mix, and spices together. Store in an airtight container.
To make one cup of Russian Tea, add one heaping tablespoon of mix (or to taste) to a cup of hot water and stir.
Give the Gift of Russian Tea
Not only is Russian Tea is easy to put together and delicious to drink, but the dry mix makes a lovely housewarming, hostess, or holiday gift as well. We’ve included free printable gift tags just for this purpose!
Make yourself a cup of Russian Tea today and curl up with a good book. Nah zdarovhyeh!
That's (phonetic) Russian for Cheers!
Featured Reader Review
"Thank you so much for reminding me about this childhood favorite. A sweet neighborhood mom always had a thermos of this in her car when she would pick us up from ice skating or sledding. I am going to serve this to my grand kids and start some new memories. I found Tang and instant Lipton Lemon iced tea mix at my local Safeway grocery store in Eastern Oregon."
– Kris
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More Warmly-spiced Recipes
Russian Tea Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry orange drink mix i.e. Tang
- 1 cup instant tea
- 2 cups sugar **
- 1.25 ounces package unsweetened package lemonade mix **
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon heaping
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.
To make one cup of Russian Tea:
- Add one heaping tablespoon of mix (or to taste) to a cup of hot water and stir.
MOCK Russian Tea:
- If black tea is something you choose to avoid, you can make Mock Russian Tea by simply leaving out the instant tea. It still tastes warm and cozy.
Notes
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Originally published October 8, 2014. Post has been updated with new content, images, and recipe instructions to improve reader experience.
UPDATE: This post was first published on The Good Hearted Woman, November 23, 2015.
Darcy says
Hi, THANK YOUUU for posting this recipe. It carries many cherished memories for me. Can you clear this up for me? Do I add;
2 C Tang
2 C sweetened ice tea and
2 C lemonade mix? Or 1C of the iced tea and 1C of lemonade, to your recipe?
Renée B. says
The only variable is the sugar source. The amount of Tang and ice tea mix never changes.
If you use unsweetened lemonade powder, simply follow the recipe as written on the recipe card (i.e., 2 cups of Tang, 1 cup of iced tea mix, 2 cups of sugar, one 1.25 ounces package of unsweetened lemonade mix, plus spices).
If you use sweetened lemonade mix, use 2 cups of Tang, 1 cup of instant tea, and 2 cups of sweetened lemonade mix. Do not add any additional sugar to the mix until you test the sweetness level. Add additional sugar to taste.
Hope this helps.
Tammi says
Hey if I use the country time lemonade how much do I add for the Russian. Tea? Do I use the 2 cups like if it was regular and I added sugar?
Renée B. says
Add 2 cups of the Country Time powder and don't add any additional sugar. Test the sweetness level by mixing up a little in some hot water. Give it a taste and decide if you need to add any additional sugar.
Lynn Crawley says
What is 1.25 oz of lemonade?
Renée B. says
It’s a small package of unsweetened lemonade (like a package of unsweetened Koolaid).
From the rector notes: “Use a dry, sugar-added plain lemonade mix, or use a dry unsweetened mix and add 2 cups of sugar. Do not add sugar with sweetened lemonade mix. “
Don Banks says
Very good for a dry or (Instant mix) but I much prefer the pineapple juice, lemon juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks, 3 fam size tea bags with a small can of orange juice concentrate mixed in. I had a friend who did the instant mix with tang, and it's handy and easy to use on the run but if you have time or stay home....the original 'brewed' is far better.
Renée B. says
Pineapple juice and fresh spices sound like a delicious option for a wet mix to drink in the moment, but comparing them is like comparing pineapples to oranges. This dry mix is designed to be shelf-steady, for mixing, and gift giving.
Kris says
Thank you so much for reminding me about this childhood favorite. A sweet neighborhood mom always had a thermos of this in her car when she would pick us up from ice skating or sledding. I am going to serve this to my grand kids and start some new memories.
I found Tang and instant Lipton Lemon iced tea mix at my local Safeway grocery store in Eastern Oregon.
Renée B. says
Thank you for your sweet comment. It's amazing how the aroma of Russian tea (or even the memory of it), seems to bring back those crisp fall memories with such clarity.
Bea says
The ingredients don't seem to mix well while dry. The tea and spices separate from the flavored drink mix. Is that normal or am I doing something wrong?
Renée B. says
Great question! Due to the differently sized and textured ingredients - particularly the instant tea - separation is perfectly normal. In fact, when stored in a clear jar, the mixture creates an almost striated appearance through the glass. You just need to mix it up a bit as you spoon it out.
Rhonda says
Is the instant tea sweetened or sugar free
Renée says
Good question! (Back when this recipe originated, there wasn't a choice.)
Use plain, unsweetened instant tea.
Julie bailey says
Can artificial sugar be substituted?
Renée B. says
I don't have any personal experience doing so, but I'm sure an equivalent artificial sweetener would work just fine.
Melissa C says
I grew up with this tea, my grandmother and mother made it all the time. They always used Tang and Wyler's lemonade mix, and Instant iced tea mix. I came here because I couldn't remember the exact measurements. I wonder who thought it up in the first place.
Renée says
Gosh, I had forgotten all about Wyler's! I usually use CountryTime. Glad you found us!
Charlotte says
I lost my husband back in November 2020 and this is my first Christmas without him in 61+ years. Two of my neighbors have given me the gift of Russian Tea which I have never tried, did not know it until now. From the comments I have read it sounds interesting. I will be trying it shortly after I close this site. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.
Renée says
Oh, Charlotte - I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope that you are comforted this holiday season by the love of friends and family.
Gillie says
This was very popular in Alaska in the '70s. Nearly every table had a painted "tin" dish with items like salt, pepper, ketchup, jelly, sugar and a jar of Russian Tea. I fell in deep love with it.
Renée ♥ says
I love that it was included on the table with the other "necessities!"
Shayla says
I've never had Russian Tea, it sounds lovely! We are big coffee and tea drinkers here.
Brittany limberakis says
Oh wow this sounds sooo perfect for winter nights!
Ashley R says
I used to drink so much tea and stopped. I will have to get into this. It does look like the cozy way to relax.
Nicole E. says
Wow.. This sounds so easy and the ingredients are easy to find..! I'm a tea lover that's why I would definitely make a cup of this one. Haha
Monica says
My husband has recently turned into a tea lover. This Russian tea sounds perfect for a cold night!
Renée ♥ says
It really is! This "tea" is one beverage both the tea-lovers and the tea-avoiders in my family can both agree on.
Erin says
Wha?! The guy who made Tang also made Cool Whip and Pop Rocks?! Can you imagine what his kitchen must have been like?! I had never heard of Russian Tea before. This seems pretty fun!
Renée ♥ says
I know! I was surprised too, Erin! He also invented quick-set Jello and powdered egg whites.
Lu Ann @ The Cup of Life says
Hmm..I have never had Russian Tea before but this has definitely peaked my interest! I will definitely have to give this a try 🙂
Dijana says
I love it! It definitely sounds like perfect little treat for rainy days.
Melissa says
I love your style of writing and this post! So fun. I've never tried Russia Tea, but I think I might now. 😉
--Melissa
http://www.melissamchee.com
Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says
This is bringing back so many wonderful childhood memories! There is a 5- and 8- year age gap between myself and my sisters, so I was always an annoyance/fun project for them. My sister Steph would always throw tea parties for my friends and I using Russian Tea. If only she was still interested in providing wait staff for my parties!
Pech says
I've never heard of this warming concoction but it sounds super wonderful for a chilly evening warm me up, I'll give it a try! Thanks for sharing the recipe and accompanying memories you have of it!
kelsey says
this looks delish!
Create/Enjoy says
Don't think I've ever heard of Russian Tea or had any of the primary ingredients! Very creative! I do like hot drinks in the winter!
Sheila says
Sooooo good for soothing sore throats too!!
Renée says
I hadn't thought of that before; but yes, it is very soothing! Thank you!