WARNING: Consuming Russian Tea may lead to intense feelings of coziness and an uncontrollable desire to curl up with a good book.
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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.
My mom was suspicious of, and therefore rarely bought, 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. Hence, as a child I luxuriated with a glass of ice-cold Tang on a regular basis.
Fun Fact: The creator of Tang, William Mitchell, also invented (among other things) Pop Rocks & Cool Whip.
Do Russians really drink tea like this?
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.
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. I’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!)
Russian Tea Mix
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 2 cups dry orange drink mix i.e. Tang
- 1 cup instant tea
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 .23 oz. package unsweetened package lemonade mix e.g. unsweetened Kool-Aid mix
- 2 heaping teaspoons cinnamon
- 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.
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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UPDATE: This post was first published on The Good Hearted Woman, November 23, 2015.
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!
this looks delish!
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!
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!
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
I love it! It definitely sounds like perfect little treat for rainy days.
Hmm..I have never had Russian Tea before but this has definitely peaked my interest! I will definitely have to give this a try 🙂
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!
I know! I was surprised too, Erin! He also invented quick-set Jello and powdered egg whites.
My husband has recently turned into a tea lover. This Russian tea sounds perfect for a cold night!
It really is! This “tea” is one beverage both the tea-lovers and the tea-avoiders in my family can both agree on.
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
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.
Oh wow this sounds sooo perfect for winter nights!
I’ve never had Russian Tea, it sounds lovely! We are big coffee and tea drinkers here.
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.
I love that it was included on the table with the other “necessities!”
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.
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.