Classic Southern Russian Tea is a beloved holiday drink that has been passed down through generations across the American South and Appalachian regions. This comforting spiced tea blend combines citrus flavors, black tea, cinnamon, and cloves to create a warm and fragrant beverage that's perfect for chilly mornings, holiday parties, and homemade gifts.
Whether prepared for family gatherings or packaged in Mason jars for Christmas gifting, this traditional tea mix remains a seasonal favorite thanks to its simplicity, long shelf life, and cozy flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Tang orange drink mix powder
- 1 cup instant unsweetened black tea powder
- 1 cup sweetened lemonade drink mix powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar (optional)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add:
- Tang orange drink mix
- Instant tea powder
- Lemonade drink mix
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 2: Package the Mix
Transfer the mixture into clean, dry Mason jars or airtight containers.
For a decorative layered presentation, carefully add each ingredient in separate layers before sealing the jars.
Step 3: Store
Seal tightly with lids and store in a cool, dry location.
The mix will stay fresh for up to 6 months when properly stored.
How to Serve
Hot Russian Tea
- Add 2 to 3 rounded teaspoons of the tea mix to a mug.
- Pour in 1 cup (8 ounces) of boiling water.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Extra Cozy Variation
For an even richer flavor, garnish with:
- A cinnamon stick
- An orange slice
- A lemon wheel
Storage Tips
Pantry Storage
Keep the dry mix in an airtight container away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Gift Giving
Divide the tea mix into decorative Mason jars, attach a handwritten serving tag, and give as a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
Helpful Tips
Adjust the Sweetness
If your lemonade mix is already heavily sweetened, you can reduce or completely omit the additional granulated sugar.
Mix Thoroughly
Whisking well helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the blend, ensuring consistent flavor in every cup.
Customize the Spice Blend
Add a pinch of:
- Ground ginger
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
for a more complex holiday flavor.
Make Larger Batches
This recipe doubles and triples easily, making it ideal for holiday gifting and winter entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Russian Tea?
Despite the name, this tea blend is a traditional American recipe that became popular in the Southern United States and Appalachia during the mid-20th century.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes. Use sugar-free orange drink mix, sugar-free lemonade mix, and omit the granulated sugar.
Does it contain caffeine?
Most instant black tea powders contain caffeine, but you can substitute a decaffeinated version if preferred.
How long does the mix last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the mix typically remains fresh for up to 6 months.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4–5 cups of dry mix
- Servings: About 40–50 cups of prepared tea
- Difficulty: Easy
- Course: Beverage
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Prepared Cup)
- Calories: 35
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific drink mixes used.