Sunday, December 1, 2013

Russian Tea


When it's cold outside, there's nothing quite as cozy as sitting by a fire in your fuzzy pajamas with a hot beverage.  Sometimes, however, I don't really want coffee in the evenings before bedtime.  So, every year about this time, I whip up a batch of Russian Tea.

This stuff actually makes a fantastic teacher gift at Christmas.  Just put some in a pretty little container with a nice little label - DONE!  Several years ago, I was trying to decide on some Christams gifts for my girls' teachers and remembered my mom making Russian tea for teachers when I was younger.  This particular recipe came from my mother in law and I've been told that it is some of the best ever!  (I would have to agree!)

Even better - it could not be easier to make! 

{A little history note - I have always wondered why this stuff is called "Russian" tea, so before typing this post I Googled it.  According to wikipedia, this mixture bears little to no resemblance to the tea they actually drink in Russia.  It first appeared in an American cookbook in 1925 and thee origin of its moniker is otherwise unknown.}  

Ingredients
1 container of Tang (18-20 oz.)
3/4 cup instant tea with lemon
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves


Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  When finished, store in an airtight container.

To serve, add 3-4 Tablespoons to a mug of hot water (approximately 8-10 oz).


What hot beverage to you like to sip this time of year?

20 comments:

Janine Huldie said...

That sounds pretty damn good and will say I love to drink black tea or hot chocolate in the evenings, but would totally give this a try. thanks for sharing and love the gift idea, too!! :)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Janine! I love this stuff~

Tamara Bowman said...

I am so with you on a hot beverage and flannel pants (in my case) and a fire going. Also, we light up our Christmas tree. So nice to just sit on the couch with a book or bad Christmas movie. My hot beverage of choice will always be coffee, but I can't do the caffeine, so it's decaf. With a generous helping of whipped cream!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I can't do coffee unless it has lots of sugar an creamer (preferably flavored). Sometimes that's just too heavy for me in the evening. Otherwise, I think what you described sounds just heavenly!

Kenya G. Johnson said...

Sounds and smells good - right through this post. I think I will make this as a teachers gift. Thanks - pinning. I like coffee but not decaf so I don't need to have it at night. When I want to sip on something warm I usually end up eating chocolate. That makes sense right?

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Makes complete sense! :-) It is a great teacher gift! Thanks for pinning~

MamaRabia said...

Wow! I've never heard of this, but it sounds wonderful! I may have just figured out what to get all the teachers!! THanks!

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

Lisa, my mom used to make this, and I'd completely forgotten all about it! I loved it! Thanks so much for the reminder and the recipe.

The Dose of Reality said...

I am all about a holiday beverage, and I feel like my 5 y.o. would LOVE this! She is obsessed with tea! :)-Ashley

Dana said...

I have never heard of Russian tea, Lisa. Thanks for sharing - I'll have to give it a try!

Ginnymarie said...

I've never heard of Russian tea before, either, but it sounds like the perfect drink for when I have a cold! I'm definitely going to try it! I'm drinking some camomile tea right now. :)

Martha said...

I've never even heard of Russian tea before, but it looks delicious! I love orange in my tea.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

It's a great teacher gift! I have done it a couple times before. :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

You're welcome! Too bad we aren't close enough to sit down and have a cup together! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

This is great for kids because it's more Tang & sugar that anything else. My girls love it!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Never?? Well, I hope you like it!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

It is wonderful for when you have a cold or a sore throat. That's usually when I remember to make some!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

It is certainly very orange-y! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Wow!! This has a lot more Tang that tea, but it is yummy!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Well, I hope he likes it - even though it's not very Russian! :-)

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