You might find it intriguing that Russian Tea Mix, often associated with cozy gatherings, actually hails from the Southern United States rather than Russia. This unique blend of flavors not only warms you up but also offers a canvas for creativity, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your palate. Whether you prefer it steaming hot on a chilly evening or invigorating cold during a summer get-together, there's more to this mix than meets the eye. What's the secret behind its enduring popularity and the variations you can try?
Key Takeaways
- Russian Tea Mix combines Tang, instant iced tea, lemonade powder, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves for a flavorful beverage.
- It can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it versatile for various occasions.
- The mix is easy to prepare and can be customized for sweetness and spice levels.
- Properly stored, the dry mix lasts up to a year, ensuring you can enjoy it anytime.
- Russian Tea Mix makes a thoughtful gift, especially when packaged in decorative jars.
History
Have you ever wondered how Russian tea became a beloved beverage in America? Its roots trace back to the late 19th century, where upper-class Russians enjoyed black tea with lemon and sugar.
Fast forward to the Southern United States in the 1960s, and you'll see the rise of the instant Russian tea mix, fueled by the popularity of Tang drink mix introduced in 1959.
Church cookbooks played a significant role in spreading this delightful drink, featuring the first recorded variation in a North Carolina cookbook in 1966.
Recipe
Russian Tea Mix
Russian Tea Mix is a delightful beverage that brings warmth and nostalgia with every sip. This mix combines the bright flavor of Tang, the invigorating essence of iced tea, and the comforting spices of cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings, this tea mix can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Not only is it a comforting treat, but it also makes for a lovely homemade gift when packaged in decorative jars with personalized labels.
Creating your own Russian Tea Mix at home is simple and rewarding. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will last for months, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes. Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste, and share the joy with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Tang orange drink mix
- 1 cup instant iced tea mix
- 1 cup lemonade powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
To prepare the Russian Tea Mix, start by combining all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture well to ascertain that the Tang, iced tea, lemonade powder, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves are evenly distributed.
Once blended, transfer the mix into a sealed jar for storage. When you're ready to enjoy, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the dry blend into 1 cup of hot or cold water, adjusting to your taste preference.
When preparing Russian Tea Mix, consider experimenting with the spice levels or even adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can decrease the sugar amount or use a sugar substitute to suit your dietary needs.
Store the mix in a cool, dry place, and remember to use it within a year for the best flavor.
Similar beverages include spiced chai tea or flavored instant teas that incorporate spices and citrus flavors. Variations of Russian tea mixes can also be created by using different fruit-flavored drink mixes or adjusting the spices to create a more personalized blend.
Final Notes
When it comes to enjoying your homemade Russian Tea Mix, a few final notes can enhance your experience. This Instant Spiced Tea isn't just a warm beverage; it's a delightful blend of Tang orange drink mix, sweetened iced tea mix, and warm spice flavors like cinnamon and cloves.
You can easily adjust these spices to match your taste, making each cup uniquely yours. To prepare, simply mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of the dry mix into a cup of hot water. This flexibility lets you customize the sweetness and spice levels, catering to everyone's preferences.
Plus, when stored in a cool, dry place, your dry mix can last for up to a year, preserving its rich flavors for many cozy gatherings.
Don't forget, Instant Russian Tea Mix also shines as a gift option! Present it in decorative jars for a thoughtful gesture that's perfect for any occasion, not just Christmas.
