It has become increasingly chilly in our neck of the woods, and when that happens, I love nothing more than a steaming hot mug of Russian Tea.
When I was a little girl, my mom made Russian Tea every fall and I looked forward to it with great anticipation. I've heard it called by many names including Friendship Tea and Amish Tea but I have always known it by the name of Russian Tea. I have also seen many variations, but, of course, I like the one my mother made the best.
Sir Knight would only take pictures for me if I put this disclaimer in - "Tell them it tastes like Commie Sweat". Now, I'm not entirely sure how Sir Knight knows what commie sweat tastes like, but I do know that he doesn't like it - so maybe it's just a girl drink. I happen to love it - it is tart and tangy and sweet and hot. Anyway, here is the recipe my mom always used:
Mrs. Tibbet's Russian Tea
1 C. Instant Tea
1 1/2 C. Tang
1 C. Sugar
1 pkg. Lemonade Cool-Aid (without sugar)
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Mix together. Use 3 spoonfuls per mug, add steaming hot water.
*Note: I quadrupled this recipe.
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| Ingredients for Russian Tea. Yes, that is one of my many long term storage lists to the right! |
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| Stirring all of the ingredients |
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| In a gallon jar, ready for a winter of warming even the most cold souls among us |
My mom used to make up several batches of mixes and gave them as gifts. I think she just called it Spiced Tea.
ReplyDeleteThe scent, once you added the hot water, was wonderful.
Thanks for bringing back the memory,
Melody
Never heard of this before. Sounds interesting, but I would probably end up agreeing with your husband (although, I have never actually tasted commie sweat, either - thankfully).
ReplyDeleteThis time of year I like a hot cup of apple cider with a touch of cinnamon. Ahhhh, it's so nice. Apple cider powder is available in some locations, and will keep for a long time.
NoCal Gal
Theres nothing nicer than snuggling up to refrigerated air conditioning with a cup of instant coffee during a hot and muggy 86 degree day next to the Gulf of Mexico.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandma always made lots of this when I was a kid. I used to make it, but haven't in awhile. You've inspired me to make some up later this afternoon, thanks!
ReplyDeleteRussian Tea! I've been drinking this for twenty-three years! Nice to discover another fan. :)
ReplyDeleteBirdy
My mom used to make Russian tea when I was growing up, but it would usually be for special occasions, like when we had guests. It was always really tasty.
ReplyDeleteLOL--commie sweat...=) your blogs always put a smile on my face and I learn a lot from them...thanks for the recipe--I'm going to make a small batch later and try it out.
ReplyDeleteI read this russian tea to my husband and he started laughing and said that i have been cooped up in the house too long- time to go out(lol)he said that sounded worse than the chocolate gravy my mom would prepared for us kids when it was winter..(hackles up)chocolate gravy is awsome!!!
ReplyDelete@glo
ReplyDeleteI have never heard anyone other than my family mention chocolate gravy. I love chocolate gravy! We would dip toast points in it. Of course, I always get the same comments about it also.
I love Russian Tea!
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm a new RSS follower of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Russian Tea! Have had the recipe in our family since childhood. We were really dissapointed that the lemon ingredient ours called for was no longer available in stores. We are so happy to have found your recipe and that Kool-aide will work! Thank you so much for posting and bringing a family favorite back into our lives. :)