Russian Tea Recipe

Russian Tea is a fragrant, warming spiced drink made with tea, citrus, and gentle spices. It has a smooth texture with bright orange flavour balanced by cinnamon and cloves, making it especially comforting on chilly days. This is an easy recipe with very little hands-on work, ideal for beginners. Total time is around 15 minutes, with extra time if serving warm in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

For the Tea Base

• 1 litre water
• 4 black tea bags
• 250ml orange juice
• 60ml lemon juice
• 100g caster sugar or honey

For the Spiced Flavour

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

To Serve

• Extra honey, optional
• Cinnamon sticks, optional

How to Make Russian Tea Recipe

• Prepare the pan: Place a medium saucepan on the hob and pour in the water. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Brew the tea: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the tea bags and leave to steep for 5 minutes so the flavour becomes rich and balanced.
• Add the citrus: Remove the tea bags. Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar or honey until fully dissolved.
• Warm with spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and lemon slices. Return the pan to low heat.
• Simmer gently: Heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not boil, as this can dull the fresh citrus flavour.
• Serve: Strain if you prefer a clear drink, then pour into mugs. Garnish with fruit slices or cinnamon sticks.

Tips

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar or honey by half, then taste and add more only if needed.

Can I use different tea?

Yes, Earl Grey or decaffeinated black tea both work well.

Why should I avoid boiling after adding juice?

Boiling can make citrus juices taste flat or slightly bitter. Gentle heat gives the best flavour.

How do I serve this for guests?

Transfer the finished tea to a slow cooker on warm so guests can help themselves.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with shortbread biscuits
• Pair with fruit cake or ginger loaf
• Offer at festive brunches
• Enjoy beside a fire on cold evenings

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave out for more than 2 hours once prepared.

Refrigerator

Cool completely, then store in a covered jug for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the hob.

Nutrition

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 8mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Russian Tea Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: DrinksCuisine: ClassicDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

cups

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

Calories

85

kcal

15

minutes

A warming spiced tea drink made with black tea, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for winter gatherings or a cosy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

• 1 litre water

• 4 black tea bags

• 250ml orange juice

• 60ml lemon juice

• 100g caster sugar or honey

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 6 whole cloves

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• Extra honey to serve, optional

Directions

• Bring the water to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
• Remove from the heat, add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
• Discard tea bags and stir in orange juice, lemon juice and sugar or honey.
• Add cinnamon sticks, cloves and sliced fruit.
• Return to low heat and warm gently for 8 to 10 minutes without boiling.
• Strain if preferred and ladle into mugs.
• Garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Notes

• Do not boil after adding juice to keep the flavour fresh.
• Adjust sweetness to taste.
• Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties.