Easy Russian Tea Mix
Growing up in Alaska in the ’70s, Russian Tea was a sure sign that the holidays had arrived. The smell of orange, spice, and tea seemed to be everywhere in the weeks after Thanksgiving—a warm, comforting scent that told us that school was almost out and the delights of mid-winter were just around the corner.
This version of Russian Tea isn’t anything an actual Russian person would recognize. Nor is it even the Americanized tea served in fancy cups with fresh lemon slices.
Instead, it’s a homemade mix of instant tea, Tang, and cinnamon. Older versions also included powdered lemonade and sugar, but modern instant ice tea is sweetened and has lemon, so we don’t add any extra sugar to this mix.
Simple to make, easy to share, and deeply loved, it’s a cherished part of the Alaskan holiday season. And since we both grew up in Alaska and still live here, it’s part of our holiday season.
Back in the 70s, many families would prepare big batches at home, scooping the powder into jars to give as gifts to friends and neighbors. Our family used to make thermoses of Russian tea to take on ice fishing trips.
It was also a staple in scouting groups, warming us after a chilly winter adventure or a gathering around a council fire. The drink wasn’t just practical; it carried with it a sense of community and care.
How To Make Russian Tea
Make the mix by simply mixing the dry ingredients and keeping it in an air-tight container. Keep this mix ready whenever you need a hot, hearty drink. (Hint! Use to Wassail on 12th Night!)
Making the tea is easy: scoop a few spoonfuls of the prepared mix into a mug, pour in hot water, and stir. In seconds, you have a drink that fills the air with the aromas of citrus and spice. If you’re an Alaskan, it takes you right back to your childhood.
For kids, it’s a fun alternative to hot chocolate, and for adults, it was a cozy, lightly caffeinated treat.
The true magic of Russian Tea wasn’t just the taste, though—it was the way it brought people together. Those jars of homemade mix symbolized the season’s spirit: sharing warmth, spreading cheer, and savoring simple traditions that made the holidays unforgettable.
Russian Tea
Equipment
- bowl
- whisk
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- jars or other air tight containers these can be recycled jars, a zipper top bag, or even cut tubs for gift giving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Tang
- 3/4 cup Lipton Instant Iced Tea with Lemon this version is sweetened and has lemon in it, unlike older versions
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- To Make The Mix: add the ingredients to a mixing bowl
- whisk to combine completely
- pour into an air-tight container
- To Make A Cup Of Russian Tea: boil water
- add 2 teaspoons of the tea mix to a cup or mug
- pour hot water into the mug and stir to combine
- taste and add more mix if desired
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