How to Make Russian Tea

You don't have to track down tea leaves from the Georgian countryside to make this sweet, spicy tea. It's the preparation process that makes the tea Russian. And if you want a true Russian tea, stay away from any recipe that involves using Tang or powdered lemonade mix.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 cups of white sugar
• Juice from one lemon
• Juice from four oranges
• 1 1/2 tbsp. of orange zest
• 5 cups water
• 8 whole cloves
• 1 1/2 tbsp. black tea leaves
• 8 cups boiling water
• Tea strainer

Instructions

1. Mix the sugar, orange zest, cloves and 5 cups of water in a pot. Allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes. Strain and allow to cool.

2. Put 8 cups of water into separate pot. Bring to a boil and then add the black tea leaves. Let the tea steep for 3 to 4 minutes, then strain.

3. Combine the tea and the sugar-clove mix. Stir in the lemon and orange juices. Serve warm.

Tips & Warnings

• For an extra kick, add a stick of cinnamon or whole nutmeg when boiling the sugar-orange-clove mixture.

Resources

• All About Russian Tea