Russian Tea

3 servings Prep: 5 m Cook: PT0M Total: 5 m Beginner
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Russian Tea
For a while, everyone in the small city where I was from was making this tea. The original recipe called for Start - an orange-flavored breakfast beverage popular in 1968. That alone dates this recipe.

Ingredients

3 servings
  • 1 can Start Orange Drink or Tang
  • 1 large envelope Lipton Lemon flavored ice tea mix
  • 1 (6 oz) envelope Lemonade mix
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 or 5 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 quarts water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine all dry ingredients and cinnamon sticks with water in a large pitcher or container. Stir well until completely dissolved.
  2. Chill and serve over ice.

Tips and Techniques

The flavors improve after chilling for a few hours. Make this the night before your party for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Start Orange Drink: Tang or any orange-flavored powdered drink mix
  • Lipton Lemon flavored ice tea mix: Any lemon-flavored instant tea mix

Equipment Needed

  • Large pitcher or beverage container (at least 1 gallon)
  • Long spoon for stirring

Historical Context

Russian Tea became popular at church socials and women’s club meetings across the South in the 1960s, despite having no connection to Russia or traditional tea brewing.