Russian Friendship Tea Mix

"This is a delicious orangey tea that just smells wonderful! I portion out some of the mix in little holiday ziploc baggies to give as gifts at the holidays. I am always surprised how many people have never had this tea. I have used this recipe for 8 years and have had many positive comments. A nice way to present this tea is to fill a zip-plastic baggie with some of the tea mix and place in a gift mug. This is an instant version of the real Russian tea, which is more like a hot fruity tea punch. Imagine a warm, sweet spiced apple cider, only with a citrusy/orange taste instead. This will not taste like a brewed black tea. The lemonade mix called for is one tiny packet, enough to make a 2 quart size pitcher (although you only use the mix dry). If you are subbing in sugar-free versions of any ingredients (which do work just fine) be aware that they will weigh less than anything made with sugar, so measuring by volume (such as US type cups and spoons) is key here if you are converting the recipe."
 
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photo by Marg (CaymanDesigns) photo by Marg (CaymanDesigns)
photo by Marg (CaymanDesigns)
photo by Linky photo by Linky
photo by Bonnie G #2 photo by Bonnie G #2
photo by Rita1652 photo by Rita1652
Ready In:
5mins
Ingredients:
7
Yields:
4 cups mix
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ingredients

  • 1 - 1 12 cup sugar (or less, to taste)
  • 2 cups instant Tang orange drink
  • 12 cup sweetened iced tea mix powder
  • 1 (1/4 ounce) envelope unsweetened lemonade mix
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 12 teaspoon ground cloves
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directions

  • Combine all ingredients well and store in an airtight container.
  • To use, fill a mug with boiling water and stir in 2-3 teaspoons of mix, to taste.
  • If all you can find is presweetened lemonade, then use the amount of dry mix needed for a 2 quart pitcher according to the package instructions and leave out the sugar.

Questions & Replies

  1. I love this fragrant and tasty tea. It brings back wonderful memories! Does anyone know nutrition information such as the number of calories in one mug? Thank you
     
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Reviews

  1. We made this up and had some friends over and everyone just loved it!! It has a very nice orange, spicy flavor. Thanks for posting this recipe!
     
  2. I really enjoyed this tea!!
     
  3. I wonder if Karen and I went to the same university :) Brings back memories of college era hayrides. I dug out my recipe - and it's exactly the same. It's a wonderful warmer upper and a nice combination of ingredients. Kind of sweet, kind of spicey. Do not expect it to taste like tea. There is no ingredient that overpowers the others.
     
  4. I used to make this over 25 years ago, in college ... and couldn't believe I could find the recipe here. Thank you so much for providing it! It's exactly as I remembered it. Perhaps not to everyone's taste, but a refreshing change from the typical hot drinks. My husband, who is on chemotherapy and finds little to like, was surprised how much he enjoyed it. Next time I make it, I'll slightly increase the amount of cinnamon and cloves, and slightly decrease the Tang.
     
  5. no it doesn't taste like real tea..it's more of a spiced drink but it is sooooooo good!!!
     
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Tweaks

  1. I had gastric bypass about one and one half years ago and I'm always looking for new drinks that i can drink all day long. I replaced the tang with crystal light(two tubs of orange and one lemonade), the sugar with spenda and the sweented tea with decaf instant tea mix. It tastes great and the aroma is even better.
     

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