Russian Tea is a warm spiced tea drink that takes me back in time! This recipe has that soothing taste of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg mixed with the sweet orange taste of Tang. Just mix with hot water and sip away!
Back in the ’70s, Russian Tea made with Tang was all the rage. At least it seemed that way to me, a young girl who wondered why my mom never made it.
This original homemade Russian Tea Recipe is warm, soothing and full of comfort.
Homemade Russian Tea Recipe with Tang
I thought this concoction was the best stuff on earth. That slightly spicy, orange tea taste with a hint of cinnamon and cloves. Yum. It’s made with Tang, which was also the best thing since sliced bread in the 70s. You were the cool house if you had Tang in the cupboards. 
What is Russian Tea Mix?
Well somewhere along the way, housewives from all around thought to combine the instant ice tea granules, with Tang and a few other ingredients to create a delicious taste that will now take you back in time.
I always wanted it hot, but you can drink Russian Tea cold too! This time of year, I’m all about hot drinks to sip on. Once 5 o’clock hits, I’ve been indulging in my homemade Hot Buttered Rum hot drinks.
It’s so good, even if I don’t add the rum.
Now that I’ve learned how to make lattes at home, I sip on those too!
I know the holidays are over, but this also makes a great homemade gift idea. Maybe just a sweet gesture for someone who’s been a great friend lately, or someone who needs a pick me up. 
Because this reminds me so much of my mom, I am storing it in one of the antique jars I found in her cupboards. She was ahead of her time, storing many items in glass jars. I love this jar! 
This recipe can be tweaked if you think it needs more cloves or cinnamon. Depending on how seasoned you like it, just adjust accordingly.
How Long Does Russian Tea Last?
If stored in an airtight container, Russian tea should last 6-8 months. It’s really the moisture that will ruin the shelf life. Keeping it sealed is important so it doesn’t harden and clump.
How to Make Homemade Russian Tea
You’ll need:
- Tang – or any orange powder drink mix
- Lemonade powder drink mix
- Unsweetened instant tea granules
- Ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Sugar
Russian Tea Recipe
This Russian Tea Recipe from the 70's is a classic drink made with Tang, instant tea, and spices. Serve piping hot or over ice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups unsweetened Instant Tea Powder
- 2 Cups Tang (or orange powder drink mix
- 1 Tablespoon Lemonade Powder Mix - use sweetened or unsweetened.
- 2 C. Sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Mixing all of this creates quite a bit of dust. I decreased this problem by using a gallon size ziploc bag.
- Pour all ingredients into your plastic bag. Of course a large bowl will also work.
- Mix ingredients well, either stirring or shaking it around in a well sealed ziplock bag.
- Store in the baggie or in any container that keeps moisture out.
- Mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of your new mixture into your mug or glass of hot water or cold water, about 1 cup. Adjust accordingly.
Recipes for Hot Drinks
Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate
For those who love a little peppermint added to their hot chocolate!
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
This warm & delicious holiday drink makes a great gift item too! Printable tags on TCL.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Nutella
Everyone loves Nutella! This recipe for crockpot hot chocolate is easy to make a great for a crowd.
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Sherry says
If I use sweet instant tea should i leave out the sugar? Sweet was all I can find. Thxs
Ruth S says
My mom used to make this and I had the craving, but she no longer had the recipe. So grateful to have found this. Delish~
Kim says
I loved this stuff and remember all the mom’s making it.
Jenn says
My neighbor used to make me this tea all the time! I’m so excited to have the recipe now!
Kim says
It’s a classic!
Natasha says
This Russian Tea Recipe is soothing and refreshing. I love the smell too! This is going to be my new favorite tea recipe!
Kim says
It’s a great sipper!
Melissa says
This not only tastes amazing but smells amazing too. It’s perfection!
Kim says
It does smell amazing! Good Ole Tang!
Beverly Short says
You are so right, I remember this well from the 70s it was so popular. I actually didn’t remember it was called Russian Tea until I saw your post and then it hit me. I must be a little older than you are since I was a young housewife in the 70s but I don’t think my mom ever made it for us, we were probably very lucky if she ever bought TANG. But this drink is in almost every cookbook I have from the 70s and 80s, it makes me so happy to see you bringing it back for the younger generation to enjoy.
Debra Miller says
Can you substitute stevia for the sugar? Has anyone tried this?
Kim says
I am sure you could use a stevia or trivia product, but I would add it once you’ve made the drink. I’ve never used Swerve, but from what I understand, it measures out more like sugar.
Natalie says
This sounds so refreshing & cozy!! I bet the smell is amazing!
Kim says
It does smell amazing! You’re right!
Anna says
I made this for my friends and it was a hit! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Kim says
It makes a great gift! Easy and inexpensive too!
Courtney O'Dell says
This is the perfect hostess gift! I loved how amazing the tea smelled!
Kim says
Thank you! Yes, it does smell (and taste) delicious!
Terri Kleinberg says
During the 70’s, when my boys were small, one of my neighbors and I made this every year in early December to give as gifts. I loved the way it made the house smell when you made it or brewed it. I think I need to do this again.
Kim says
It was everywhere in the 70s!! So good!