Homemade Russian Tea Recipe

ByNaima
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

What Is Russian Tea?

Here’s a fun fact: homemade Russian tea isn’t actually Russian at all! This warming, flavorful drink is an American creation. Russians have never heard of this recipe, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious.

You don’t need any fancy equipment like a big Russian Samovar to make this tea. It’s incredibly easy, and it tastes amazing.

Homemade Russian Tea

What You’ll Need

Making homemade Russian tea requires just a few simple ingredients:

Citrus Fruits:

3 oranges 2 lemons
  • 3 oranges
  • 2 lemons

Spices:

  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Other Ingredients:

  • 8 cups of water
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Black tea bags (like PG Tips or any plain black tea)

Important tip: Stay away from Earl Grey or flavored teas for this recipe. Plain black tea works best!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Citrus

Start by slicing your oranges and lemons. You’ll be using 3 oranges and 2 lemons total.

These juicy citrus fruits are what give homemade Russian tea its bright, refreshing flavor.

Step 2: Start the Base

Add 8 cups of water to a large pot.

Throw in all your sliced oranges and lemons. Don’t worry about being too precise here—just toss them in!

Step 3: Add Your Spices

Now it’s time to add the warming spices:

  • Drop in 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Add about 8 whole cloves
  • Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • Pour in 1/2 cup of sugar (you can always add more later if you want it sweeter)

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Turn up the heat and bring your mixture to a boil.

Important: Do NOT add the tea bags yet! This is a common mistake that can ruin your homemade Russian tea.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Once your mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes.

This gives the citrus and spices time to blend together and create that wonderful flavor.

Step 6: Add the Tea

Now it’s time to add your black tea bags.

Remove the pot from heat first, then add the tea bags. Let them steep in the hot mixture for about 5 minutes.

This allows all the tea to infuse properly without becoming bitter.

Step 7: Remove Everything

After steeping, it’s time to strain out the fruit and tea bags.

You can use:

  • A small strainer
  • A large strainer
  • A sieve
  • Cheesecloth (this works great if you don’t like pulp)

Pro tip: Don’t squeeze the tea bags! Squeezing them releases bitter tannins that will make your tea taste harsh and unpleasant. Just lift them out gently.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

This is the moment of truth!

Give your homemade Russian tea a taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar now. Stir it in well and taste again.

If you used a regular strainer and there’s too much pulp for your liking, you can strain it again through cheesecloth for a cleaner tea.

Serving Your Homemade Russian Tea

Pour your homemade Russian tea into mugs and enjoy it hot!

This drink is perfect for:

  • Cold winter days
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Cozy afternoons
  • Sharing with friends and family

The combination of citrus, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting flavor that everyone loves.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of homemade Russian tea is in its simplicity. You’re not using any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

The citrus fruits provide brightness and natural sweetness. The spices add warmth and depth. The black tea gives it body and a little caffeine kick.

Together, they create something special that tastes far more complicated than it actually is!

Tips for the Best Homemade Russian Tea

Use fresh citrus: Fresh oranges and lemons make a big difference in flavor.

Don’t rush the steeping: Give your spices and tea enough time to release their flavors.

Adjust sweetness to taste: Everyone likes different levels of sweetness, so make it your own.

Store leftovers properly: You can keep leftover tea in the refrigerator and reheat portions as needed.

Make it ahead: This tea actually tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had more time to blend.

The Bottom Line

Making homemade Russian tea is easy, affordable, and delicious. Even though it’s not actually from Russia, this American creation has become a beloved recipe for good reason.

With just some citrus, spices, and tea, you can create a warming drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

Give this recipe a try and see why so many people love this not-so-Russian tea!

Homemade Russian Tea

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Citrus Fruits:
  • 3 oranges
  • 2 lemons
Spices:
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Other Ingredients:
  • 8 cups of water
  • 1/2 cup sugar adjust to taste
  • Black tea bags like PG Tips or any plain black tea

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Citrus
  1. Start by slicing your oranges and lemons. You’ll be using 3 oranges and 2 lemons total.
  2. These juicy citrus fruits are what give homemade Russian tea its bright, refreshing flavor.
Step 2: Start the Base
  1. Add 8 cups of water to a large pot.
  2. Throw in all your sliced oranges and lemons. Don’t worry about being too precise here—just toss them in!
Step 3: Add Your Spices
  1. Now it’s time to add the warming spices:
  2. Drop in 2 cinnamon sticks
  3. Add about 8 whole cloves
  4. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup of sugar (you can always add more later if you want it sweeter)
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
  1. Turn up the heat and bring your mixture to a boil.
  2. Important: Do NOT add the tea bags yet! This is a common mistake that can ruin your homemade Russian tea.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
  1. Once your mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes.
  2. This gives the citrus and spices time to blend together and create that wonderful flavor.
Step 6: Add the Tea
  1. Now it’s time to add your black tea bags.
  2. Remove the pot from heat first, then add the tea bags. Let them steep in the hot mixture for about 5 minutes.
  3. This allows all the tea to infuse properly without becoming bitter.
Step 7: Remove Everything
  1. After steeping, it’s time to strain out the fruit and tea bags.
  2. You can use:
  3. A small strainer
  4. A large strainer
  5. A sieve
  6. Cheesecloth (this works great if you don’t like pulp)
Pro tip: Don’t squeeze the tea bags! Squeezing them releases bitter tannins that will make your tea taste harsh and unpleasant. Just lift them out gently.
    Step 8: Taste and Adjust
    1. This is the moment of truth!
    2. Give your homemade Russian tea a taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar now. Stir it in well and taste again.
    3. If you used a regular strainer and there’s too much pulp for your liking, you can strain it again through cheesecloth for a cleaner tea.

    Perfect for Christmas and Winter Gatherings

    This orange spiced Russian tea is a holiday favorite! Serve it at your Christmas party, winter brunch, or cozy New Year’s celebration. The warm spices and citrus create that festive feeling everyone loves during cold winter months.

    More Ways to Enjoy This Orange Tea Recipe

    For a High Tea Party: Serve this cinnamon orange tea alongside cookies, scones, and finger sandwiches for an elegant winter gathering.

    For Christmas Morning: Make a big batch on Christmas Eve and reheat it Christmas morning while opening presents.

    For Cold Winter Days: Keep a pot on the stove and reheat cups throughout the day when you need to warm up.

    What to Do With Extra Oranges

    If you bought oranges and need ideas for what to do with oranges, this recipe is perfect! It uses whole sliced oranges, so nothing goes to waste. The fruit infuses all its flavor into the tea.

    Why This Black Tea Recipe Drink Is Perfect for Winter

    Unlike iced teas or summer drinks, this hot tea recipe for winter warms you from the inside out. The combination of black tea with warming spices makes it ideal for:

    • Snowy afternoons
    • Cold winter evenings
    • Holiday entertaining
    • Cozy nights in

    The spices and citrus also give your home an amazing seasonal aroma while it’s brewing!