The Best Russian Tea Recipe (Spiced, Citrusy & Dangerously Cozy)

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8 cups | Calories: 95 kcal per cup

Russian tea is not actually Russian. It is an American spiced tea punch that has been warming people up at holiday gatherings and cold-weather get-togethers for decades. And once you try it, you will understand why it never goes out of style.

This is the kind of drink that makes your whole house smell incredible while it simmers on the stove. Orange, lemon, cloves, cinnamon — it is like Christmas in a mug, but it works any time the weather turns cold.

Fifteen minutes from start to finish, and you have enough to serve a crowd or keep yourself warm for days.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Russian tea might sound old-fashioned, but it has stuck around for good reason. Here is what makes this recipe worth making.

It is warm and comforting without being heavy. This is not a thick, creamy drink. It is light, fruity, and spiced — the kind of thing you can drink all afternoon without feeling weighed down.

The flavour is completely unique. It is part tea, part punch, part spiced cider. Nothing else tastes quite like it, and that is exactly what makes it so memorable.

It is incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques, no expensive ingredients. Just tea, juice, spices, and a pot. Done.

It works for a crowd. This recipe makes eight cups in one go. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or batch-prepping your week of cozy drinks.

It keeps beautifully. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat by the cup whenever you need it.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) water
• 4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose black tea)
• 2 cups (480ml) orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 1 cup (240ml) fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 large lemons)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
• Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan or pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
• Citrus juicer (for fresh lemon juice)
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Mugs or heatproof glasses (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat.

Step 2: Add the tea bags (or loose tea in an infuser) to the hot water. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Do not steep longer or the tea will become bitter.

Step 3: Remove the tea bags or infuser. Discard them.

Step 4: Add the orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar to the brewed tea. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 5: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice (if using). Give it a good stir.

Step 6: Place the pot back on the stove over medium-low heat. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. Do not let it boil — just a gentle simmer to let the spices infuse.

Step 7: Taste it. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed, or more lemon juice if you want it sharper.

Step 8: Strain out the whole spices before serving, or leave them in for a stronger flavour.

Step 9: Ladle the tea into mugs. Garnish with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick if you like. Serve hot and enjoy.

@jaimemichelle

Substitutes & Swaps

Black tea: Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or any robust black tea works beautifully. Green tea or herbal tea will give you a very different flavour — stick with black tea for the classic version.

Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought is absolutely fine. Just avoid anything with added sugar or pulp unless you like that texture.

Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is noticeably brighter and better. If you do not have lemons, lime juice works as a substitute — the flavour will be slightly different but still delicious.

Granulated sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar all work as swaps. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go — honey and maple are sweeter than granulated sugar.

Whole spices: If you only have ground spices, use ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves instead of the whole versions. The tea will be slightly cloudier but the flavour will be similar.

Variations

Cranberry Russian Tea: Add 1 cup of cranberry juice along with the orange and lemon juice. Gorgeous deep red colour and a tart, festive flavour.

Spiced Apple Russian Tea: Replace half the orange juice with apple cider or apple juice. Add a star anise pod along with the other spices. Perfect for autumn.

Ginger Russian Tea: Add a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced) to the pot when you add the other spices. Warming and slightly spicy.

Spiked Russian Tea: Add a shot of bourbon, rum, or brandy to each mug just before serving. Instant winter cocktail.

Iced Russian Tea: Make the tea as normal, let it cool completely, then chill in the fridge. Serve over ice with fresh mint. Brilliant in summer.

Tips & Tricks

Do not over-steep the tea. Five minutes is the maximum. Any longer and the tea becomes bitter and astringent, which will throw off the whole flavour balance.

Simmer, do not boil. Once you add the juices and spices, keep the heat low. Boiling will cook off the delicate citrus flavours and make the tea taste flat.

Use fresh citrus juice. This makes a huge difference. Bottled juice tastes flat and artificial in comparison. Squeeze your own — it is worth the extra two minutes.

Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Start with less sugar than you think you need. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out. Taste before serving and adjust.

Leave the spices in for stronger flavour. If you love spiced drinks, leave the cinnamon sticks and cloves in the pot while you serve. The flavour will keep getting stronger as it sits.

Make a big batch and store it. Russian tea keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat individual cups in the microwave or on the stove whenever you want one.

Serve it at gatherings. Keep a pot of this simmering on the stove during parties. It fills the house with the most incredible smell and guests can help themselves all evening.

Nutrition Information (Per Cup)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	95 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fibre	0.5g
Sugars	22g
Protein	0.5g
Sodium	5mg

Nutrition is approximate and based on 1 cup of Russian tea made with black tea, orange juice, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Does not include optional garnishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Russian tea actually Russian? No. Despite the name, Russian tea is an American creation. It became popular in the United States in the mid-1900s and was often served at church socials and holiday gatherings. The name likely comes from the custom of serving tea with citrus and spices, which was common in Russia.

Can I make Russian tea with tea concentrate? Yes. Some recipes use instant tea powder or tea concentrate mixed with Tang or other powdered drink mixes. This version uses real brewed tea and fresh juice, which tastes much better and has no artificial ingredients.

Why is my Russian tea bitter? The tea was steeped too long or boiled after the juice was added. Keep the steep to 5 minutes maximum and only simmer gently — never boil — once the citrus juice is in the pot.

Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Brew the tea separately, then add everything to a slow cooker and keep it on low for 2–4 hours. Perfect for parties — it stays warm and fragrant all evening.

How long does Russian tea last? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat individual portions on the stove or in the microwave. The flavour actually gets better after a day or two.

Can I make this caffeine-free? Yes. Use decaffeinated black tea or rooibos tea instead of regular black tea. The flavour will be very slightly different but still delicious.

What does Russian tea taste like? It is hard to describe if you have never had it. Imagine spiced apple cider but lighter and more citrus-forward, with a gentle tea base. It is warm, fruity, slightly sweet, and beautifully spiced.

The Cup That Warms Everything

Some drinks are just drinks. This one is an experience. It warms your hands, fills your house with the smell of cinnamon and citrus, and makes everything feel a little bit slower and a little bit better.

Make a pot this weekend. Pour yourself a mug. Sit down and actually drink it while it is still hot. You will thank yourself.

Made this recipe? Tell me in the comments if you kept it classic or added your own twist. I would love to hear what you did with it.