Russian orange tea is a comforting drink that blends citrus, spice, and strong black tea into a warm, inviting cup. This cherished recipe has long been enjoyed for its rich flavor and ability to bring people together. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a cool evening or want something special for a festive gathering, this homemade citrus tea is the perfect choice. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and fills the house with an incredible aroma as it simmers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spiced tea recipe is ideal for anyone who loves cozy, homemade drinks. It offers a wonderful balance of sweet, tart, and warm flavors, with a deep base of black tea.
Here’s why it’s a great addition to your recipe collection:
- Delivers bold flavor with familiar citrus and spice
- Quick to make using frozen juice concentrates and tea bags
- Versatile enough to be served hot in winter or cold in summer
It’s a beverage that feels festive but is simple enough to enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this drink brings something unique to the table. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
10 cups of water (divided)
Part of the water is used to brew the tea, and the rest is used to infuse the spices and mix everything together.
6 black tea bags
A strong, classic black tea like English Breakfast or Ceylon works best to hold its own against the strong flavors of juice and spice.
6 whole cloves
These add a deep, slightly sweet spiced note. Cloves also lend a warm aroma that makes this drink feel extra cozy.
2 cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon infuses the water with a comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange and lemon.
1 cup of granulated sugar
Sugar adds sweetness that helps round out the sharper citrus and spice flavors. You can adjust it to your liking.
6 oz pineapple juice concentrate
This adds a tropical twist and natural sweetness that enhances the citrus without overpowering it.
6 oz orange juice concentrate
Orange concentrate is key for the bold, tangy base flavor of this tea. It brings brightness and depth.
3 oz lemon juice concentrate (or 6 oz lemonade concentrate)
A bit of lemon sharpens the flavor and adds a refreshing note that complements the warmth of the spices.
1 tsp ground allspice
Allspice gives this tea complexity, offering the essence of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in one ingredient.
These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a tea that’s both aromatic and full of flavor.
How to Make Russian Orange Tea
This tea is prepared in two parts: first you brew the tea, then you create the citrus-spice blend. The two are combined and gently simmered to bring out the best in every ingredient. It’s easy to scale up for a group or make in advance for a ready-to-go comforting drink.
You’ll enjoy the process as much as the result — while it simmers, the blend of tea and spices fills the kitchen with a delightful scent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Boil 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat and steep the tea bags for 5 to 10 minutes depending on your desired strength. When done, discard the tea bags.
Step 2: Simmer the Spices
In a large pot, bring the remaining 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes so the spices can release their flavors.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Tea
Pour the brewed tea into the large pot with the spiced water. Stir in the sugar and allow it to dissolve completely.
Step 4: Mix in the Juices and Spice
Add the orange juice concentrate, pineapple juice concentrate, and lemon juice concentrate to the pot. Stir in the ground allspice and mix well.
Step 5: Simmer and Enjoy
Let everything simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 more minutes. Taste the tea and adjust sweetness if necessary. Keep it warm on the stove until you’re ready to serve, or transfer to a thermos to take it on the go.
Helpful Tips
Pick a strong tea
The black tea should be robust enough to stand up to the citrus and spices. Avoid lightly flavored or weak blends.
Low and slow is key
Keep the heat low while the final mixture simmers. This helps the flavors blend without boiling off the brightness of the juices.
Prep ahead of time
This tea can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently when ready to serve.
Want it caffeine-free?
Swap the black tea for a caffeine-free alternative like rooibos or herbal black tea to make it a soothing evening beverage.
Customize to your taste
Add a splash of cranberry juice or float orange slices in the pot for an extra festive twist. You can also reduce the sugar for a less sweet version.
Details
Flavor:
A blend of bright citrus, mellow sweetness, and warm spices with a deep tea base
Texture:
Smooth and clean, with no residue or pulp
Occasion:
Perfect for holidays, brunches, quiet afternoons, or serving guests in colder weather
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 12
Notes
Storage:
Store leftover tea in a covered container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 5 days and can be reheated on the stovetop when ready.
Serving suggestion:
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice for an elegant presentation. This tea is also great chilled and served over ice for a refreshing summer version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 81 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.0 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 19.5 g |
| Sodium | 9.3 mg |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
Note: Nutritional data is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients or brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What ingredients are traditionally used in Russian orange tea?
This tea usually includes black tea, citrus juice concentrates (like orange, lemon, and pineapple), sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
Can Russian orange tea be served hot and cold?
Absolutely. It’s commonly enjoyed hot during cooler months but tastes just as delicious when served over ice.
How long does homemade Russian orange tea mix last?
Once prepared, this tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to let it cool before storing and reheat gently when needed.
Is Russian orange tea caffeinated?
If made with regular black tea, it does contain caffeine. To make it caffeine-free, use a decaf or herbal tea instead.
Russian Orange Tea Recipe | A Cozy, Traditional Winter Warmer
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy spiced tea made with black tea, citrus juices, and warming spices like cinnamon and clove. Perfect for cold days or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
10 cups water, divided
6 black tea bags
6 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup sugar
6 oz pineapple juice concentrate
6 oz orange juice concentrate
3 oz lemon juice concentrate (or 6 oz lemonade concentrate)
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add tea bags and steep for 5–10 minutes. Discard tea bags.
2. In a large pot, add remaining 6 cups water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add steeped tea to the pot and stir in sugar until dissolved.
4. Mix in pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and ground allspice. Stir well.
5. Simmer on low for another 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
6. Keep warm until ready to serve or transfer to a thermos.
Notes
Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Add orange slices or fresh ginger for extra depth.
Chill and serve over ice for a summer version.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 81
- Sugar: 19.5g
- Sodium: 9.3mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.0g
- Trans Fat: 0.0g
- Carbohydrates: 20.7g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0.0mg
Conclusion
This Russian orange tea recipe is the kind of tradition worth keeping. It’s simple to prepare, filled with warming flavors, and brings comfort with every sip. The combination of tea, citrus, and spice makes it a timeless drink that works just as well for special gatherings as it does for a peaceful moment at home. Whether you drink it hot to warm up in winter or pour it over ice for summer refreshment, this spiced tea is a year-round favorite you’ll want to make again and again.