Russian Tea Gift in a Jar
A family tradition for as long as I can remember, making Russian tea to enjoy through the colder winter months brings a bit of nostalgia to the holiday season. According to Southern Living, Russian tea is inspired by the “black tea with lemon and sugar that was the preferred beverage of upper-class Russians in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, before becoming a Southern staple, handed down in church cookbooks for years”.
My sweet sister-in-law, Angie, who passed away years ago, always made this for Christmas gifts. Her recipe makes a delicious and comforting cold weather treat. My junior chef and I enjoy carrying on Aunt Angie’s tradition by making this recipe to share with family and friends each year.
Homemade Russian Tea
All you need besides the mixture ingredients are pretty jars for packaging. Jars need to be small- to medium-sized for just the right amount of Russian Tea to fit inside. A little goes a long way with this recipe–it only takes a spoonful of mix to make a nice big mug full. The orange and spices give this tea such a delicious flavor. If you use mason jars, add scraps of fabric in between the lid and the ring and a ribbon tied around the outside for an extra special nostalgic touch.
Cooking with Kids
This delicious recipe is easy for junior chefs to put together and makes a wonderful gift in a jar.
- 2 cups unsweetened instant tea
- 2 cups instant orange drink (like Tang)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
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Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.
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Portion mixture into small jars. Add lids, and wrap with ribbon or twine.
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Print instruction tags and tie on, and your gift is ready!
Directions for jar: Add 1 Tbsp Russian Tea mix to mug and cover with very hot water. Stir until dissolved.

This looks wonderful! I think we’re going to try this for gift giving. Thanks for the idea!
I just want to say thank you SOOO MUCH for creating this, I am literally on cloud nine!!! I have ordered all of my ingredients and am so excited to be making russian tea this year for family and friends! Thank you again!!!
Merry Christmas!!!
Sand Loray
North Carolina
I hope you enjoy it! Merry Christmas! 🙂