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Every time I got sick as a kid and had a sore throat, there was nothing that brought me comfort quite like a hot mug of Russian Tea. It was brought out every time my siblings or I weren’t feeling well, and of course the rest of us would always fake sick just to get a mug as well. When I went to college and experienced my first cold away from home (which happened fast because dorm germs… uffda), my parents sending me a care package of Russian Tea mix is the thing I remember most. This cozy homemade Russian Tea mix is one of those nostalgic winter recipes that brings instant comfort with every sip. It’s a simple classic, made with Tang orange drink mix, instant lemon tea, and a blend of warm spices for a sweet tart flavor that brings warmth and comfort with every sip.

If you grew up in the Midwest or the South, chances are you’ve had this vintage recipe at a church gathering, grandparents house, or tucked into a Christmas gift basket. It’s bright, citrusy, and gently spiced — and best of all, it only takes a minute to make once you have the mix ready to go!

How To Make Russian Tea Mix at Home

Ingredients

1 cup instant Tang
1 ¼ cups instant sweetened lemon tea (we always use Lipton)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon allspice

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine Tang, instant tea, cinnamon, and allspice.
Stir until completely blended — the mix should look evenly colored with no clumps.
Transfer to an airtight container or mason jar with tight fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry place.
To serve, stir 2 heaping tablespoons of mix into 1 cup of boiling water. Adjust to taste.

Tips & Variations

Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for deeper spice.
Make it sweeter: Mix in sugar or a sugar substitute before storing, or sweeten your mug to taste.
Gift idea: Spoon the mix into small jars, tie with festive ribbon, and add a tag that says “Add 2 tbsp. to 1 cup hot water.” It’s a cute nostalgic and budget friendly homemade Christmas gift!
Tea options: Both caffeinated and decaf instant tea work great, so you can make a family friendly version everyone can enjoy.

Why Is It Called “Russian Tea”?

Despite the name, Russian Tea as we know it in the United States isn’t actually from Russia at all. The name goes back to the early 20th century, when tea was one of Russia’s most popular beverages. Russian tea culture often featured black tea served with lemon and sugar — a citrus and spice combination that inspired many American recipes in the 1950s and ’60s.

When Tang became popular across America, home cooks began using it to mimic the citrus flavor of lemon tea — and the “Instant Russian Tea” we know today was born.

So while it’s not an authentic Russian recipe, it’s a uniquely American vintage classic, capturing the cozy, spiced flavors associated with Russian tea traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic and comforting: Just like the church cookbook classics or your grandma’s Christmas kitchen
Quick and convenient: Stir into hot water — no steeping required!
Customizable: Make it spicier, sweeter, or caffeine free.
Giftable: Perfect for cozy homemade holiday gifts or teacher presents.

Whether you’re sipping under a pile of blankets with a box of Kleenex nearby, packing treat baskets for neighbors, or warming up after sledding, this Homemade Russian Tea Mix is pure winter comfort in a mug. Looking for more comforting winter drink recipes? Check out some of our favorites here!

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