I’m always on the lookout for fun neighbor gifts, or a little something to add to a gift for friends. This delicious Russian Tea totally fits for either of those, and it’s a great treat for yourself, as well. I made a Costco run yesterday, and I was freezing by the time I left the warehouse. As soon as I was home with everything unloaded (not put away, but there’s time for that later!), I made myself a steaming cup of comfort. Bonus…my hands were toasty, too, from holding the mug as my core warmed up! I love a multitasking drink.
Russian Tea Mix (recipe link)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white, granulated sugar
- 2 cups orange-flavored breakfast drink (such as Tang)
- 2/3 cup presweetened lemonade mix
- ½ cup instant tea (unsweetened, plain or with lemon)
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp ground cloves
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Package in cute containers, or store in an airtight container in your pantry.
Makes 4-1/2 cups
Directions to include with the mix:
To serve, place 2 heaping tablespoons mix in a mug. Add 8 oz boiling water and stir well.
I also created some super cute labels you can download here to print and include. For small gifts, I use small ziptop bags and put in about 1/4 cup…that’s 2 servings. They fit well in pillow boxes, so you can tuck them into a gift basket or use as party favors (when we have parties again). For larger gifts, such as for neighbors, I like to use glass jars, anywhere from 1 cup to 2 cup volume, depending on the size of the family.
These labels are sized to punch out with a 2-1/2″ circle punch, and download 12 to a sheet.
This drink just smells like the holidays to me. It was one of my grandmother’s favorites, and the smell whisks me right back to her house at Christmas. I hope it will become a favorite of yours, too!
Russian Tea post first created on 11/21/12, and updated on 12/3/20.
My mom used to make this when she had “the ladies over” ….we always were excited when there was leftovers! It is delicious!
You always did the BEST “neighbor” gifts. Always cleverly packaged, tasty and thoughtful. The tea is just one example of your creativity. Miss the hooligans hand delivery too. So special.
Give ‘em a hug from the old lady next door. Waving from Idaho!
Aw, thanks! I thought of you just last night when I put a gorgeous Christmas/snowman bookmark you created into my book! So you aren’t too shabby in the neighbor gifts dept, either!