Russian Spiced Tea (Pryanyi Chai)

By Barbara Rolek

Updated 07/26/19

Russian samovar

Dishka / Getty Images
  • Total: 20 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yield: 8 cups (8 servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
82 Calories
0g Fat
23g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 cups (8 servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 82
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 7mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Protein 0g
Calcium 59mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Spiced tea is a traditional and much loved hot beverage in Russia. In the glory days of the tsars, it was served from gleaming silver samovars but, these days, a saucepan will do just fine. This is a traditional beverage for the Christmas holidays.

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons black tea leaves
  • 2 tablespoons clove (whole)
  • 3 tablespoons orange zest (or tangerine)
  • 4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 quarts water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Steps to Make It

  1. Place the tea leaves, cloves, zest, and cinnamon sticks into a cheesecloth bag and tie the top tightly.

  2. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, add the bag, remove from the heat, and allow to steep, covered, for 10 minutes.

  3. Add the honey & lemon juice and serve. This tea may be made in advance and kept for two to three days if it is covered and refrigerated.