Russian Spiced Tea (Pryanyi Chai) Recipe

Russian samovar
Dishka / Getty Images
  • 20 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins,
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yield: 8 cups (8 servings)
Ratings (5)

By Barbara Rolek

Updated 08/23/17

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.

Source: RusCuisine.com

What You'll Need

  • 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)

How 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.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 82
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Unsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 7 mg
Carbohydrates 23 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Protein 0 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)