Specialty drinks that are so common today were virtually unknown back in the 1950’s and 60’s. There were a few coffee houses around that catered to students and restaurants that offered coffee (sometimes decaf) and brewed teas (Lipton and Bigelow dominated the market) but that’s about it. The first diet cola, Tab, was introduced to the public in 1963. The first Starbucks opened in Pike Street Market in Seattle in March, 1971, and didn’t even start selling espresso until the late ’80’s. In those years specialty drinks were unheard of so when this recipe started circulating in the early 60’s everybody went crazy over it.
Russian Tea reminds me of spiced apple cider made with citrus instead of apples and spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Little jars of the mix are perfect gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, coworkers…everyone you like to remember at the holiday with a little something special. Here is a little Russian Tea trivia in case anybody asks: Tang appeared on grocery store shelve in 1957. There were very few prepared drink mixes back then so it was considered a novelty. Although many people incorrectly believe NASA invented it, the powdered orange drink mix does have a history that goes hand-in-hand with U.S. spaceflight. Its popularity reached new heights when it was chosen to fly with John Glenn on Friendship 7 and on later Gemini program missions. (You have to look at the 1966 commercial below.) Kool-Aid was developed by the son of a General Store owner in his mother’s kitchen in the early 1920’s. By1929 it was distributed nationally and, at 5 cents at package, was considered a luxury item during the Great Depression.
I couldn’t find a reference to who first published this tea recipe, but in my opinion he or she was a genius. I know it isn’t anything newsworthy by today’s standards but years ago this was delicious alternative to a cup of coffee or plain tea and everybody loved it!
The original recipe for Russian Tea called for 1 envelope unsweetened lemon Kool-aid. I couldn’t find it so substituted 4 individual packets of Crystal light lemonade mix. This is a delicious substitute for a cup of coffee on a cold winter day and is a great afternoon pick-me-up during the busy holiday season. Just mix a teaspoonful or two into a cup of hot water and you have a delicious specialty drink of your own.
Be sure to click on the video below to see the 1966 TV commercial for Tang. The depiction of the astronaut program is so primitive and so funny by today’s standards. It shows how much technology has changed in the last 50 years. I wonder what the next 50 hold in store.
This post is linked to FOODIE FRIDAY at Rattlebridge Farm.
- 18 ounces Tang
- 1 cup instant tea
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 3 ounce package lemonade mix
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- Mix ingredients together. Stir a tablespoon (or to taste) into a cup of hot water. Makes a delicious and tummy warming beverage.
How great is that commercial. It moved to :::slow. 🙂 I’ve never heard of Russian Tea. Thanks for the recipe.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) recently posted..Salmon, Broccoli and Bow Tie Noodles with Lemon Pepper Gravy, Salmon Saturday
I laugh at that commercial every time I watch it. That used to be the quality of what was on TV and we loved it! How times have changed.
Cathy recently posted..Russian Tea ~ A Hit from the ’60′s
I remember that drink, just didn’t know it was called Russian Tea! I haven’t thought of Tang in years!! Fun post.
Kate recently posted..My New Snowflake Shortbread Pan and Its Maiden Voyage!
I don’t recall Russian Tea, but I do remember Tang. How fun to have these old recipes. When I first read the title, I saw Russian Tea Room – goes to show I should look a little closer, or I need glasses 🙂
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Remembering Foleys and Their Fabulous Cheese Spreads
Omigosh, there was a time in life I made gallons of this tea. I don’t even remember why I stopped, but seeing your post makes me thing it’s worth doing again.
Linda recently posted..A Challenged Table
It’s fun to resurrect an old recipe now and then. This is perfect for the Christmas season and it’s fun to see how many people recognize it.
Cathy recently posted..Russian Tea ~ A Hit from the ’60′s
This looks like a really fun drink and thanks for the history lesson!!!
Liz @ Virtually Homemade recently posted..Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Parmesan and Lemon
The name didn’t ring a bell but when I saw the ingredients I remembered it well and know we drank it, but can’t recall if I liked it or not. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Larry recently posted..Cornmeal Mush For Breakfast
I grew up with Tang..
I liked it back then..
This is very cute Cathy~
Monique recently posted..Shortbread Cookies~ It’s a Wrap now~Or just about,,
I love digging around in my old cookbooks and resurrecting recipes from the past. I’ll have to give this one a try. My goodness, I haven’t thought about Tang in ages. This gives me a good excuse to buy some.
Karen Harris recently posted..Eggland’s Best Review and Giveaway: Eggnog Cheesecake with Honey Bourbon Praline Sauce
I remember making Russian Tea. I never cared for it that much, but one of my sisters loved it! I had no idea they still made Tang!
Karen recently posted..Pumpkin Roll
All these youngsters who’ve never heard of Russian Tea. 🙂 I don’t know of a house or office in the 60s that didn’t have a jar of this stuff just waiting for the next person to come along and make a cup.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted..Shortbread
So true, Maureen. I was always served a cup of Russian Tea when I visited a girl friend or a family member. It was a staple in most houses. Back then there were no Starbucks where we met for coffee.
Cathy recently posted..Russian Tea ~ A Hit from the ’60′s
I think this definitely dates me as pre-Starbucks 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted..I Scream, You Scream – Ice Cream Sundae Ideas
Oh this whole post brought me back in time to when Tang, Koolaid and so many others were new and so cool. I never heard of Russian Tea, though but how fascinating! Thanks for the memories, Cathy… A great and fun post!
Jamie recently posted..A Winter’s Tale
Thanks, Jamie. It’s fun to walk down memory lane every once in awhile. Thanks for stopping by to visit.
Cathy recently posted..Russian Tea ~ A Hit from the ’60′s
This really sounds good Cathy and a nice little something extra to give for Christmas:@)
Happier Than A Pig in Mud recently posted..Ham, Navy Bean and Tomato Soup
Another fun walk down memory lane, Cathy! I remember making this!! It tastes wonderful & I can’t wait to whip up some for the coming holiday.
Your photos are EXQUISITE!!! Just gorgeous!!
Thanks for sharing the recipe. I’m sure I have it written down around here somewhere but now I can ‘pin’ it so I can easily find it anytime.
Rettabug recently posted..Christmas “Copy-Cat Challenge”
Thanks, Rett. I’m not much of a coffee drinker any more so this is a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Even if they have never had it before my guests all love it. They think it’s something new.
Cathy recently posted..Russian Tea ~ A Hit from the ’60′s
That was a blast from the past Cathy. I remember Russian tea very well. Loved the video. We had a television set just like that. Great post.
Penny recently posted..Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Hi Penny – That commercial looks so primitive…I guess it is by today’s standards. The simulated space walk makes me laugh every time. We had a 15-inch black and white TV for many years…and there were only 4 channels. How did we survive? My grandkids are horrified when I tell them that.
Cathy recently posted..Russian Tea ~ A Hit from the ’60′s
Oh yes, I remember this! When we were new in town, the “Grand Dame” of our community invited me to her Christmas tea. It was a coveted invitation and I think I received it because we were neighbors. Imagine my surprise when the “tea” turned out to be hot Russian tea made with Tang!! She was a lovely lady and I gained much from her friendship.
Do you have plans to purchase any “air space”?
Best,
Bonnie
Bonnie recently posted..Winter Vegetable Pickles
I adore Russian Tea. I must make this. I remember this as a child.
Leigh Powell Hines recently posted..A Few of my Favorite Holiday Instagrams This Week #IGTravelThursday
My mother in law sends us this every year. I guess i better taste it now!
Abbe@This is How I Cook recently posted..Soft Chocolate Crackles with Mint M and M’s or I Should Have Baked These First
I’m not sure if I’ve ever had Russian tea or not. But, I loved Tang and remember it well. Kool-Aid was best enjoyed poured into the palm of our hand and licked off, which would leave tell tale stains or purple or red. We loved it! The commercial was fun to watch. I remember that commercial! Thanks for the nostalgia.
Foodiewife recently posted..Chanterelles with Sage, Roasted Pork Tenderloin & Polenta
Cathy, I remember Russian Tea! It was a real treat back in the day. Things have really changed haven’t they, TV commercial really shows how much 🙂
I remember it too…always thought Tang was made for the astronauts. My kids drank kool aid by the gallons…we made popsicles out of it.
Barbara recently posted..Joyce’s Brazil Nut Fruit Cake
I remember Russian Tea! Haven’t heard of it or Tang in years! Is Tang still on the shelves? Your blog is beautiful and I will be back often to visit, so many great looking and sounding things to explore!
I love this post :). I was a Tang era kid but just never enjoyed the taste of it even thought I wanted to love it. Great flashback and the video is a wonderful snapshot of that era, it is amazing the advancements that have been made since then!
I remember when this was BIG!
Loved seeing your recipe for it and that Tang! Fun!
xo
Sheila
This does bring back memories. I use to drink this all the time.
Marilyn recently posted..Colors of the Season
Seems like I remember a similar recipe being given away at XMAS time in the 70’s.
I am not fond of instant tea but I will try this kind of tea. ☺️
Sophie recently posted..Gluten-Free Maple & cognac marinated pork chops, served with a parnsip & potato mash!
I did a quick search on Google Images and found some history here: http://www.yesterdish.com/2013/11/22/russian-tea/
It appears the first Russian Tea recipe which used Tang was first published in 1966: “By 1966, we had the recipe on this card–here, printed in the May 12, 1966 edition of the Statesville (North Carolina) Record and Landmark”
Thanks for bring back the memories!
I just came across this recipe again when I was searching for holiday ideas for my mom. When I was a kid we had a shopping plaza in my hometown where I little old woman would sit in the center court and serve this out of a huge silver teapot. It was a ritual for me and my mother to go in and get a cup at least once a week during the winter months. Just thinking about this sends me into a nostalgia mode, though I had no idea how long it had been around. Thank you so much for your recipe and the trivia tidbits. 🙂
I too remember this tea. We were so excited to have something new to drink! I made lots of it and friends served it when we visited.