For centuries, tea has been a favorite beverage of Russians. Its consumption has now yielded to major traditional countries like China, India, and Japan. It first appeared in Russia in 1638 as a Chinese herb, brought by Mongol khans during a diplomatic visit to the Russian boyar Vasily Starkov. In this post, you'll learn what spiced tea is.

It was in the 17th century that this beverage became popular in Russia, especially among the upper classes. The decisive factor in the adoption of this hot tea among the Russian population was its frigid climate; it became a source of warmth and a sustenance drink. It wasn't until 200 years later, once trade with China was established, that it became available to the entire population.

Flavors and uses of spiced tea

With the arrival of autumn comes the cold, so it's a perfect time to add certain flavors with medicinal plants typical of Russian spiced tea.

Willow herb

It was commonly used in ancient times to treat colds or simply for pleasure. Over time, it has been scientifically proven to be effective in reducing fever and boosting energy. This herb is used to prepare Ivan Chai tea, which Russia began importing worldwide at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1920, a research center was opened in St. Petersburg to investigate and study this tea. Hitler then ordered its destruction, believing it to be the source of the Red Army's power.

Zveroboi

It's a plant widely used by Russians to regain strength after hard work in the fields. It was also widely used to treat kidney and gastrointestinal problems, colds, and to relieve muscle spasms.

Tea prepared with this herb is not made exclusively with it, as it is poisonous and can cause allergies. It is often mixed with mint, honey, lime blossoms, and strawberry berries.

Tavolga

It is a very beautiful and aromatic shrub with a sweet, syrupy flavor. It is ideal for relieving severe pain, stomach ulcers, and diarrhea. It is also excellent for treating rheumatism, gout, and fever. Its properties are due to the acetylsalicylic acid it contains.

Its tea is sweet, intensely flavored, and very aromatic. It can be mixed with other herbs, such as mint, currant, and raspberry.

Smoródina

The meaning of this Slavic word is "to emit a strong odor." Its leaves give off a strong, pleasant scent in hot weather. Its medicinal properties have been known since the 11th century by monks who planted it in their monasteries. Today, it is very popular in Russia; its leaves are used as an ointment and its berries are made into jams.

Brusnika

Also known as the health berry, it is considered the queen of Russian forests. This evergreen shrub has very healthy leaves and berries and contains vitamins C and B complex vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It also strengthens the immune system and has antiviral effects.

Spiced Tea Recipes

Below are some recipes using Russian tea that you're sure to love.

Spiced tea with mint and lemon

This spiced tea recipe is spicy and flavorful, perfect for cold mornings instead of coffee. If you prefer a calorie-free tea, skip the sugar and opt for honey or stevia.

Ingredients:

• Two tablespoons of Darjeeling tea .
• Three cups of sugar.
• A cup of mint leaves.
• A cup of lemon juice.
• 1 slice of lemon.
• A sprig of mint

Preparation method:

1. In a saucepan with the tea leaves, pour boiled water.
2. Let it steep for 3 hours.
3. Make a syrup with the cup of water and sugar and boil it for 10 minutes.
4. Next, add the mint to the tea and cook for about 2 hours.
5. Strain the tea and mix it with the syrup and lemon juice.
6. Serve in tall glasses with ice cubes.

Spiced tea with ginger, allspice and cinnamon

The benefits of spiced tea are many, and preparing it with these ingredients makes it even healthier and more delicious. This recipe makes 8 servings and includes the following ingredients:

• Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
• Half a teaspoon of ground allspice.
• One-third of a teaspoon of ground cloves.
• Half a teaspoon of ground ginger.
• A cup of sugar.
• Juice of 1 ½ lemons.
• A teaspoon of orange zest.
• 8 cups of water.
• Orange juice concentrate.

It is prepared like this.

1. Boil two cups of water.
2. Remove from heat and add the cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and clove powder.
3. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
4. Add the spice mix, sugar and a cup of water.
5. Next, mix the orange juice, lemon juice, and 5 cups of water.
6. Serve in cups and add lemon zest to the drink.

There are many other ingredients that can be used to make a more delicious and healthy spiced tea .

How to serve spiced tea

There are ways to serve Russian tea or chai tea , usually with some accompaniments:

• It should be served with sweet and savory snacks.
• It can be served in cups or glasses with coasters.
• You can add a slice of lemon once served.
• It is commonly sweetened with stevia, honey, sugar, or nothing at all.
• You can add passion fruit, vanilla extract, cardamom and other herbs.

The simplest version of Russian tea or spiced tea is made with green or black tea. Add the tea to a teapot with water and boil. Strain and add one teaspoon of zavarka to 10 teaspoons of boiling water. You can sweeten it as you prefer.

At Tetique, we're the leading tea supplier in Spain , and our spiced tea is perfect for hair salons and beauty parlors. This delicious blend of spices helps create a welcoming atmosphere and calms the nerves. All our teas are organic and carefully selected to offer the best flavor and health benefits. Make your clients feel special by offering them a cup of our spiced tea while they wait!