Southern Spiced Russian Black Tea with Cinnamon and Cloves
Warm and comforting black tea infused with classic southern spices, perfect for cozy afternoons or chilly evenings. This russian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together black tea bags, water, cinnamon sticks for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 45 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 for garnish lemon slices
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, and 1 star anise; reduce heat and simmer spices for 5 minutes to release aroma.
- Step 2: Add 4 black tea bags to the spiced water and steep for 4-5 minutes, until tea is strong and richly colored.
- Step 3: Remove tea bags and spices using a slotted spoon or sieve. Stir in 3 tbsp brown sugar until dissolved.
- Step 4: Pour tea into cups and garnish each with a lemon slice. Serve hot for a soothing spiced tea experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Southern Spiced Russian Black Tea with Cinnamon and Cloves take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Southern Spiced Russian Black Tea with Cinnamon and Cloves?
Refrigerate any leftover southern spiced russian black tea with cinnamon and cloves in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Southern Spiced Russian Black Tea with Cinnamon and Cloves?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Southern Spiced Russian Black Tea with Cinnamon and Cloves for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Southern Spiced Russian Black Tea with Cinnamon and Cloves?
Russian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
