What was your favorite hot beverage when you were growing up? Hot cocoa is probably high on the list, and we definitely liked that one, but there was another drink that usually only came out around the holidays that we really liked. We called it Russian Tea. I assumed this was because it had something to do with Russia, but when I asked my mom why it was called that, all she could tell me was that a neighbor had once brought it over to share and called it Russian Tea.
Our version is a tasty blend of strong black tea, orange juice, and pineapple juice, simmered on the stove with a little extra sugar, and some cinnamon sticks. It’s fruity and tasty. Perfect for cold December days like we’ve had these past two mornings.
Russian Tea was such a hit in my family that it even made the family cookbook that my mom compiled for us some years ago. (See below for the recipe.) Since I had no idea why it was called Russian Tea, I did a little research, and sure enough, I did find references to a Russian Tea. It doesn’t seem like it has anything to do with Russia or at least isn’t a tradition from that country. One reference speculated that it might have something to do with the US-Russia competition to get to space and the moon in the 60s, and it turns out that the more traditional version of Russian Tea is something that an astronaut could take with them on a spaceship: instant tea, Tang, dried lemonade mix, sugar, and spices. Many online recipes have you mix all the dry ingredients in large batches, and then you can use a scoop to make individual mugs whenever you want.
I’m partial to our family’s recipe. I’m not 100% sure I’ve ever had Tang before, so I’m not going to start now. But I learned a little bit about one of my childhood traditions. And with the cold morning today, it’s the perfect time for a steaming cup.
I don’t know about you, but I am loving the cold weather. Somehow it just makes it feel a little bit more like Christmas. And to really get into the Christmas spirit, join us for Return to Wonder. This Saturday, we’ll have Christmas trivia and jokes from 10 am to 11 am, and the snow machine will create a winter wonderland on the hour. Then next Saturday the 21st, mark your calendars to bring the kids out for a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, followed by a concert by the Kerby’s Strings. And of course, we’ve got gorgeous poinsettias, blooming Christmas cactus, and plenty of gift ideas for the favorite gardeners in your life. Come join us and return to the wonder and joy of the season.
P.S. Today, December the 12th (2024), we’re closing at 2 pm for our annual Staff Holiday Party.
