Did you know that spiced tea recipe with tang and instant tea has been bringing people together during the holidays for generations? Many people refer to it as Friendship Tea, specifically because it’s traditionally given away in jars as thoughtful holiday gifts.
This powdered hot tea mix, flavored with a delightful combination of orange, cloves, and cinnamon, has remained a favorite since childhood for many of us. Also known as Russian Tea or Christmas Tea, it has become a popular homemade gift to share with friends and family around the holiday season.
What makes this tea truly special is not just its sweet and spiced flavor profile that’s perfect for snuggling up under the Christmas tree, but also its practical health benefits. Thanks to the vitamin C, cinnamon, and cloves, this tasty beverage contains proven germ-fighters too!
In this article, I’ll share my tried-and-true recipe for this classic Friendship Tea. We’ll explore its interesting history, gather the necessary ingredients, walk through the simple preparation steps, and discover creative ways to serve and gift this warming drink. Let’s dive into this delicious holiday tradition!
The Story Behind Friendship Tea
The origins of what we now call Friendship Tea stretch back further than most people realize. While tea first arrived in Russia in the 1600s, the American version of “Russian Tea” began appearing in journals and newspapers across the United States from the late 1880s through the 1950s. Initially, this warming drink consisted of black tea with lemon and sugar, inspired by the tea traditions of upper-class Russians in the late nineteenth century.
How this tea became a holiday tradition
Throughout the early 1900s, this comforting beverage evolved considerably. In 1907, the San Antonio Gazette shared a recipe featuring orange, lemons, spices, and even rum. However, the most dramatic transformation occurred in the 1960s, when fresh ingredients gave way to the convenience foods of the Space Age.
By 1966, traditional ingredients had been replaced with instant tea, Tang (the orange-flavored drink powder), and other shelf-stable components. Consequently, the recipe became incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for gifting. Southern homemakers began creating dry mixes of Tang, sugar, instant tea, and spices in decorative jars, making it simple to prepare a single mug at a moment’s notice.
Why it’s also called Russian Tea or Tang Tea
The multiple names for this beloved beverage reveal its fascinating cultural journey. Despite being called “Russian Tea,” this American creation has little connection to actual Russian tea traditions. Nonetheless, the name persisted, likely due to the inclusion of black tea and spices reminiscent of Russian tea culture.
Furthermore, as Tang became a key ingredient in the 1960s, many began calling it “Tang Tea”. The name “Friendship Tea” emerged from the practice of sharing these homemade mixes as gifts between friends and neighbors, particularly during the holiday season.
This spiced tea recipe with Tang and instant tea has become deeply embedded in Southern culture. You’ll find some variation of it in practically every church cookbook across the South. For many families, preparing and sharing this tea remains an essential part of holiday traditions, making it more than just a beverage—it’s a warm connection between generations and communities.
Gathering ingredients for this classic spiced tea recipe with Tang and instant tea couldn’t be simpler. The beauty of this nostalgic drink lies in its straightforward preparation and readily available components.
Essential ingredients explained
The foundation of Friendship Tea requires just a handful of key ingredients:
Orange-flavored drink mix (Tang) – The star ingredient that gives this tea its signature citrus flavor. Tang was incorporated into recipes beginning in the late 1960s after its introduction.
Unsweetened instant tea – Find this powder near the tea bags in most grocery stores. Some brands offer versions with lemon flavor already included.
Lemonade drink mix – Country Time is commonly recommended, though any sweetened lemonade powder works well.
Ground cinnamon – Provides the warm, cozy flavor profile essential to this spiced tea.
Ground cloves – Adds depth and a distinctive spicy note.
Optional ingredients – Some recipes include ground cardamom for additional sweetness and aroma, or white sugar for extra sweetness. Others incorporate apricot gelatin or red hots (cinnamon candy) for color and additional flavor.
Recommended tools and containers
Making Friendship Tea requires minimal equipment:
Large mixing bowls and a whisk for combining ingredients
Alternatively, a large zipper bag for shaking ingredients together
Measuring spoons for precise proportions
Airtight containers for storage
A kettle, microwave, or hot water dispenser for serving
Where to find Tang and instant tea today
Finding these ingredients has become a concern for many Friendship Tea enthusiasts. Essentially, Tang remains available at most major grocery stores including Walmart, or through online retailers like Amazon. Additionally, instant tea can sometimes be harder to locate, as some manufacturers like Lipton have discontinued certain unsweetened varieties. Fortunately, you can still find instant tea at Walmart, Amazon, and select grocery stores. If traditional brands are unavailable, consider alternatives like WACA brand instant tea, which many users report finding online.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Friendship Tea
Making your own batch of friendship tea is remarkably easy once you have all ingredients on hand. The process involves just a few simple steps that anyone can master, regardless of culinary skill level.
Measure and mix the dry ingredients
Creating this warming spiced tea recipe with tang and instant tea begins with proper measuring:
Gather your ingredients in their correct proportions. Most recipes follow a 2:2:1 ratio of instant tea to orange powder to spices.
Pour all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
For a standard batch, combine orange drink mix (Tang), instant tea powder, lemonade mix, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
First, use a whisk instead of a spoon for better distribution of ingredients, especially the spices. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a large ziplock bag and shake vigorously until thoroughly mixed.
Some people prefer running the mixture through a food processor or blender to create a finer texture, although this isn’t strictly necessary with modern powdered ingredients. Nevertheless, finer grinding helps prevent the spices from settling at the bottom of your cup.
How to store the mix properly
Proper storage ensures your spiced tea with tang maintains its flavor and prevents clumping:
Always transfer your finished mix into an airtight container—mason jars are ideal for both storage and gifting. Keep your containers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity. According to reliable sources, this dry mix can safely be stored for up to 6 months without losing its flavor quality.
How much mix to use per cup of hot water
The perfect strength depends on personal preference, yet most recipes suggest:
1 tablespoon per 6-8 ounces of hot water
2-3 teaspoons per mug for a standard strength
Up to 1½ tablespoons per cup for stronger flavor
Simply adjust according to your taste preference—some prefer a stronger flavor profile, whereas others enjoy a milder version of this comforting beverage.
Beyond just a warm mug on a cold day, this versatile spiced tea recipe with tang offers numerous creative serving options.
Make it a holiday punch
Throughout the Christmas season, transform your friendship tea into an elegant holiday treat by serving it buffet-style in a crystal punch bowl. This presentation makes it perfect for gatherings where guests can help themselves, coupled with festive snacks or cookies.
Add cinnamon sticks or red hots
For extra spice and visual appeal, consider mixing red hots cinnamon candies directly into the powdered mix. These tiny candies not only add a boost of spicy flavor but simultaneously provide a cheerful pop of color. Moreover, serving each mug with a cinnamon stick stirrer creates an attractive presentation.
Iced version of the tea
Even in warmer weather, friendship tea remains enjoyable. To create a refreshing iced version, first mix two tablespoons of powder with a cup of hot water until dissolved, then pour over ice. This makes a delightful summer alternative to hot cocoa.
Alcoholic twist for adults
For evening gatherings, consider spiking your spiced tea with:
Bourbon (Wild Turkey 101 pairs excellently)
Brandy
Whiskey
Vodka
Simply prepare the tea first, then allow guests to add their preferred spirit afterward.
Gift packaging ideas
Present your tang spiced tea mix in decorative mason jars with:
Layered ingredients for visual appeal
Fabric squares tied with coordinating ribbon
Cinnamon sticks tucked into the ribbon knot
Personalized photo gift tags with brewing instructions
Conclusion
Friendship Tea truly stands the test of time as a heartwarming tradition that brings people together during the holiday season. This simple yet delightful mix of Tang, instant tea, and aromatic spices has evolved from its early Russian-inspired origins into a beloved American classic, especially throughout the South.
After all, the beauty of this spiced tea lies not just in its comforting flavor but also in its versatility. You can easily customize it with cinnamon sticks, transform it into a festive punch, create a refreshing iced version, or even add a splash of bourbon for adult gatherings. The possibilities are practically endless!
Most importantly, Friendship Tea continues to live up to its name as the perfect homemade gift. A decorated mason jar filled with this colorful spiced mix shows thoughtfulness and care while requiring minimal effort to prepare. Additionally, the long shelf life means your friends and family can enjoy this warming treat throughout the winter months.
I encourage you to try making this classic recipe yourself. Whether you sip it while decorating your Christmas tree, share it at holiday gatherings, or package it as gifts, this spiced tea with Tang creates moments of connection. The simplicity of preparation coupled with its rich history makes Friendship Tea more than just a beverage—it’s a cup full of nostalgia, comfort, and genuine warmth that brings people together year after year.
This classic spiced tea recipe combines nostalgia with practicality, offering a simple way to create warming holiday memories and thoughtful gifts.
Simple 5-ingredient recipe: Mix Tang, instant tea, lemonade powder, cinnamon, and cloves for an easy homemade tea blend
Perfect for gifting: Store the dry mix in mason jars for up to 6 months – ideal for holiday presents and sharing traditions
Versatile serving options: Enjoy hot or iced, spike with bourbon for adults, or serve as festive punch at gatherings
Rich cultural history: This “Friendship Tea” evolved from 1960s convenience foods into a beloved Southern holiday tradition
Health benefits included: Contains vitamin C from Tang and natural germ-fighting properties from cinnamon and cloves
The beauty of Friendship Tea lies in its ability to create connections across generations while requiring minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this warming beverage delivers comfort in every cup.
FAQs
Q1. How do you make Friendship Tea with Tang? Mix 3 cups sugar, 2 cups Tang, 1 cup instant tea, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 2 packages of lemonade mix. Blend thoroughly and store in an airtight container. To serve, add 1-2 tablespoons of the mix to a cup of hot water.
Q2. What are the main ingredients in Friendship Tea? The main ingredients are Tang (orange-flavored drink mix), unsweetened instant tea, lemonade mix, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Some variations may include additional spices or sugar for extra sweetness.
Q3. How long can you store Friendship Tea mix? When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, the Friendship Tea mix can be safely stored for up to 6 months without losing its flavor quality.
Q4. Can Friendship Tea be served cold? Yes, Friendship Tea can be served as a refreshing iced beverage. Simply mix two tablespoons of the powder with a cup of hot water until dissolved, then pour over ice for a delightful summer drink.
Q5. What are some creative ways to serve Friendship Tea? Friendship Tea can be served as a holiday punch in a crystal bowl, garnished with cinnamon sticks, or mixed with red hots for extra spice and color. For adult gatherings, it can be spiked with bourbon, brandy, whiskey, or vodka for an alcoholic twist.
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