Alright, picture this: You’re kicking back with your buddies, sharing laughs, swapping stories, and just soaking in those good vibes. Now, imagine adding a little extra warmth to the scene with a cup of Friendship Tea. It’s not just your average tea – it’s like a hug in a mug, a flavorful celebration of the awesome connections in your life.

So, let’s spill the tea, quite literally, on how to whip up this friendship magic. Get ready to brew up some liquid camaraderie that’s as easygoing and delightful as your best pal!

The History Of Friendship Tea

If you grew up in the 80s, you might have seen your mother or grandmother with a mason jar of powdered and swirled dry ingredients gifted to her by a friend around the holiday season. This Friendship Tea, also referred to as Russian Tea, or Christmas Tea, was a popular homemade gift to give acquaintances around the holidays.

It is passed from friend to friend in mason jars and stirred into a mug of hot water to create a fruity spiced sipping beverage. You’ll find the original recipe in many old church cookbooks.

The first time I was served this homemade tea mix. I remember being delighted that it was kid friendly (because I was 8), thanks to the addition of dried lemonade drink mix and Tang (along with a healthy dose of Christmas themed spices).

This tea comes out sweet and spiced but not so overpowering that an adult wouldn’t love to snuggle up with a mug under the Christmas tree.

Whether you have a sore throat and you’re craving a steaming mug to soothe your soul on a cold day, or you’re crafty and looking for a homemade gift to give someone a token of your affection, Friendship Tea is the perfect choice.

Friendship Tea With Tang

To make the spiced tea mix, you’ll shake all of the ingredients together in an airtight container such as a large ziplock baggie, or whisk them together in a large bowl or food processor. Then fill a large jar with the instant spiced tea.

Instruct friends with a card or note that to serve they will mix 2-3 teaspoons of russian friendship tea with boiling water in a coffee mug. More mix can be added to taste!

Tang Hot Tea Recipe Variations

This tea is traditionally served as homemade gifts, but we’ve got some modern ideas to round out your celebrations.

During the Christmas holidays a big batch of this tea made be served buffet style. You can serve an entire recipe chilled in a crystal punch bowl similar to a cold apple cider. For adults, you may choose to spike the punch with a bit of brandy or whiskey.

Another method is to serve as the perfect warm drink in a festive mug, decorated with cinnamon sticks.

Hot Cocoa and Friendship Tea can be held warm on the stove or in a thermos for outdoor holiday events like caroling or viewing Christmas light displays.