Just a month ago I wondered if it would ever get cold enough to enjoy all of the winter treats that I love so!! To my delight it has! We have perfect weather here in the south, usually. It seemed that summer would never end this year, though.
One of the cold weather treats I enjoy is Russian Tea. My friend, Sherri, has been making this deliciously warm spiced tea around the holidays for years. It’s easy to make ahead and keep in the refrigerator. Just warm it before serving. You can sweeten to taste with granulated sugar is you prefer but I make it sugar-free and serve with different sweeteners. It’s great to serve at teas or cookie swaps, or any Christmas party for that matter. Make plenty because this WILL be the hit at your party!
- 7 c. water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ tsp. whole cloves
- 1 family size tea bag
- 6-oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 1½ lemons
- In a Dutch oven, combine the water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and tea bag. Bring to a boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and tea bag. Shake the pineapple juice well and add to the boiled mixture. Add juice of oranges and lemons. Stir to combine.
- Serve warm with a cinnamon stick. Set up a serving bar with sugar cubes, honey and Splenda and/or Stevia.
- Store in refrigerator.
