Low Calorie Summer Beverages: Iced Russian Tea
I have never been an iced tea lover. Forced into trying it–through thirst or politeness–it seemed either cloyingly sweet or tongue-bitingly bitter. But in my quest for alternatives to Diet Coke, iced teas are simply too big to ignore. Even better, tea has been linked to a number of health benefits from delivering a healthy dose of antioxidants to possible cardiovascular and diabetes benefits (source: Wikipedia).
And there was one sweet, flavored tea that I used to love.
Many years ago, I carpooled to ballet class with another neighborhood student. On cold winter nights, she sometimes packed a thermos of hot “Russian Tea” for the home trek. Sweet and orangey, it warmed our souls then infused life back into our weary bodies.
The original drink was made with Lipton tea powder and Tang Instant Breakfast Drink. Since I have never found instant organic tea—much less instant organic Tang (!), I decided to do my own natural version, iced for summer. Why shouldn’t delicious low calorie drinks be part of my natural healthy diet?! Here is the recipe:
Iced Russian Tea 
Ingredients (5 8 oz servings)
- 1 quart water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 cloves
- 2 T sugar
- 1 T loose tea (or 2 teabags)
- 1 c orange juice
Directions
1. Put water, spices and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for about a minute. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add 1 T loose tea. Cover pan and let steep about 5 minutes.
Add Tea to Steep
3. Strain. Refrigerate until cool.
4. Add orange juice.
Add OJ to Tea
5. Serve over ice (perhaps with a slice of fruit??)
Iced Russian Tea
This could be steeped in a teapot, but I wanted to do a version that would work with basic kitchen supplies. Although slightly higher in calories than my recent lemonade, this comes in under 50 calories/serving and could be made lower by using stevia instead of sugar.
This looks so refreshing, and what a great alternative to diet soda…I am currently trying to kick the habit myself, but chugging water all day long can be a bit boring. Tea seems like a great way to get a natural boost, and I’m definitely going to try this recipe soon!
I took me a number of tries, so I know it’s a challenge! Good luck–and stay tuned because I have a couple more summer beverages coming up.
I love iced tea & recently made a pitcher of sun tea that is still in the fridge. Would love to try out this recipe!
I’d love to hear what you think if you do…
What kind of tea did you use? I may try this, if I can find the ingredients…or just make it up as I go, and try not to burn the house down.
Good question! I used Earl Grey when I made it, but I think that any good black tea would work.
This is my kinda of tea. Almost like an orange Arnold Palmer with extra flavor. II cannot wait to give it a shot, Sounds very refreshing.
You know that’s an interesting comparison. Some versions of the original hot, made-from-powder recipes do have lemonade mix as one of the ingredients. Hope you enjoy!
Iced Russian Tea is sounding mighty good about now. I just came in from checking out the garden, and a bit of weeding, and boy oh boy, it’s still hot out there!!!
Thanks for sharing this Inger…
P.S. You took ballet classes? How cool…
Cooler weather should be heading east; it’s frigid here… I actually re-started ballet this spring and am finally past the completely creaky phase (now just moderately creaky). I should probably blog about it some time; I am having SO MUCH fun!
I have never heard of Russian Iced Tea. It looks wonderful – full of flavor and healthy sweetness.
We’ve been enjoying it! (Until it got back to highs in the 50’s and hot drink time again!)
I love all the flavors in our Russian iced tea. I drink lots of iced tea and “regular” iced tea gets a bit boring after a while. I’ll make this soon!
I have obviously been missing the iced tea boat prior to this…
Yum. That sounds great. I love a good tea. I have been making some that is a green tea base with a splashe of fresh orange juice, a bit of mint leaves, ginger, and honey!
Sounds delicious! And my mint is coming up (and up and up) now!
This looks like a good idea! I’ll try it over my vacation to see how it works without Diet Coke!
Good luck!