Tea

This is no hot, spicy orange drink. What makes tea in Russia unique in not the flavor, as it is just ordinary black tea, but rather the way it is made and served! Here is the "recipe."

Tea - Russian Style

A simple "tea" of blini and a raisin-filled roll.

Boil a kettle of water on the stove, or if you have a Russian samovar, fill with water, and heat. Bring to a boil. Take a small tea pot, and fill with some of the boiled water. Put 3 or more bags of black tea into this pot. Let steep to make a very strong tea.

When you are ready to serve, pour a small amount of strong tea into each tea cup, glass, or mug. Fill each with boiling water from the tea kettle or samovar to make tea desired strength.

Tips for serving:

- Russians mainly drink tea with or for dessert or with a treat during the day. If you are serving a meal, serve hot tea after your guests have finished eating the main dishes.

- Tea is served in whatever teacups, mugs, or clear glasses Russian hosts have. Don't worry if your cups don't match, are chipped, or are missing handles!

- Tea is mainly served plain. I have never seen milk or cream offered for tea in Russia, but sometimes it is served with a liberal amount of sugar already in it. Only at a few places has a bowl of sugar been put on the table for the guests to add to their own tea.