Making Russian Tea in Appalachia

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia reduces calories while maintaining sweetness.

black tea

🥗Healthier: green tea

💰Cheaper: generic tea bags

Green tea offers health benefits and a lighter flavor.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Agave syrup is lower on the glycemic index.

cinnamon

🥗Healthier: nutmeg

💰Cheaper: cinnamon sticks

Nutmeg adds warmth and spice without the cost of sticks.

Boil 2 quarts of water in a kettle.

Add 4 tea bags (or 2 family-sized tea bags) to the boiling water and brew.

Add 23 ounces of pineapple juice to the brewed tea.

Add 1 small can of frozen orange juice concentrate to the mixture.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cloves and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.

Add 1 cup of coconut sugar to the mixture and stir until dissolved, tasting for sweetness.

If needed, add more coconut sugar, up to 2 cups total, tasting as you go.

Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the mixture after tasting.

Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to incorporate flavors and sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary