Ultimate Spiced Tea Recipe with Tang: A Wonderful Twist

I can still remember the aroma of warm spices wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. That scent instantly brings me back to cozy evenings, laughter, and the simple joy of a hot mug in my hands.

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that captures that nostalgic feeling with a fun, unexpected twist: my Spiced Tea with Tang. It is a wonderfully simple concoction, ready to make you feel warm and fuzzy in just 5-10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Tea Recipe with Tang

I truly believe this version of spiced tea is a standout, and I think you’ll agree once you try it. I crafted it to be not only delicious but also incredibly practical for any home cook.

• A Unique Nostalgic Flavor: This recipe combines the comforting warmth of traditional spices with the bright, zesty tang of my favorite orange powdered drink mix. It creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting, taking you back to childhood while offering something new.
• Effortless to Make in Bulk: I love how easy it is to whip up a large batch of this mix. It means I always have a delicious, cozy drink on hand without any fuss, perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
• Perfect for Thoughtful Gifting: This Spiced Tea with Tang mix makes such a heartfelt homemade gift. Packaged beautifully, it’s a unique present that shows you care, ideal for friends, family, or teachers during any season.
• A Customizable Cozy Sip: I appreciate how simple it is to adjust this recipe to my exact liking. Whether I prefer it sweeter, spicier, or with a different citrus kick, I can easily tweak it to create my perfect cup every time.

What is Tang?

Tang is a powdered fruit-flavored drink mix that I remember from my own childhood, and it has quite an interesting history. Originally developed by General Foods in 1957, it became famous after NASA began using it on manned space flights in the early 1960s, making it synonymous with astronauts and space exploration. I always find that bit of trivia so fascinating!

Beyond its celestial connections, Tang is known for its distinct citrusy flavor, most commonly orange, though I’ve seen other fruit flavors over the years like grape and strawberry. It’s often fortified with Vitamin C, which adds a little nutritional boost to its sweet and tangy taste.

Today, Tang is still widely available in supermarkets around the world, continuing to be a staple in many pantries for its convenient, quick-to-prepare nature. It truly holds a special place in my heart for its nostalgic value alone.

The History of Spiced Tea (Friendship Tea/Russian Tea)

I find the history of spiced tea, often affectionately called “Friendship Tea” or “Russian Tea,” absolutely charming. This delightful beverage gained significant popularity in the United States, particularly from the mid-20th century onwards. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a cultural phenomenon.

The concept originated as a warm, comforting spiced beverage, often made with instant tea, orange, lemon, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and cloves. I’ve often seen recipes passed down through generations in church cookbooks, community fundraisers, and local recipe exchanges. It became a beloved tradition to prepare large batches of the mix and share it as thoughtful homemade gifts, especially during the colder months or around the holidays.

To me, it embodies the spirit of warmth, community, and sharing that I cherish so much in cooking. For another warm and comforting drink, you should try this amazing Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe.

Spiced Tea Recipe with Tang Ingredients

Here is what I use to make my favorite Spiced Tea with Tang:

• 20 ounces tang powdered drink mix (one full tub)
• 1/3 cup instant tea (I use the kind with lemon)
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or 3 if you like it sweeter)

Recommended Equipment

Having the right tools can make all the difference, even for a simple mix like this. I find that the equipment I choose directly impacts how smoothly and beautifully my Spiced Tea with Tang comes together.

A food processor is, in my opinion, the absolute best tool for this job. It blends all the ingredients thoroughly and quickly, ensuring a fine, consistent powder with no lumps. The result is always perfectly uniform. If you do not have a food processor, a blender works quite well, too. I used one for years and it certainly gets the job done, though you might need to pulse it a bit longer and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can even stir it together by hand in a large bowl. While this method might not achieve the same fine texture as a machine, it’s still completely viable, especially if you enjoy the tactile process of mixing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Spiced Tea

Making this Spiced Tea with Tang mix is incredibly straightforward. I promise you’ll have it ready in no time!

1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. A food processor makes this effortless, but I managed with a blender for years, and have even stirred it together by hand when necessary, although it’s not quite as pretty when done that way.
2. To enjoy: stir 2-3 heaping teaspoons into a mug of hot water and adjust to suit your own taste. Ahhh!
3. This mix starts to harden in the jar after six months or so, so drink up! Servings and Yield are approximations only.

Tang Hot Tea Recipe Variations

I love to experiment in my kitchen, and this Tang hot tea recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways I like to switch things up to create different flavor profiles:

• Different Citrus Powders: While I adore orange Tang, I’ve found that other citrus drink mixes can be fantastic too. Try using a lemon-lime flavored drink mix for a brighter, zingier profile, or even a grapefruit-flavored one for a slightly more bitter, sophisticated twist. Just swap it in for the orange Tang.
• Additional Warm Spices: To deepen the warmth, I sometimes add extra spices. A 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of nutmeg can introduce a lovely complexity. Cardamom also pairs beautifully with orange and tea, offering an exotic note.
• Alternative Sweeteners: While I use granulated sugar, you could easily substitute it. For a richer flavor, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar instead. Alternatively, for a sugar-free option, you can experiment with a granulated sugar substitute, adjusting the amount to your preference.
• Decaffeinated Version: If I’m craving a warm mug in the evening, I simply use decaffeinated instant tea. It allows me to enjoy all the comforting flavors without the caffeine boost.

Spiced Tea with Tang Serving Suggestions

Serving this Spiced Tea with Tang is just as delightful as making it! I love presenting it beautifully, whether I am enjoying a quiet moment alone or sharing it with friends.

For other ideas for presentation, explore our category for other treats and drinks.

For an extra touch of elegance, I often decorate my mug with a cinnamon stick, a star anise pod, or a fresh slice of lemon or orange. A little orange zest grated over the top before serving also adds a wonderful aromatic flourish.

This tea pairs wonderfully with simple, cozy treats. I particularly enjoy it with shortbread cookies, warm muffins, or light scones. It is also fantastic with a slice of my favorite orange loaf cake. I find this tea is perfect at any time of day; I enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up, a comforting afternoon treat, or a relaxing evening unwind.

How to Store Spiced Tea Mix

Properly storing your Spiced Tea with Tang mix is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. I always ensure my mix is stored in the right way to maximize its shelf life.

I recommend using airtight containers, such as mason jars with tight-fitting lids or sturdy food storage containers. This prevents moisture and air from getting in, which can cause the mix to clump or lose its potency. I always store my mix in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or any heat sources, like above the stove.

A pantry or a kitchen cabinet is usually ideal. While the mix can start to harden after about six months, as I mentioned in the instructions, if stored properly, it will remain perfectly good to drink for up to a year. If you notice any significant clumping that cannot be broken up, a change in smell, or a dulling of the vibrant orange color, it might be time to make a fresh batch.

Gifting Spiced Tea: Thoughtful Homemade Gifts

I genuinely believe that homemade gifts carry a special kind of warmth, and my Spiced Tea with Tang mix is perfect for sharing. It’s such a thoughtful and unique present that always brings a smile.

For packaging, I love using quaint mason jars. I often tie a pretty ribbon around the neck and attach a personalized label with a hand-written note and the simple instructions for preparing the tea. Decorative tins also make a charming presentation. This mix is wonderful for a variety of occasions: it makes an excellent Christmas gift, a thoughtful birthday present, a sweet thank you gesture, or a lovely housewarming gift.

To elevate it further, I sometimes create a Spiced Tea gift basket. I might include a beautiful mug, a small jar of local honey, a selection of my favorite cookies, and perhaps a mini whisk for stirring. It’s a gift that truly keeps on giving comfort!

Health Benefits of Spiced Tea with Tang

While I primarily make this Spiced Tea with Tang for its delicious taste and comforting qualities, I also appreciate that some of its ingredients offer potential health benefits.

Tang, as I mentioned, is often fortified with Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant known for its role in immune support and skin health. The black tea base in instant tea contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which I understand can contribute to heart health. Cinnamon, one of my favorite spices, is often praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and I love that it adds so much more than just flavor.

Cloves, another key spice in my mix, are also rich in antioxidants and have traditionally been used for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. As always, I want to remind you that I’m a home cook, not a medical professional, so please consult a healthcare professional for any medical advice regarding your health or diet.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a simple recipe like this Spiced Tea with Tang, I know sometimes little issues can pop up. I’ve encountered a few over the years, and I’m happy to share my solutions. If you are looking for other recipes, try our wonderful 5 Ingredient Hot Chocolate Recipe.

If your mix starts hardening in the jar, this usually indicates exposure to moisture or air. My best tip is to ensure you are using a truly airtight container and storing it in a cool, dry place. If it is already hard, sometimes a sturdy spoon can break it up, or you can run it through a food processor again if it is not too far gone. If the tea is too sweet or not sweet enough for your taste, remember that my recipe allows for adjusting the sugar content. I suggest starting with the lower amount of sugar, tasting it, and then adding more to your individual cup if needed.

This way, you have full control. If the spices settle at the bottom of your mug, it is a common occurrence with powdered mixes. Just give your tea a quick stir before each sip to redistribute those lovely spices and ensure every mouthful is flavorful.

Cost Analysis: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

I always find it insightful to compare the cost of making things myself versus buying them pre-made. When it comes to Spiced Tea with Tang, I believe making it at home is not only more satisfying but also more economical in the long run.

Here is a simplified look at how I estimate the costs:

This batch yields many servings, so my cost per serving is incredibly low, likely only pennies. In contrast, a small container of pre-made spiced tea mix at the grocery store can cost anywhere from $5 to $10 for a much smaller quantity, making my homemade version a clear winner for my budget.

FAQs about Spiced Tea Recipe with Tang

I often get questions about this Spiced Tea with Tang, so I’ve put together some answers for you!

Conclusion

I hope you are feeling inspired to whip up a batch of my Spiced Tea with Tang! I truly believe this recipe offers a wonderful blend of nostalgia, unique flavor, and incredible convenience. It’s so easy to make, even easier to customize to your exact liking, and it fills my home with the most comforting aroma. Whether you are seeking a warm drink for a quiet afternoon, a pick-me-up on a chilly morning, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe truly delivers.

I would absolutely love to hear from you. Have you ever tried Spiced Tea before, or maybe even made your own Friendship Tea mix? What memories do you have of these cozy, spiced beverages? Please leave a comment below, share your thoughts, or ask me any questions you might have. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences!

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Alexa

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Ultimate Spiced Tea Recipe with Tang: A Wonderful Twist

I can still remember the aroma of warm spices wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that captures that nostalgic feeling with a fun, unexpected twist: my Spiced Tea with Tang.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 35 serving(s)

Course: Beverages

Calories: 4

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 20 ounces tang powdered drink mix one full tub
• 1/3 cup instant tea I use the kind with lemon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or 3 if you like it sweeter

Equipment

• food processor
• Blender
• large bowl

Method

 

1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. A food processor makes this effortless, but I managed with a blender for years, and have even stirred it together by hand when necessary, although it’s not quite as pretty when done that way.
2. To enjoy: stir 2-3 heaping teaspoons into a mug of hot water and adjust to suit your own taste. Ahhh!
3. This mix starts to harden in the jar after six months or so, so drink up! Servings and Yield are approximations only.

Nutrition

Calories: 4kcal

Notes

For an extra touch of elegance, I often decorate my mug with a cinnamon stick, a star anise pod, or a fresh slice of lemon or orange. A little orange zest grated over the top before serving also adds a wonderful aromatic flourish. This tea pairs wonderfully with simple, cozy treats. I particularly enjoy it with shortbread cookies, warm muffins, or light scones. It is also fantastic with a slice of my favorite orange loaf cake. I find this tea is perfect at any time of day; I enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up, a comforting afternoon treat, or a relaxing evening unwind.

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