Craving a warm and cozy drink on a chilly fall day?
Friendship Tea is the perfect solution! This spiced tea mix is made with Tang, instant tea, lemonade powder, and spices like cinnamon and ground cloves. It’s the perfect way to bring friends together – whether you’re sharing it over hot cups of cozy tea or gifting jars of this delicious blend!
Want to make your own Spiced Tea Mix at home? It’s easy! Just follow our recipe below. And be sure to enjoy a cup (or two!) while you relax in front of a warm fire this fall.
What is Friendship tea? The Back Story
Friendship tea is a blend of spiced tea, Tang, instant tea, and lemonade powder that’s perfect for cozy, comforting fall days.
It has been around for decades, but its exact origin is unknown. Many people believe this popular beverage was inspired by Russian tea, a blend of spices and tea that’s served hot. Others think this spiced tea mix originated in the U.S. This tea has many names, and it’s often referred to as Russian Tea, Tang Tea, or sometimes Spiced Tea with Tang.
No matter the recipe’s origin, a variation of it can be found in scribbled in cookbooks throughout the south, and it’s easy to see why people often refer to this tasty mix as Friendship Tea. After all, it is the perfect way to bring friends together over hot cups of warm and cozy goodness.
Health Benefits of Friendship Tea
In addition to its delicious taste, this spicy tea offers several health benefits. The spices in this spiced tea mix contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce disease risk. Cinnamon, for example, is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Cloves, on the other hand, contain an antioxidant called eugenol that may help protect against cancer and diabetes.
Friendship Tea Recipe
Sometimes known as spiced tea with tang, this popular beverage couldn’t be easier to make and is ideal for cozy, comforting fall days. This tasty beverage is made with Tang, instant tea, lemonade powder and spices like cinnamon and ground cloves. It’s the perfect way to bring friends together. All you need to make a cup of hot spiced tea are simple ingredients and an air-tight container to store it in.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Tang
– 1 cup instant tea
– ½ cup lemonade powder
– 2 teaspoons cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions:
Simply mix together the following ingredients, then store in an airtight jar.
This spiced tea mix is best enjoyed hot. To make a single serving, simply combine two tablespoons of the tea mix with one cup of boiling water. Stir and serve. Enjoy!
Friendship Tea Variations
Iced Friendship Tea
If you prefer iced tea, you can add a teaspoon of sugar and two tablespoons Friendship Tea mix to 1/4 c. boiling water. Stir until dissolved, then add 3/4 cup cold water and serve over ice.
Coffee Friendship Tea
You can also use this spiced tea mix as a coffee creamer! Simply add two tablespoons of the tea mix (plus a teaspoon of sugar if desired) to 1/4 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved, add 3/4 cup of coffee and enjoy!
Friendship Tea With Red Hots
Another variation is to add red hots (cinnamon-flavored hard candies). Simply dissolve a few red hots in a steaming cup of hot tea and enjoy! This is a great version for Christmas gifts since the red hots resemble Christmas ornaments.
Low Sugar/Sugar-Free Spiced Tea
Substituting the instant tea and lemonade powder with sugar-free versions is an easy way to reduce the sugar content in this tasty beverage.
Make Serving Even Easier With Friendship Tea Bags
For a quick tea fix, try adding this spicy tea mix to tea bags! Simply fill a disposable tea bag with your favorite Friendship Tea mix, then steep in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Enjoy hot or over ice for a cold version!
What To Serve With Friendship Tea
This tea is great on its own but even better when served with food. Try serving this spiced tea with fresh fruit, scones, or muffins for an extra special treat. It also pairs well with rich fall-inspired desserts like apple pie or pumpkin bread.
Giving The Gift Of Spiced Tea
There is a reason Friendship Tea is so popular. It’s easy to put together and makes a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends or family. Simply fill up jars with the tea mix and tie them with ribbon for a festive touch. Bonus points if you add the recipe to the gift tag.
Final Thoughts
Making Friendship Tea is a fun activity to do with friends, family, or children. Whether you’re sharing it over steaming hot cups of spicy deliciousness or gifting jars of this delicious blend, Friendship Tea is the perfect way to bring people together! So grab your ingredients and get ready for some cozy tea time.
