This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. All opinions are my own.
My first memory of Russian Tea was my grandmother bringing it to our house along with tin after tin of cookies when she came to visit at Christmas.
Granny packaged her Russian Tea in a Sanka bottle and we enjoyed an occasional cup the rest of the winter.
Low-Calorie Russian Tea
I love to drink Russian Tea but I hate to drink my calories.
I’d rather spend my calorie budget on food to eat! My dilemma was solved after concocting a Russian Tea recipe that is not only tasty but is also low calorie.
Traditional Ingredients
If you aren’t familiar with Russian Tea, it traditionally is a combination of instant tea, Tang, lemonade mix, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
To make this tea, a tablespoon (or a little more) is added to a mug of hot water. The size of your mug will determine how much of the mixture you’ll need.
I typically heat my water using my Keurig which makes it super easy to enjoy this beverage. Of course, heating water in a tea kettle works just as well or even in the microwave.
If you are curious about the name of this beverage, this article from Southern Living gives some history on its name and when the recipe became popular.
How I Made it Low-Calorie
My low-calorie version uses unsweetened instant tea, Crystal Light lemonade and orange drink mixes, cinnamon, and cloves.
This drink is so tasty and it makes your home smell wonderful. You won’t break the calorie bank with this fragrant and flavorful hot drink.
I have been enjoying a cup of this drink almost daily since before Thanksgiving.
Being decaf makes it a warm beverage that I can enjoy in the evening without risking not being able to sleep.
Low Calorie Russian Tea
Ingredients
Instructions
Oh yes! I remember this!
Hadn’t had it in years!
I need some… Now that I’m officially diabetic… :/. I’ll try your low cal / low carb version.
I can’t wait!
Want to try the recipe but I’m not sure of what size packets you’re using of the Crystal Lite. Are they the single servings to flavor a 16 oz bottle of water or the larger packets to make 2 quarts of the flavored drink? Thanks!
Nadine – I used the 2 quart sized packets of Crystal Light. I hope you enjoy this!
Paula
Yum! I’ve never heard of this but it sounds delicious! Sounds like the perfect time of year to make it!
I had never heard of this! Sounds like it would be so festive tasting!
Love Russian Tea, great idea for a low calorie version!
Debie
Love this!!! Pinning to try later! 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It! 🙂
I’ve never heard of Russian tea. I’d love to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday.
Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
Hi Paula,
I would love to sit and have tea with you, your Russian Tea looks wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with us at Full Plate Thursday! Hope you are having a wonderful week and hope to see you soon!
Miz Helen
I need this so much right now! Already making my Walmart list to pick up the ingredients!
I hope you enjoy it. I need to make some more and I’m worried that Walmart no longer carries orange Crystal Light. Were you able to find it?
Paula