On quiet, calm holiday evenings I enjoy a cup of hot tea. I appreciate the variety of tea flavors available, with my favorite being peppermint. The subtle candy cane flavor brings memories of the striped treat hanging on my family tree.

I also recall my mother preparing a batch of “Friendship Tea,” which she shared with friends and neighbors for several years during the holidays. The customary Russian tea boasts flavors of a hot fruity punch. The following recipe is an instant version, not quite as fruity but definitely refreshing. Spice up someone’s holiday season this year by making a batch!

Russian Friendship Tea

1 ½ cups sugar
2 cups instant Tang orange drink
½ cup instant iced tea
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground allspice
½ tsp. ground cloves

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. To make a hot beverage add 3 teaspoons mixture to an 8 oz. mug of hot water. 

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