Russian tea culture is rich and varied, with a deep history intertwined with the country’s traditions. Tea in Russia is not just a beverage but a cherished ritual, often enjoyed with family and friends during cozy gatherings. While many people associate Russia with vodka, the country also has a strong tea tradition that spans centuries. If you’re new to Russian tea and want to dive into this delightful part of Russian culture, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best Russian teas for beginners and help you explore the flavors and history behind each one.
1. Black Tea (Chorny Chai)
The most common and widely consumed tea in Russia is black tea, known as “chorny chai” in Russian. Russian black tea is traditionally strong, bold, and often enjoyed with sugar, lemon, and sometimes jam or honey. It is a staple of Russian households, consumed throughout the day—especially during the famous “tea time” or “chay party.”
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Familiar Flavor: If you’ve already enjoyed black tea in various forms, you’ll feel right at home with Russian black tea. It’s similar to the black teas you might find in other parts of the world, such as English breakfast tea or Indian Assam.
- Versatility: Russian black tea can be served in a variety of ways. You can drink it black, with milk, or enjoy it with a twist of lemon or a spoonful of jam. It’s highly customizable based on your taste preferences.
Recommended Brands for Beginners:
- Kusmi Tea: While originally French, Kusmi Tea offers excellent Russian-style blends that bring a taste of Russia to your cup.
- Ahmad Tea: Known for its strong black tea, Ahmad Tea offers varieties that mirror traditional Russian teas.
2. Ivan Chai (Fireweed Tea)
One of the most unique and historically significant Russian teas is Ivan Chai (Fireweed Tea). This herbal tea is made from the leaves of the fireweed plant, which grows in the Russian wilderness. Ivan Chai has been consumed in Russia for centuries and is believed to have healing properties. It is caffeine-free, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer herbal teas.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Mild Flavor: Ivan Chai has a mild, soothing taste with floral and slightly sweet notes, making it an excellent option for those new to herbal teas. It’s not too overpowering and has a calming effect.
- Health Benefits: Ivan Chai is often consumed for its medicinal properties, believed to aid in digestion and improve overall well-being. This makes it a great introduction to the world of herbal teas.
Recommended Brands for Beginners:
- Ivan Chai by Siberian Tea Company: Known for producing high-quality fireweed tea, this brand offers a gentle introduction to Ivan Chai with a naturally smooth and pleasant taste.
- Tea of Siberia: This brand offers authentic Ivan Chai that is carefully harvested and prepared in traditional Russian ways, delivering a clean and mild flavor.
3. Green Tea (Zelenyi Chai)
Green tea, or “zelenyi chai” in Russian, is another popular tea in Russia, especially among those looking for a lighter, healthier option. Russian green tea is typically less bitter than some other varieties, and it’s often enjoyed as a refreshing and light alternative to black tea.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Gentle Flavor: Russian green tea tends to be milder and more aromatic compared to green teas from other countries, making it an approachable choice for beginners. It is not as astringent, making it smoother on the palate.
- Refreshing: It’s perfect for drinking throughout the day and is particularly popular in the summer months when it’s served cold.
Recommended Brands for Beginners:
- Kusmi Tea: Their “Green Tea with Jasmine” offers a fragrant, floral twist on traditional green tea, providing a pleasant introduction to Russian green teas.
- Tess Tea: A Russian brand known for producing high-quality green teas that cater to beginners and those looking for a smooth, less bitter flavor.
4. Czai with Jam (Chai s Vareniem)
In Russia, it’s common to pair tea with jam (or “vareniem”)—a tradition that adds an extra layer of sweetness to your tea-drinking experience. Russian jam, made from berries like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, is often served alongside a steaming cup of tea. The jam is typically added directly to the tea, infusing it with sweetness and flavor.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Unique Experience: For beginners, this is a fun and distinctly Russian way to enjoy tea. The sweetness of the jam pairs beautifully with the bitterness of the tea, making it an excellent introduction to how Russian tea is enjoyed.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness to your preference, adding as much or as little jam as you like. Russian jam varieties also come in a range of flavors, so you can experiment to find your favorite combination.
Recommended Brands for Beginners:
- Grandmother’s Jam (Babushkina Varene): This brand offers authentic Russian jam, available in a variety of fruit flavors like raspberry and strawberry, perfect for pairing with your tea.
- Semyonov Varene: Known for producing homemade-style jams that reflect traditional Russian recipes, perfect for pairing with your Russian tea.
5. Black Currant Tea (Chai s Smorodinoi)
Black currant tea is a favorite in Russia and is known for its rich, fruity taste. Often made by blending black currant leaves with black tea, this blend is both refreshing and robust. Black currants are rich in vitamin C and are considered a healthy addition to your tea-drinking experience.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Fruit Infusion: If you enjoy fruity teas, black currant tea offers a delicious, naturally sweet flavor without the need for added sugar or jam. The tartness of the black currants balances perfectly with the smoothness of the tea.
- Health Benefits: Black currant tea is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a great choice for boosting your immunity.
Recommended Brands for Beginners:
- Russian Tea Company: This brand offers black currant tea made with fresh, high-quality black currant leaves, perfect for newcomers.
- Kusmi Tea: Known for its specialty blends, Kusmi also offers black currant-infused teas with a gentle and fruity flavor that’s great for beginners.
6. Cinnamon and Spice Tea (Chai s Koritsyem)
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, Russian cinnamon and spice tea is a great option. Often made by combining black tea with cinnamon, cloves, and other spices, this tea delivers a warming, aromatic experience. It’s especially popular during the colder months and can be enjoyed with honey for added sweetness.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Warm and Comforting: The spiced flavors are comforting and inviting, making this tea an excellent choice for beginners who want to try something more flavorful but still easy to drink.
- Perfect for Winter: The warmth and comforting nature of the spices make it perfect for cold weather, especially when you want a soothing drink that isn’t overly strong.
Recommended Brands for Beginners:
- Tess Tea: Their cinnamon and spice tea blends are popular in Russia and offer a mild yet warming flavor that’s great for those new to spiced teas.
- Zhar-Ptitsa: A Russian brand that specializes in spiced teas, including cinnamon blends that are perfect for cozy tea moments.
Conclusion
Exploring Russian tea is an exciting journey, and there’s no better way to start than by trying some of the most beloved varieties that Russian tea culture has to offer. Whether you’re starting with classic black tea, enjoying a mild herbal infusion like Ivan Chai, or adding jam for a truly Russian experience, these teas provide a perfect introduction to the world of Russian tea. With a variety of flavors and styles to explore, Russian tea offers something for everyone—whether you prefer something light and refreshing or bold and warming. Enjoy discovering the flavors and traditions of Russian tea, and don’t forget to savor it with friends, food, and conversation—just as Russians have done for centuries.
