Tea has a special place in Russian culture, and it is much more than just a beverage. In Russia, tea drinking is a social ritual, a moment to unwind, and an opportunity for family and friends to gather. Making tea the traditional Russian way involves using a samovar, an iconic Russian tea kettle, and a series of specific steps that reflect the country’s rich tea culture. Whether you are a seasoned tea lover or new to Russian tea traditions, learning how to make tea like a local is a wonderful way to connect with Russian hospitality and culture. Here’s how you can prepare traditional Russian tea at home, just like the locals do.
1. The Essential Tool: The Samovar
Traditionally, Russians make tea using a samovar, a heated metal container that’s used to boil water. While samovars are less common today, they still hold cultural significance, and many people use them for festive occasions. However, if you don’t have access to a samovar, you can still make Russian tea using a regular kettle, but the process and presentation will still reflect traditional practices.
What is a Samovar?
- A samovar is a large, decorative kettle, often made of brass, copper, or steel. It has a central chimney where hot coals or electric heating elements heat the water. A traditional samovar boils water and keeps it hot for hours, allowing guests to enjoy endless cups of tea throughout the day.
- In Russia, samovars are often seen as symbols of hospitality, as they provide the warm atmosphere necessary for long conversations, family gatherings, and celebrations.
Samovar Alternatives
If you don’t have a samovar, you can easily use a kettle or teapot to prepare your tea, though you will miss out on the traditional heating and aesthetic experience of the samovar.
2. Choose the Right Tea Leaves
Russians traditionally drink black tea, which is robust and strong, making it perfect for long sipping sessions. The most common types of tea used in Russia are Ceylon and Assam teas, which are known for their full-bodied flavors and ability to pair well with milk, sugar, and lemon.
Types of Tea to Use
- Ceylon: Ceylon tea is one of the most popular varieties in Russia. It has a bright, slightly astringent flavor and a light amber color. It pairs well with sugar, lemon, and jam.
- Assam: Assam tea, from India, is a strong, malty tea with a rich, deep flavor. It’s ideal for those who like their tea with a bit more strength and is often enjoyed with milk and sugar.
- Russian Caravan Tea: Traditionally, a blend called Russian Caravan tea was commonly used. It’s a smoky tea made from a mix of Chinese and Indian black teas, which gives it a distinctive flavor.
How Much Tea to Use
- The general rule is to use one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup (around 200 ml). If you prefer your tea strong, you can add more leaves.
3. Boiling the Water
The key to making perfect Russian tea is ensuring that the water is at the right temperature. Russians like their tea very hot, and the water must be boiled vigorously before being poured over the tea leaves.
Boiling the Water in a Samovar
- If you’re using a samovar, fill the samovar’s water chamber with water and heat it. The samovar will keep the water hot throughout the tea-drinking session.
- Water Temperature: Water should be brought to a rolling boil, typically between 100°C (212°F), which is the ideal temperature for steeping black tea.
Boiling Water in a Kettle
- If you don’t have a samovar, simply bring a kettle of water to a boil on the stove. Once it reaches a rolling boil, it’s ready for use.
4. Brewing the Tea (Zavarka)
One of the unique aspects of Russian tea-making is the method of brewing, known as zavarka. This process involves brewing a concentrated tea extract that is then diluted with hot water from the samovar or kettle.
Making Zavarka (Strong Tea Concentrate)
- Boil your water (either in a samovar or kettle).
- Place loose tea leaves into a small teapot or the top part of the samovar (if using one). Use around 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per cup of tea you plan to serve.
- Pour a small amount of the boiling water (about 1/3 of the water you will need) into the teapot, just enough to cover the tea leaves.
- Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes to make a concentrated tea. This strong tea is referred to as the zavarka.
Why Zavarka?
- Zavarka is a concentrated tea that allows people to adjust the strength of their tea. This method also allows for tea to be kept hot for a long period without becoming bitter.
5. Serving Russian Tea
Once the zavarka is prepared, the fun part begins: serving it! Russian tea is usually served in small glasses, often called “frytki”, or sometimes in teacups. The tea is typically enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments, making the experience more social and interactive.
Diluting the Zavarka
- To drink Russian tea, pour the concentrated zavarka into a glass, filling it about one-third of the way.
- Add hot water from the samovar or kettle to dilute the tea to your desired strength. The ratio is usually around one-third zavarka to two-thirds hot water, but this can be adjusted based on your preference.
Traditional Tea Accompaniments
- Sugar: Russians typically serve tea with sugar, but it’s common to drink it without sugar as well. It’s up to personal preference.
- Lemon: A slice of lemon is a classic addition to Russian tea. It adds a refreshing tartness that balances the tea’s richness.
- Jam and Sweet Treats: It’s traditional to serve tea with a spoonful of jam. Fruit jams, such as raspberry, apricot, or black currant, are commonly used. Jam can be added to the tea directly or served alongside the tea to be enjoyed with bread or pastries.
- Honey: Honey is also a common sweetener for Russian tea, especially in colder months.
Tea Glass Holders
- Podstakannik: In traditional Russian tea service, the tea glass is often placed in a podstakannik—a metal holder that protects the drinker from the heat of the glass. The podstakannik is often ornately decorated, adding to the ceremonial aspect of tea drinking.
6. Drinking Tea Like a Local
In Russia, drinking tea is a social occasion, often enjoyed with family and friends over long conversations. The tea is usually accompanied by snacks, including pastries, cookies, or hearty bread with butter and caviar. Tea time can be a long, leisurely event that lasts hours, allowing people to bond and relax.
Tea Etiquette
- Politeness: When serving or receiving tea, it’s customary to offer guests the best of everything, especially if they are close friends or family. Pouring tea for others before pouring for yourself is a polite gesture.
- Toasting: Sometimes, tea drinking can be accompanied by toasts, especially at weddings or other festive occasions. A toast with tea can be as meaningful as one made with vodka.
7. Enjoying Russian Tea Throughout the Day
Russian tea isn’t just a morning ritual; it’s enjoyed throughout the day. Many Russians have several tea breaks during the day, and it’s a drink often enjoyed while chatting, reading, or spending time with family.
- In the Morning: Russians often start their day with a glass of tea, particularly strong tea made with zavarka.
- Afternoon Tea: Russians also enjoy tea during the afternoon, served with snacks or dessert. This is often when the tea is served with jam, cookies, or pastries.
- Evening Relaxation: Tea is often drunk in the evening, especially during gatherings or while watching TV. It’s a way to unwind and relax after a busy day.
Conclusion
Making traditional Russian tea is much more than just boiling water and steeping tea leaves. It’s a cultural experience that involves careful preparation, patience, and attention to detail. The practice of making zavarka, serving it with hot water from a samovar, and enjoying it with lemon, jam, or honey is a perfect reflection of Russian hospitality. Whether you’re hosting friends, family, or just enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, making Russian tea is a beautiful way to experience the warmth and richness of Russian culture. So, next time you want to enjoy a cup of tea like a local, follow these steps and savor the experience!