Russia is famous for its rich cultural heritage, and tea plays a central role in the daily life of its people. The tradition of tea drinking in Russia is deeply rooted in history, with the iconic samovar (a traditional Russian tea kettle) being a symbol of hospitality and family gatherings. Russian tea is usually strong, often served with sugar, lemon, jam, or even a splash of vodka for a fun twist. If you’re a tea enthusiast visiting Russia, or simply want to bring a taste of Russian tea culture back home, here are the best Russian tea brands you should try during your visit.
1. Twinings of London (Russian Caravan)
Although Twinings is an international brand, its Russian Caravan tea blend is a classic favorite among Russians. The blend is a mixture of black teas that traditionally include smoky flavors, which mimic the taste of the tea that traveled from China to Russia along the “Caravan” trade routes. This tea evokes the spirit of Russian tea traditions, making it a perfect choice for those who want an authentic yet easy-to-find experience.
Why You Should Try It:
- Classic Flavor: The Russian Caravan blend has a rich, smoky flavor that is very much associated with Russian tea traditions.
- Availability: Twinings is widely available worldwide, making it an easy option for tourists and travelers to access.
Best For:
- Those who love a smoky, robust black tea with a historical twist.
2. Mowgli Tea (Russian Earl Grey)
Mowgli Tea is an emerging brand that has become a favorite for both locals and tourists alike. Known for its dedication to high-quality blends, Mowgli Tea offers an innovative take on classic flavors. Their Russian Earl Grey is a beautiful twist on the traditional Earl Grey, blending the classic citrusy notes of bergamot with a touch of traditional Russian herbs.
Why You Should Try It:
- Distinctive Blend: The addition of herbs such as thyme, rose petals, and lavender in their Russian Earl Grey gives it a unique Russian touch while maintaining the elegance of traditional Earl Grey.
- Organic and Handcrafted: Mowgli is dedicated to organic and ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring a clean and flavorful cup.
Best For:
- Those looking for a modern take on traditional flavors, with a distinctive Russian twist.
3. Ahmad Tea (Russian Blend)
Ahmad Tea, a renowned British brand, offers a popular Russian Blend that captures the essence of Russian tea culture. This blend typically combines high-quality black teas, offering a full-bodied flavor with a slightly malty and bold taste. Although not originally Russian, the blend has been crafted to meet the Russian love for strong, hearty teas.
Why You Should Try It:
- Bold and Robust: Ahmad Tea’s Russian Blend is known for its strong, rich flavor, which is perfect for those who enjoy a bold tea with milk or sugar.
- Widely Available: Ahmad Tea is available worldwide, making it easy for tourists to find and purchase.
Best For:
- Those who prefer bold black teas and enjoy a tea that pairs well with milk or sugar.
4. Lipton (Russian Black Tea)
Lipton, one of the world’s most famous tea brands, offers a Russian Black Tea blend that is designed to appeal to the Russian palate. While Lipton is known for its more commercial blends, their Russian Black Tea is a strong and full-bodied black tea blend that is well-suited for the Russian tradition of drinking tea with sugar, lemon, or jam.
Why You Should Try It:
- Reliable and Accessible: Lipton is widely available across the globe, making it an easy choice for tourists looking to bring home a piece of Russian tea culture.
- Smooth and Robust: The Russian Black Tea blend is bold and full-bodied, offering the richness that many Russians seek in their daily tea.
Best For:
- Those seeking an easy-to-find, strong, and reliable tea that’s ideal for everyday drinking.
5. Tea Factory “Kerch” (Black Tea)
The Kerch Tea Factory in Russia is known for producing some of the country’s finest loose-leaf black teas. This brand offers a variety of blends, including traditional Russian Black Tea, which is perfect for those looking for a true taste of Russian tea culture. The tea is produced using high-quality leaves, and the resulting flavor is rich and strong, perfect for pairing with Russian jam or honey.
Why You Should Try It:
- Authentic Russian Flavor: Kerch’s tea is crafted in the heart of Russia, giving it an authentic flavor that represents the country’s long-standing tea traditions.
- Loose-Leaf Quality: The loose-leaf variety offers a more flavorful and aromatic tea experience compared to bagged options.
Best For:
- Tea lovers who enjoy the experience of brewing loose-leaf tea and want an authentic Russian tea experience.
6. Tess (Russian Style Tea)
Tess is a premium Russian tea brand known for producing high-quality black teas. The Russian Style Tea blend is a rich, fragrant black tea that combines the bold flavors of traditional Russian tea with a slight floral undertone. Tess’ teas are often characterized by their high quality and fragrant aroma.
Why You Should Try It:
- High-Quality Blends: Tess is known for its premium blends that are often more flavorful than standard tea bags. Their Russian Style Tea is a great representation of what Russian tea should taste like.
- Ideal for Tea Lovers: Tess is an excellent choice for those who prefer a sophisticated, smooth black tea.
Best For:
- Those who appreciate high-quality tea blends and prefer a slightly floral and aromatic touch in their tea.
7. Impra (Russian Caravan)
Impra is a popular Russian tea brand that specializes in creating blends with traditional Russian flavors. Their Russian Caravan tea is a smoky, aromatic blend made from a mix of black teas that gives it the deep, earthy taste commonly associated with Russian teas. This tea is a nod to the long journey that tea took from China to Russia, traveling along ancient trade routes.
Why You Should Try It:
- Smoky and Full-Bodied: The Russian Caravan blend from Impra offers a deep, smoky flavor with a hint of earthiness, perfect for those who enjoy bold, traditional teas.
- Traditional Experience: This tea offers an authentic taste of Russia’s historical tea culture, especially for those looking for a more robust cup of tea.
Best For:
- Smoky tea lovers who want an authentic, full-bodied experience reminiscent of old Russian tea rituals.
8. Kusmi Tea (Russian Morning)
While Kusmi Tea is a French brand, it has a rich history tied to Russian tea culture. Founded by a Russian pharmacist in the 19th century, Kusmi Tea’s Russian Morning blend is a perfect example of Russian-style tea, with a blend of black tea that’s rich and robust, ideal for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up.
Why You Should Try It:
- A Nod to Russian History: Kusmi’s Russian Morning blend is inspired by Russian tea traditions, combining strong black tea with hints of natural flavors.
- Smooth and Energizing: This tea is both invigorating and flavorful, making it ideal for those who want a smooth, yet strong tea to start their day.
Best For:
- Those who want a taste of Russian tea culture with a touch of modern sophistication.
9. Yunnan Tea (Russian Caravan)
Yunnan Tea offers its own version of the Russian Caravan tea, which is a blend of black teas from China, India, and Sri Lanka. This version is known for its smooth and slightly floral flavor, with smoky notes that evoke the classic Russian tea-drinking experience.
Why You Should Try It:
- Rich and Smooth: The combination of smooth and smoky flavors makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a rich tea.
- A Slight Twist: Yunnan’s Russian Caravan offers a slightly less intense smokiness than other versions, making it a great option for those new to smoky teas.
Best For:
- Those who want a milder, smooth Russian Caravan experience.
Conclusion
Russian tea is a perfect souvenir or gift, and these brands offer a taste of the country’s rich tea culture. Whether you’re savoring the smoky depth of Russian Caravan, indulging in the richness of Kerch’s loose-leaf black tea, or exploring the unique blends from Mowgli Tea, each option brings a piece of Russian history and tradition to your cup. The next time you’re in Russia, make sure to bring back some of these exceptional teas to enjoy at home, or give them as thoughtful gifts to friends and family.
