Homemade Instant Orange Spice Tea Recipe with Tang

Nothing beats this cozy spice tea recipe with Tang when you want a warm, citrusy drink that tastes like comfort in every sip.

I find an old-fashioned cup of homemade orange spice tea to be so nostalgic and comforting. Many families remember finding this recipe tucked inside church cookbooks or handwritten on a well-loved recipe card. It has been shared between neighbors, coworkers, and friends for decades.

This spice tea recipe with Tang drink mix has stood the test of time for good reason. It is inexpensive, simple, and incredibly comforting. Every cup brings bright citrus flavors, gentle spices, and the familiar taste of black tea together. 

My own grandparents (and then my parents) kept a large jar ready all winter. Now my dad gifts it to me and my sisters every Christmas. When I run out of Dad’s, I make up a large batch to keep us stocked through the cold weather season. The dry mix stores beautifully for months and it’s always ready whenever someone wants a quick hot beverage.

This homemade tea mix also makes wonderful homemade gifts. Scoop it into a mason jar, add a ribbon, and include simple directions. It becomes a thoughtful present that almost anyone enjoys.

Whether you call it Tang tea, Russian tea mix, or simply orange spice tea, this classic recipe continues to bring families together. It is the perfect warm drink for chilly afternoons and quiet evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Spice Tea Recipe with Tang

• This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at almost any grocery store.
• There is no brewing or waiting for tea to steep.
• Everything mixes together in just a few minutes.
• The finished spiced tea mix stores well inside an airtight container.
• Each serving takes only seconds to prepare.
• The warm flavor feels comforting on every cold day.
• Many people even enjoy a cup when they have a sore throat.
• The citrus flavors balance beautifully with the cinnamon and cloves.
• You can easily double the recipe for holiday gatherings or homemade gifts.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup instant tea granules
• 2 cups orange Tang drink mix
• 1 package unsweetened lemonade mix, 2-quart size
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Dash of salt

How to Make Homemade Orange Spice Tea

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients by whisking everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed and the spices are well distributed throughout the dry mix.
2. Transfer the finished tea mix to an airtight container or large mason jar.
3. Store the mix in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to enjoy it.

How to Make One Cup

1. Heat 1 cup of water until hot.
2. Stir 2 teaspoons (or more, if desired) of the tea mix into the hot water until completely dissolved.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, cozy cup of orange spice tea.

Tips for the Best Results

• Mix everything thoroughly before storing.
• The spices should be evenly distributed.
• Use fresh instant tea powder for the best flavor.
• Keep moisture away from the dry mix.
• Always use a tightly sealed airtight container. A mason jar works beautifully for storage.
• Label the container with the preparation directions.
• Include the date you mixed it together.

Storage Information

• Store your homemade tea mix in a dry place.
• Keep the lid tightly sealed.
• Avoid storing it near steam or humidity. 
• The dry ingredients stay fresh for several months.
• Always use a dry spoon when serving. This helps prevent clumping.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

• Many families grew up with this classic Tang tea recipe. 
• It often appeared at church social gatherings or in church cookbooks.
• Grandparents would keep a jar at the ready. 
• Friends exchanged jars during the holiday season. 
• Neighbors and coworkers shared it during Christmas parties.
• It remains one of the easiest tea recipes to prepare.

Fun Ways to Gift This Tea Mix

• Fill a mason jar with the finished mix.
• Tie on festive ribbon or cloth.
• Attach a handwritten recipe card.
• Include serving instructions.
• Pair the jar with a favorite mug.
• Add cinnamon sticks for decoration.
• Include a plate of cookies.
• Wrap everything inside a simple gift basket.

These homemade gifts feel personal and thoughtful. They are perfect during the holiday season.

Easy Recipe Variations

• Like a stronger tea flavor? Add slightly more instant tea granules.
• Prefer extra spice? Increase the ground cinnamon and cloves slightly (start with a little; you can always add more and dry spices pack a punch).
• Want more citrus flavors? Add a little fresh orange zest before serving.
• Some people enjoy adding a squeeze of fresh orange juice. Others like a splash of lemon juice. Just add those after mixing the hot drink. (Never add fresh juice to the dry mix.)

A Little Nostalgia

Recipes like this remind me of slower days.

My kids always ask to make “spiced tea” in the cooler months. (Who am I kidding? They ask for it in the summer months, too!)

The house smelled warm and welcoming.

Stories were shared and visits were had over a hot cup.

Simple recipes often create lasting memories.

This friendship tea recipe continues doing exactly that.

Even today, one cup brings back wonderful memories.

How to Involve Kids

Ages 2–4

• Let little helpers pour pre-measured ingredients into the large bowl.
• They can help stir with supervision.
• They enjoy placing labels on the jars.

Ages 4–6

• Children can help measure ingredients.
• They can decorate homemade gift tags.
• They will love choosing ribbons for gift jars.

Ages 6–8

• Older children can measure most ingredients independently.
• They can whisk the dry mix together.
• They can fill each mason jar.
• They can write serving directions onto recipe cards.

Ages 8+

• Older kids can prepare the recipe independently.
• Show them how to store everything safely.
• They can even assemble homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.

Some recipes never go out of style

This classic spice tea recipe with Tang proves exactly that. It is affordable, simple, and comforting. Every warm cup feels like home.

Whether you enjoy it beside the christmas tree or after a long cold day, this cozy drink always delivers.

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