← Back to Recipes

Russian Tea with Jam (Varenye): A Winter Warmer

★★★★★ (4.8 from 14 Reviews)
Jump to Recipe ↓

In Russia, tea isn't just a drink; it's a way of life, especially during the long, harsh winters. But unlike the British who add milk, Russians traditionally sweeten their tea with Varenye—a type of whole-fruit preserve similar to jam.

This ritual involves brewing a potent concentrate called Zavarka in a small teapot, which is then diluted with hot water from a Samovar (or kettle). The jam is rarely stirred into the cup; instead, a spoonful is placed in the mouth and the hot tea is sipped through it, creating a burst of fruit flavor with every sip.

A glass of dark tea in a metal holder (podstakannik) served with a small bowl of strawberry jam.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Servings1 Pot
OccasionWinter

Ingredients

The Zavarka (Concentrate)
  • 2-3 tbsp Loose Leaf Black Tea (Russian Caravan is smoky, Ceylon is classic)
  • 2 cups Boiling Water

To Serve
  • Hot Water (to dilute)
  • Varenye or Fruit Preserves (Strawberry, Raspberry, Cherry, or Blackcurrant work best)
  • Lemon Slices
  • Sugar cubes (optional)
Nutrition per serving (with 1 tbsp jam):
Calories: 60
Fat: 0g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 0g

Instructions

1
Warm the Pot: Rinse a small teapot (ideally ceramic or porcelain) with boiling water to warm it up. This keeps the concentrate hot.
2
Make Zavarka: Add the loose leaf tea to the warmed pot. Pour in about 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. This will be incredibly strong and bitter—that's the point. It is a concentrate.
3
Prepare the Cup: Pour about 1 inch (2-3 cm) of the dark Zavarka concentrate into your teacup or glass. Top the rest of the cup with fresh boiling water to dilute it to your preferred strength.
4
The Ritual: Serve with a slice of lemon and a small dish of jam on the side. To drink like a local, take a small spoonful of jam into your mouth, then sip the hot tea through the jam. Do not dissolve the jam in the tea cup!

Expert Tip: "Russian Caravan" Tea

For the most authentic experience, look for a "Russian Caravan" blend. It typically mixes Oolong, Keemun, and Lapsang Souchong to recreate the smoky flavor tea would acquire during the 6,000-mile camel caravan journey from China to Russia in the 19th century.

Related Learning

Explore more tea traditions.

Lapsang Souchong: The History of Smoked Tea

The Ancient Tea Horse Road: How Tea Traveled

Buying Guide: Best Smoky Teas for Winter

Comments