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.