Warm Russian Tea

Yield: 16 cups

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Ingredients

2-3 cups sugar (see note)
2-3 cups water (see note)
3 cups orange juice
1 cup fresh lemon juice, 5-6 lemons
3 quarts water, 12 cups
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons almond extract

Instructions

In a large saucepan, heat the sugar and water to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3-4 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the remaining ingredients. Heat again until warm; keep warm on the stove or transfer to a slow cooker and heat on low until serving.
This can be made up to a week in advance and refrigerated before heating and serving.

Notes

Sweetness: everyone's "sweetness" level is a bit different so I included a range when making the simple syrup of sugar and water. Two cups sugar + two cups water is plenty sweet for me (keep reading for the brand of OJ I use, which may make a difference) but if you tend to like things less tart and more sweet, go for the three cups sugar + three cups water.

Orange Juice: I use the Simply OJ brand of orange juice. The fresh flavor really shines through (same with fresh lemon juice vs. bottled, but use what you prefer).

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