Tea (Russian style)

Bring a kettle of Water to a rolling boil.

Place 1–2 teaspoons of Loose-Leaf Black Tea per cup into a small teapot; pour just enough boiling water over the leaves to cover them and steep 3–5 minutes to make a strong concentrate (zavarka).

Keep the kettle hot for diluting and optionally warm your cups by rinsing them with a little hot water from the kettle.

To serve, spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the concentrated tea into each cup and dilute with hot water from the kettle to your preferred strength.

Sweeten or flavor each cup as desired: add a Sugar Cubes or a drizzle of Honey, squeeze in a slice of Lemon, or stir in a spoonful of Fruit Jam — jam can also be eaten on the side as a traditional accompaniment.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the fragrant, customizable cup.