Roebuck's Russian Tea

This Russian tea recipe come from the Roebuck family by way of my grandmother. It has been a holiday staple at family gatherings as long as I can remember. This is a recipe in the 'old Southern' tradition, where almost nothing is exact and you just make sure it 'tastes right.' The longer everything simmers, the better the flavor. Serve hot.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon water
• 3 cups white sugar
• 16 whole cloves
• 16 whole allspice berries
• 4 tea bags
• 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
• 6 lemons, juiced
• 4 oranges, juiced

Steps

1. Combine water, sugar, cloves, and allspice berries in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add tea bags; steep for 5 minutes and leave in the pot. Add pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Simmer until heated through, about 15 minutes more. Remove tea bags and spices, if desired.