Use a Samovar for a Traditional Russian Tea Ceremony

Many people believe that the Russian drink of choice is vodka. However, there are a few Russians who enjoy drinking tea. In fact there’s an elaborate ceremony that surrounds the drinking of tea and it involves the Samovar—a large kettle just for making tea which contains hot water that is kept at just the right temperature. When it was first invented in the 18th century, the samovar served as an additional source of heat to warm family and guests. It resembled a pot bellied stove with a tall pipe and faucet or tap from which the water was dispensed into each tea cup.

Drinking a cup of tea around the samovar was an intimate ceremony—a time to share warmth and friendship. Today, you can purchase elaborate samovars to use in serving Afternoon Tea or for tea parties. Experts state that tea develops its full flavor and delicious effect if brewed in a samovar. With the Teasam Electric Samovar Teapot a concentrated tea steeps in the 4-cup teapot while water boils in the large urn. For tea perfection, pour the desired amount of concentrate into your tea cup. Use the spigot on the 20-cup water urn to dilute the tea to exactly the strength you prefer. Steam escaping from the top of the water container keeps the teapot at the optimal temperature for infusing. The pilot lamp indicator tells you when the desired temperature has been reached and your tea is brewed to perfection.

Consider using a samovar and have your own time-honored Russian Tea Ceremony. Stop and enjoy the experience by making a quiet tea spot for all of your guests and establish a new tradition.