30-Second Summary
- What it is: Russian Caravan is a classic black tea blend inspired by teas that travelled overland from China to Europe.
- Flavour: Smooth, lightly smoky, with gentle malt and dried-fruit notes.
- Caffeine: Medium to medium-high, similar to most breakfast-style black teas.
- Best for: Cosy evening mugs, autumn and winter weather, and anyone who enjoys a subtle campfire character without heavy smoke.
What is Russian Caravan Tea?
Russian Caravan is a blended black tea that usually combines Chinese teas such as Keemun, Yunnan, and sometimes a touch of smoked Lapsang Souchong. The goal is a balanced, approachable cup that hints at smoke without overwhelming the underlying sweetness and malt.
The name comes from the old trade routes where tea was transported by camel caravan from China through Central Asia into Russia. Modern Russian Caravan is designed to capture that sense of rich, dark, gently smoky comfort in a mug.
Where does Russian Caravan come from?
Today, Russian Caravan is not tied to one single origin. Instead, producers build the blend from different black teas, most often from China and sometimes from regions like Assam.
- Traditional base: Chinese black teas such as Keemun and Yunnan.
- Smoke character: Often added with a small proportion of Lapsang Souchong.
- Modern variations: Some blends are completely unsmoked and focus on malt and cocoa notes, while others lean into a stronger campfire profile.
What does Russian Caravan taste like?
- Aroma: Gentle campfire smoke, cocoa, and dried fruit.
- Taste: Smooth, rounded black tea with light smoke, soft sweetness, and mild tannin.
- Body: Medium to full, depending on the blend.
- Aftertaste: Lingering warmth with hints of toast and dark fruit.
If you enjoy the idea of smoky tea but find full Lapsang Souchong a bit intense, Russian Caravan often sits in a very comfortable middle ground.
Does Russian Caravan have a lot of caffeine?
Russian Caravan is generally in line with other fully oxidised black teas for caffeine. A typical mug will feel similar to an English Breakfast or Keemun-based blend.
- Use shorter steeps if you want a gentler cup.
- Choose a smaller mug or add more hot water to dilute strength.
- For evenings, you can also blend a little decaf black tea into the leaves.
Types & blends of Russian Caravan tea
- Softly smoked blends: A touch of Lapsang for background smoke over sweet, malty Chinese tea.
- Rich, malty blends: Focus on Keemun and Yunnan leaf with little or no smoke.
- Breakfast-style versions: Some blends include Assam to boost body and strength.
- Loose leaf vs. sachets: Loose leaf usually gives more nuance, while tea bags are convenient and strong.
How to Brew Russian Caravan (Everyday Method)
Use water just off the boil and aim for a balanced, smooth cup that shows both the base tea and the gentle smoke.
- Measure 2–3 g of tea (about 1 heaped teaspoon) per 250 ml of water.
- Heat fresh water to 95–100°C.
- Pour over the leaves and steep for 3–4 minutes.
- Taste at 3 minutes. If you prefer more strength and smoke, let it go closer to 4 minutes.
- Strain completely into your cup or a sharing jug so the leaves do not continue to extract.
Drink it straight to appreciate the blend, or add a little milk if the tea is robust and malty enough to support it.
Optional: Stronger “Campfire” Brew
- Use 4 g of leaf per 250 ml of water.
- Steep at 95–100°C for 3 minutes, then taste.
- Stop the brew as soon as the cup reaches your ideal smoke and strength; leaving it too long can make it harsh.
This approach gives you a fuller body, more campfire character, and a great base for tea lattes.
Iced & Cold Brew Russian Caravan
Russian Caravan also works surprisingly well chilled, especially lighter-smoked versions.
- Add 8–10 g of tea to a 1 litre jug.
- Fill with cold, filtered water and cover.
- Refrigerate for 8–10 hours.
- Strain and serve over ice. Top up with a splash of hot water if you want to soften the chill and open up the aroma.
Cold brewing emphasises sweetness and smoothness while keeping the smoke gentle.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
My Russian Caravan tastes too smoky
- Reduce the steep time by 30–60 seconds.
- Lower the water temperature slightly to around 90–95°C.
- Blend the tea 50:50 with a non-smoked black tea you enjoy.
The cup is bitter or harsh
- Use a little less leaf next time.
- Avoid leaving the leaves in the pot after brewing.
- Add a splash of milk to soften the edges if you like milk tea.
The flavour is too light
- Increase the leaf to 3 g per 250 ml.
- Extend the steep to 4 minutes.
- Make sure your tea is fresh and stored well sealed.
How to Choose a Good Russian Caravan Tea
- Check the blend description: Look for clear information on which base teas and whether any smoked tea is used.
- Decide on smoke level: Choose blends labelled as gently smoked if you are new to this style.
- Leaf quality: Prefer loose leaf with even, unbroken leaves for more nuance.
- Freshness: Buy from a seller with good turnover so the blend still tastes lively.
Food Pairings & When to Drink It
- Excellent with savoury snacks, grilled vegetables, or simple cheese toasties.
- Pairs nicely with dark chocolate, ginger biscuits, or nutty cakes.
- Great in the late afternoon or evening when you want something comforting but not heavily flavoured.
Modern Drinks & Recipe Ideas
- Russian Caravan tea latte: Brew a strong concentrate, then top with steamed milk and a light drizzle of honey.
- Smoky iced tea: Cold brew the tea and serve over ice with a slice of orange.
- Tea mocktail base: Mix chilled Russian Caravan with sparkling water and a dash of citrus cordial.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Keep the tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, and strong odours.
- Store it separately from delicate green or scented teas so the smoky notes do not transfer.
- For best flavour, enjoy within 12–18 months of purchase.
Similar Teas You Might Like
- Lapsang Souchong Black Tea if you want a bolder smoke experience.
- Keemun Black Tea for cocoa, winey notes without smoke.
- Yunnan Gold Black Tea for rich malt and gentle sweetness.
FAQ
Is Russian Caravan always smoky?
No. Some blends are unsmoked and simply inspired by the traditional name. Always check the description if you prefer very light or no smoke.
Can I add milk or sugar?
Yes. Many drink Russian Caravan with a splash of milk or a little sugar, especially stronger blends. Lighter, more delicate blends are also enjoyable plain.
Is Russian Caravan the same as Lapsang Souchong?
No. Lapsang Souchong is a specific smoked black tea, while Russian Caravan is usually a blend that may or may not include Lapsang and is generally softer and rounder.
About This Guide
This guide is designed to help you understand Russian Caravan tea, what to expect from the flavour, and how to brew it confidently at home. Use it as a reference when you are exploring different blends and looking for your ideal balance of smoke, malt, and sweetness.
