This tea blend was created in imperial Russia from the teas brought overland by camel from Asia.
Because the trade route was dangerous and supplies unsteady, Russian tea merchants blended the varying incoming tea cargoes, selling a blend rather then a single tea form. It was usually a combination of China and India black teas. Like the Irish, the Russian favored this tea all day long, but modern tea drinkers seem to prefer it at breakfast and with elegant afternoon tea fare. It is served with milk and sugar. Russian are fond of very sweet tea, often adding honey and jam to it. Lemons studded with cloves may also be offered with the tea.
gathered from Stash Tea's History of Tea