Tang Space Age Drink: Icon of Astronaut Nutrition and 60s Culture

Tang, the iconic orange drink mix, holds a special place in the history of the United States space program. Originally introduced in 1957 by General Foods, it was marketed as a convenient, vitamin C-rich breakfast choice. Its powdered form made it easy to store and prepare, making it an appealing alternative to fresh orange juice. Key ingredients such as sugar and fructose helped ensure its popularity.

The drink achieved legendary status when NASA sent it into space with John Glenn during his orbit of Earth in 1962. Tang soon became known as the "astronaut's drink," bolstered by effective advertising that capitalized on the public's fascination with space exploration. Despite its roots in midcentury space travel, Tang remains popular today across various regions, including South America, the Middle East, and Asia. The drink continues to adapt, offering new flavors and finding its way into creative culinary uses around the world.

Tang Creamsicle Pie

This delightful dessert has been a favorite at church potlucks and community picnics since the 1960s. Home cooks love this nostalgic treat for its simple, no-bake recipe and retro charm.

To make the pie, combine Tang mix, cream cheese, condensed milk, and whipped topping until the mixture is fluffy. Pour this mixture into a graham cracker crust and chill it in the fridge. For extra indulgence, spread more whipped topping on the pie.

This semi-homemade Tang Creamsicle Pie brings a refreshing and sweet touch to any summer gathering, easily made by following these straightforward steps.

Frothy Tang Orange Drink

For a frothy treat reminiscent of the 1980s, a Tang-infused milkshake brings back nostalgic memories. Mixing Tang orange drink powder into a milkshake creates a creamy and refreshing beverage. This drink can be enjoyed as is, or turned into a cocktail by blending in 2 tablespoons of white rum or orange-flavored vodka per serving. The combination of Tang with the smooth texture of a milkshake gives an Orange Julius-style experience, perfect for a hot day.

Takeout-style Orange Chicken

Believe it or not, a Tang-enhanced version of chicken in orange sauce is one of the recipes promoted by Tang Pakistan. The tangy drink boosts the sweet and sticky aspects of this Chinese American classic. For those crunchy coated bites, try using Tang instead of orange juice in your favorite copycat takeout orange chicken recipe. This twist not only adds a unique flavor but also enhances the dish's signature sweetness and zest.

Tang Ice Pops

Ice pop molds offer a fun way to beat the summer heat. Using Tang, a popular orange-flavored drink, to create ice pops is simple and versatile. Begin by mixing a pitcher of Tang. Then, choose your preferred mold: traditional bomb pop, double stick-style, silicone squeeze molds, or push-up pop molds.

For a natural twist, add your favorite fruits. Chopped peaches, sliced strawberries, or whole blueberries can be placed in the molds before pouring in the Tang mixture. For a creamy version, blend Tang with vanilla or coconut Greek yogurt before filling the molds. These refreshing treats are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer.

Tang and Lemon Ice Cream

Making Tang and lemon ice cream is simple and doesn't require an ice cream machine. This dessert uses a method called semifreddo, an Italian term meaning “half-cold.” An easy egg-free custard is made, then partially frozen, blended, and frozen again. The result is a soft, mousse-like texture. For those who enjoy the flavor of orange sherbet and the consistency of soft-serve custard, this treat is perfect.

Friendship Tea

Friendship Tea, also known as Russian Tea, is a popular hot drink mix with a blend of flavors. This sweet, citrusy tea mix differs from traditional Russian tea. Key ingredients include instant tea powder, lemonade powder, and Tang. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg add extra warmth.

The blend's proportions can vary, but the recipe remains a favorite in community cookbooks. It's easy to make and can be stored in a jar for chilly days. The mix creates a comforting drink perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it a true staple in many households.

Tang Finds Its Way into Craft Beer

Magnify Brewing in Fairfield, New Jersey, tapped into nostalgia by creating a specialty beer using Tang as a key ingredient. This unique brew, released as part of their limited-edition offerings in April, is known as Big Pulp. Big Pulp is a smoothie sour-style beer that combines Tang with real mango, pineapple, and peach. The result is a brew with a vibrant color and juicy flavor that reminds many of the tropical drinks popular in the 1980s and ’90s.

Not just a beer, Tang has found its way into various cocktails as well. Mixologists have experimented with adding Tang to white rum or orange-flavored vodka to create nostalgic yet modern drinks. Tang’s versatile use in both crafting tang beer and culinary recipes showcases its lasting impact and ongoing popularity in kitchens and bars around the world.