Back in the days when soda fountains were the most important part of drug stores, a Russian Tea was a sweet drink that one could order if one liked the idea of tea, but wasn't entirely thrilled with the taste. The earliest recipe I have found is from 1916 (in volume 20 of National Drug Clerk), meaning that this was invented just about the time that iced tea was becoming an established drink, but before it was a serious tradition of the American south.
The recipe called for 1 and 1/2 fluid oz. of tea syrup, the juice from half a lemon, a quarter cup full of shaved ice, and enough carbonated water to top off the cup. (This recipe assumes a standard 8 oz. glass).
While this drink never really caught on -- no, not even in America -- it is worth noting that a number of companies currently sell bottles and/or cans of 'sparkling iced tea', which is essentially the same drink without the shaved ice or the fun of going to a soda fountain.