The time period is 1923-25 Petrograd. Although not a biography Ayn
Rand said "She lived the character". This is a time of State
rationing and limited privatation called New Economic Policy(NEP).
Tea seems to be readily available. The book isnt clear how it is
obtained. Sugar is so scarce only saccharine used in the tea when
served from samovar is only obtainable from NEP stores. Every
politico, sociologist, psychologist, philosopher has an opinion of
this book. My take Dont Fall In Love During A Revolution.

Jim

PS I found it interesting Google Books didnt give every reference to
tea or saccharine in its search function.