Clove Tea
Prep time: 2 minutes
Simmer time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: About 12 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Clove tea is a simple, warming drink made by gently simmering whole cloves in water. It has a naturally spicy, aromatic flavor and is especially comforting on a cool day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 4–6 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick, optional
- 2–3 thin slices fresh ginger, optional
- 1–2 tsp honey, optional
- 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
1. Bring the water to a simmer
Pour the water into a small saucepan.
Add the whole cloves.
If using them, add the cinnamon stick and fresh ginger.
Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
The water will become lightly golden-brown and fragrant.
For a stronger clove flavor, simmer for up to 15 minutes, but avoid making it excessively concentrated because cloves can become quite pungent.
3. Strain
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into mugs.
Discard the cloves and other spices.
4. Add flavor
Let the tea cool slightly, then stir in honey if desired.
Add lemon juice for a bright, citrusy finish.
Taste and adjust to your preference.
Ginger-Clove Tea
For a warming version, use:
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 cups water
Simmer for 10 minutes, strain, and add a little honey.
Cinnamon Clove Tea
Combine:
- 4–5 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups water
Simmer for 10 minutes.
This version has a naturally sweet, warm spice flavor even without much added sweetener.
Lemon Clove Tea
Prepare the basic clove tea and add:
- 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
The lemon helps balance the strong, spicy flavor of the cloves.
Tips
- Use whole cloves: They are easier to strain and give you better control over the strength.
- Don’t overdo the cloves: A small amount goes a long way.
- Sweeten after brewing: Honey is best stirred in once the tea has cooled slightly.
- Drink it fresh: The flavor is most pleasant shortly after brewing.
Important Note
Clove tea is a flavorful beverage, but it shouldn’t be treated as a cure or detox. Concentrated clove preparations can provide a relatively high amount of eugenol, and excessive consumption may cause adverse effects. If you’re pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, take blood-thinning medication, or plan to drink concentrated clove preparations regularly, it’s best to check with a healthcare professional first.
