Cozy Clove Tea Recipe
Warm up with this comforting clove tea recipe, featuring toasted whole cloves, a hint of black tea, and a soothing blend of honey and lemon for the ultimate cozy beverage.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Small Pot
- Teapot
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups water
- 3 tsp whole cloves
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 slice lemon
Instructions
Toast for deeper flavor
- Set a dry skillet over medium-low heat and add the 3 tsp whole cloves. Toast them for 1 to 2 minutes, shaking the pan often, until they smell intensely fragrant and a little sweet, not smoky, then pull them off before they darken.
Boil the water
- Bring the 2 1/2 cups water to a full boil in a small pot. You want an active boil so the heat is strong enough to coax out the cloves’ essential oils.
Steep, then finish the cup
- Place the toasted cloves and 1 black tea bag in a teapot or heatproof container, then carefully pour the boiling water over them. The aroma should bloom immediately, warm spice and a hint of peppery sweetness.
- Let it steep off the heat for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how bold you like it. At 5 minutes it is gentler, at 10 it is darker and more assertive, and the clove note lingers longer.
- Pour into your cup, then stir in the 1 tbsp honey and add the 1 slice lemon. Finish with a tiny pinch of black pepper, just enough to whisper, not enough to shout.
Notes
Safety Tip: If you are on blood thinners or have liver conditions, consult a clinician before consuming strong clove tea regularly due to its high eugenol content.
Pro Tip: After toasting, lightly bruise or crush the whole cloves with the back of a spoon to release more essential oils.
Storage Tip: Store leftover brewed tea in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove without bringing it to a rolling boil.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.