Clove tea is a warm, aromatic, and soothing herbal infusion known for its strong, comforting spice notes. Because cloves contain potent essential oils (primarily eugenol), a little goes a long way.
Here is a simple, foolproof recipe for making soothing clove tea at home.
Ingredients & Equipment
The Ingredients
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1 tsp whole cloves (Whole cloves yield a much smoother, better-balanced flavor than ground cloves, which leave a gritty residue.)
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2 cups filtered water
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Optional Add-Ins for Flavor:
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1 small cinnamon stick
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1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (to sweeten)
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A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
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A thin slice of fresh ginger
Equipment
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Small saucepan
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Fine-mesh strainer
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Teacup or mug
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Combine ingredients:Combine the water and whole cloves in your saucepan.
Pour 2 cups of water into a small saucepan. Add the teaspoon of whole cloves (along with the cinnamon stick or ginger slice, if you are using them).
2.Simmer gently:Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low so the liquid maintains a gentle simmer.
3.Steep the spices:Let it infuse for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer on low for 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the warm essential oils and rich flavor compounds to fully release into the water. The kitchen will smell amazing!
4.Strain and serve:Strain into your mug and stir in honey or lemon if desired.
Remove the pan from the heat. Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer directly into your mug to catch all the whole cloves and spices. Stir in a little honey and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Enjoy it warm!
Tip: Clove tea is quite robust and pungent. If you find the flavor too strong on your first try, you can reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon of whole cloves or increase the water to 3 cups next time.
