Clove Tea Recipe
A warm, aromatic cup of clove tea recipe made from just a handful of whole cloves and hot water—simple, soothing, and full of flavor.
I discovered clove tea on a chilly October morning when I was fighting off a cold and looking for something more interesting than plain hot water. Five whole cloves later, I had a steaming mug of the most fragrant, warming tea I’d ever made at home. Now it’s my go-to whenever I need a cozy reset or just want something that smells like the holidays but tastes light and clean.
This clove tea recipe is one of the easiest things you’ll ever brew. You don’t need a fancy tea ball or any special equipment—just cloves, hot water, and a few minutes. It’s naturally caffeine-free, gently spiced, and incredibly forgiving.
Table of Contents
What Is Clove Tea?
Clove tea is a simple herbal infusion made by steeping whole cloves in hot water. Unlike tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves, this is technically a tisane—a caffeine-free drink made from spices, herbs, or flowers. Whole cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, and they’re packed with essential oils that give the tea its warm, slightly sweet, and almost numbing flavor.
You can make tea from whole cloves using either a quick mug steep or a gentle stovetop simmer. Both methods work beautifully, and the choice really comes down to how much time you have and how strong you like your tea.
Why You’ll Love This Clove Tea Recipe
This recipe is ridiculously easy. You probably already have cloves in your spice drawer, and that’s honestly all you need to get started. But here’s why it’s worth making:
It’s naturally warming and comforting, perfect for cold mornings or windy evenings. The aroma alone is enough to make you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket.
It’s incredibly flexible. You can steep it strong or mild, add sweetener or skip it, throw in ginger or cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy, or keep it pure and simple.
It’s caffeine-free, so you can sip it any time of day without worrying about staying up all night.
And honestly? It just tastes good. There’s something about the earthy, spicy warmth of cloves that feels both grounding and a little bit luxurious.
Clove Tea Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup water 8 to 12 oz
- 5 whole cloves adjust to taste
- 2 slices fresh ginger
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- .10 lemon slice
- 1 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- — Mug steep method —
- Bring water to a boil, then let it sit 30 to 60 seconds.
- Add cloves to a mug.
- Pour hot water over cloves and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- strain (or remove cloves) and serve.
- — Stovetop simmer method —
- Add water and cloves to a small pot.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Turn off heat, cover, and rest 2 to 5 minutes.
- strain and serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Clove Tea
This is one of those recipes where less is more. The base is just cloves and water, but I’ve included a few optional add-ins that take it to the next level if you’re in the mood.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1 cup (8 to 12 oz) | Filtered water tastes best |
| Whole cloves | 5 cloves | Adjust to taste; more for stronger flavor |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | Optional; adds warmth and spice |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 small stick | Optional; pairs beautifully with cloves |
| Lemon slice | 1 small slice | Optional; brightens the flavor |
| Honey or maple syrup | 1 teaspoon | Optional; balances the spice |
Whole cloves are the star here. Make sure yours are relatively fresh—they should smell intensely aromatic when you open the jar. If they’ve been sitting in your cabinet since 2019, they’ll still work, but the flavor won’t be as bold.
Fresh ginger adds a zippy, warming layer that complements the cloves without overpowering them. I like to bruise the slices with the side of a knife before adding them to release more flavor.
Cinnamon stick brings a gentle sweetness and makes the whole thing taste a little more like chai. Ground cinnamon can work in a pinch, but it makes the tea cloudy and harder to strain.
Lemon cuts through the richness and adds a bright, citrusy note. It’s especially nice if you’re drinking this when you’re feeling under the weather.
Honey or maple syrup rounds everything out and tames the intensity of the cloves. I usually add just a touch, but you can skip it entirely if you prefer your tea unsweetened.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Clove Tea
There are two main ways to make this tea, and both are simple. The mug steep method is faster and great for a single serving. The stovetop simmer method brings out a deeper, more robust flavor. I’ll walk you through both.
- Mug steep method: Start by bringing your water to a boil in a kettle or small pot. Once it’s bubbling, turn off the heat and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds—this brings the temperature down just a bit so the cloves don’t get bitter.
- Add your cloves to a mug. If you’re using ginger, cinnamon, or lemon, toss those in too. The whole spices can go right into the mug; you’ll strain them out later.
- Pour the hot water over the cloves and let everything steep for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger and more intense the flavor will be. I usually aim for 7 minutes—it’s right in the sweet spot.
- Strain out the cloves using a small mesh strainer, or just fish them out with a spoon if you don’t mind a little bit of floaties. Add honey or lemon if you’re using them, stir, and enjoy.
- Stovetop simmer method: Add your water and whole cloves to a small saucepan. If you’re adding ginger, cinnamon, or other spices, throw them in now.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll see the water start to take on a golden-brown color and the kitchen will smell amazing.
- Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it rest for 2 to 5 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to deepen without the cloves getting too sharp or medicinal.
- Strain the tea into your mug, add sweetener or lemon if you like, and sip slowly. This method gives you a fuller, more layered flavor that’s worth the extra few minutes.
Both methods work beautifully for making tea from whole cloves. I tend to use the mug method on busy mornings and the stovetop method when I’m making a pot for two or just want something a little more intentional.
Expert Tips for the Best Clove Tea
Don’t over-steep. Cloves can get intense and slightly bitter if you leave them in too long, especially if you’re using more than five. Stick to the 5 to 10 minute range and taste as you go.
Bruise your whole cloves before steeping if you want more flavor faster. Just give them a light crush with the back of a spoon or the flat side of a knife. This releases the essential oils and makes the tea more aromatic.
Use filtered water if you can. Clove tea is so simple that the quality of your water really shows through. Tap water with a strong chlorine taste can muddy the flavor.
Start with fewer cloves if you’ve never had clove tea before. Five is a good baseline, but some people find that too strong. Try three or four the first time, then adjust up if you want more punch.
Add your sweetener after straining, not during the simmer. This gives you more control over the final flavor and keeps the tea from getting syrupy.
Warm your mug first by rinsing it with hot water before adding the tea. It keeps your drink hotter longer and makes the whole experience feel a little more special.
Variations to Try
Spiced clove tea: Add a few cardamom pods, a star anise, or a pinch of black peppercorns for a more complex, chai-like flavor. This is one of my favorite ways to drink it in the winter.
Clove and turmeric tea: Stir in a quarter teaspoon of ground turmeric and a pinch of black pepper during the simmer. It’s earthy, golden, and feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Iced clove tea: Brew the tea strong using the stovetop method, let it cool completely, then pour it over ice with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of honey. It’s surprisingly refreshing and perfect for warmer months.
Clove and mint tea: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves during the last minute of steeping. The mint brightens everything up and adds a cool, clean finish.
Creamy clove tea: Stir in a splash of oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy after straining. It softens the edges and makes the tea feel more indulgent, almost like a latte.
If you’re a fan of other warming spiced drinks, you might also love this Indian cardamom tea recipe or this coconut cloud matcha latte.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tea tastes too strong or bitter: You either used too many cloves or steeped them too long. Next time, cut back to three or four cloves and keep the steep time closer to 5 minutes.
Tea tastes weak or watery: You need more cloves or a longer steep. Try adding one or two more cloves and let it sit for the full 10 minutes. The stovetop simmer method also tends to bring out more flavor.
Tea has a medicinal or numbing taste: That’s the eugenol in the cloves—it’s what gives them that signature tingly feeling. If it’s too much, dilute the tea with a little more hot water or add honey and lemon to balance it out.
Tea is cloudy: This usually happens if you added ground spices instead of whole ones, or if you stirred the pot too vigorously and broke up the cloves. It’s still safe to drink, just strain it well.
Cloves won’t sink: Totally normal. They often float on the surface. Just give them a gentle stir or press them down with a spoon to make sure they’re fully submerged.
Storage and Reheating
Clove tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead if you need to. I sometimes brew a double batch using the stovetop method and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | Up to 2 hours | Keep covered to retain warmth |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Flavor and texture degrade |
To reheat, pour the cold tea into a small saucepan and warm it gently over low heat. Don’t microwave it if you can avoid it—it heats unevenly and can make the flavor taste flat. If you do microwave, heat in 30-second intervals and stir between each one.
You can also enjoy leftover clove tea cold or over ice. Just add a squeeze of fresh lemon and a bit of honey, and it turns into a really lovely iced herbal drink.
Clove Tea Recipe FAQs
How do you make basic clove tea?
To make basic clove tea, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 1-2 teaspoons of whole cloves or 4-6 individual cloves. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and add honey or lemon to taste if desired. You can adjust the number of cloves based on your preferred strength.
What are the health benefits of drinking clove tea?
Clove tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help improve digestion, relieve toothaches and oral pain, boost the immune system, and support liver health. Cloves contain eugenol, which has antimicrobial properties. The tea may also help regulate blood sugar levels and provide relief from respiratory issues like coughs and colds.
Can you add other ingredients to clove tea?
Yes, clove tea pairs well with many ingredients. Popular additions include cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, black tea leaves, cardamom pods, star anise, or a slice of lemon. You can also add honey for sweetness or a splash of milk for a creamier texture. These combinations enhance both the flavor and potential health benefits of the tea.
How many cups of clove tea can you safely drink per day?
It is generally recommended to limit clove tea consumption to 1-2 cups per day. Cloves are potent, and excessive consumption may cause side effects such as digestive upset, mouth sensitivity, or interactions with certain medications. Pregnant or nursing women and people with bleeding disorders should consult their healthcare provider before regularly consuming clove tea.
Should you use whole cloves or ground cloves for tea?
Whole cloves are preferred for making clove tea because they provide better flavor control and are easier to strain out after steeping. Ground cloves can make the tea cloudy and gritty, though they do release flavor more quickly. If using ground cloves, use about half the amount you would use for whole cloves and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Final Thoughts
This clove tea recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels way more special than the effort it takes. Whether you’re sipping it solo on a quiet morning or serving it to a friend who stops by on a cold afternoon, it’s the kind of drink that invites you to slow down and just be present.
Once you get the hang of the basic method, you can tweak it endlessly—add spices, sweeten it up, chill it down, or keep it beautifully bare. There’s no wrong way to make tea from whole cloves as long as it tastes good to you.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turns out. And if you’re looking for more warming drink recipes. Maybe try this alongside some creamy yogurt noodles for a comforting meal and drink pairing.
Happy steeping!
