Clove tea is a cozy, aromatic drink made by steeping whole cloves in hot water for a bold, warming sip. In this clove tea recipe, I’ll show you how to make clove tea, how to adjust the strength, and the best add-ins, plus a safe, practical look at clove tea benefits and side effects.

What is clove tea?

Clove tea is a simple herbal infusion, basically tea from whole cloves, made by steeping cloves in hot water (or gently simmering them) and then straining. The flavor is intense, spicy, and slightly sweet, like chai spices and mulled spices had a minimalist moment and decided to become a warm spice tea.

Ingredients For Clove Tea

You only need:

• whole cloves
• Water

Optional (for flavor, not required):

• Fresh ginger slices
• Cinnamon stick
• Lemon slice or lemon juice
• Honey or maple syrup

Clove tea recipe | easy tea from whole cloves

You can make this two ways: quick steep for a lighter cup, or simmer for a bolder brew.

Mug steep method (fast + gentle)

1. Bring water to a boil, then let it sit 30 to 60 seconds so it’s hot but not aggressively bubbling.
2. Add cloves to a mug.
3. Pour hot water over the cloves and steep.
4. strain (or remove cloves with a spoon) and enjoy.

Stovetop simmer method

1. Add water and cloves to a small pot.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
3. Turn off heat, cover, and let it sit briefly.
4. strain and serve.

Iced option

1. Make a stronger batch using the simmer method.
2. Cool, then refrigerate.
3. Serve over ice with lemon.

How many cloves per cup of tea?

If you’ve ever wondered how many cloves per cup of tea, use this easy guide for an 8 to 12 oz mug:

• Mild: 3 to 4 cloves
• Medium: 5 to 6 cloves
• Strong: 7 to 8 cloves (for bold and intense clove tea)

Tip: Cloves are powerful. If your cup tastes bitter or overly “spicy-hot,” reduce the cloves next time or shorten the steep.

How long to steep cloves in tea

A common question is how long to steep cloves in tea and how to fix bitterness. Here’s what works well:

• Steep time: 5 to 10 minutes (mug method)
• Simmer time: 5 to 8 minutes, then rest 2 to 5 minutes (stovetop)

Fix a bitter cup: strain sooner, add a squeeze of lemon, or stir in a little honey. If you used ground cloves, bitterness can show up faster and the texture can be gritty, strain through a fine mesh.

Clove Tea Flavor variations

Tea with ginger

This combo is popular for a reason. It tastes bright, spicy, and balanced.

• Add 2 to 3 ginger slices
• Add 1 small cinnamon stick
• Finish with lemon (slice or juice) after straining

Creamy option

If you like a softer finish, add a splash of milk or a non-dairy creamer after straining.

Does Clove Tea has caffeine?

It is naturally caffeine-free, but you can add a black tea bag or green tea bag after simmering (steep the tea bag for 2 to 3 minutes). Now you’ve got a spiced, caffeinated cup.

Clove tea benefits

Clove tea has a lot of healthy benefits because cloves contain plant compounds like eugenol and antioxidants, and cloves are often described as anti inflammatory it may be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and respiratory issues which arise from inflammation.

In everyday, practical terms, The clove tea is most commonly used as:

• A comforting warm drink during cold weather
• A soothing after meal sip when you feel heavy or bloated
• A strongly aromatic beverage that can feel clearing for the senses

Friendly reminder: clove tea can be a great routine drink, but it’s not a cure-all. If you’re using it for a specific health concern, it’s smart to check with your clinician.

Clove tea side effects + who should be careful

Because cloves are potent, clove tea side effects usually show up if you make it too strong or drink too much.

You may want to be cautious if you:

• Take blood-thinning medication or have bleeding disorders.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, food amounts are usually fine, concentrated forms are the concern.
• Have diabetes or take blood sugar medication monitor changes and speak with your clinician.
• Have surgery scheduled ask your care team what to avoid beforehand.

Clove tea vs clove water

People sometimes treat clove tea vs clove water like they’re identical, but in everyday use they often mean different things.

• This tea is typically hot, steeped or simmered, then strained and sipped fresh.
• Clove water often refers to cloves soaked overnight, sometimes consumed in larger amounts, sometimes promoted with big wellness claims.

Storage and make ahead

• Store cooled the tea in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently or serve over ice.
• If the flavor gets too intense as it sits, dilute with water.

FAQs

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