Clove tea recipe. That’s exactly what I searched the first time I felt a sore throat coming on and wanted something warm without reaching for coffee or meds. I remembered my grandmother steeping cloves in a tiny pot whenever someone caught a cold. So I tried it. Simple ingredients. Surprising results. The aroma alone felt like a reset.
Clove tea is made by steeping dried clove buds in hot water. It may sound basic, but it carries centuries of herbal wisdom. The key ingredient, clove, contains eugenol, a natural compound known for its warming and soothing properties. People have used it to ease bloating, calm sore throats, and gently support immunity.
The first time I made this clove tea recipe, I noticed how it didn’t just soothe it awakened something. My senses cleared. My chest felt lighter. It wasn’t magic, but it felt close.
If you’re exploring natural ways to feel better or just want a bold, comforting tea that stands out from the usual blends, clove tea might be what your kitchen is missing.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make Clove Tea Recipe – Two Easy Methods
Making a clove tea recipe at home is a simple, calming ritual. Whether you’re craving a quick comfort drink or a bold herbal brew, there are two main ways to prepare it both effective, both deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup water
- 5 to 6 whole cloves (adjust based on strength preference)
- Optional add-ins: 2–3 ginger slices, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, lemon slice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mug Steep Method
Bring water to a boil and let it cool for about 30 seconds. Place whole cloves into a mug. Pour the hot water over the cloves. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy.
Stovetop Simmer Method
Add water and cloves to a small pot. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it rest for 2 to 5 minutes. Strain before serving.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use fewer cloves if you prefer a lighter, smoother flavor.
- Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- Enhance your clove tea recipe with a splash of lemon or a touch of sweetness if needed.
- For iced tea, prepare using the simmer method, let it cool, and pour over ice.
Flavor Variations to Personalize Your Clove Tea Recipe
One of the best things about a clove tea recipe is how adaptable it is. While the basic version is already bold and comforting, adding a few extra ingredients can turn it into something even more enjoyable. Whether you prefer spicy, citrusy, creamy, or slightly sweet, there’s a version that matches your taste and mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Start with the base:
- 1 cup water
- 5 to 6 whole cloves
For flavor variations, consider:
- 2 to 3 slices of fresh ginger
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or a lemon slice
- A splash of milk or non-dairy creamer
- 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare your clove tea recipe using either the mug steep or stovetop method. Add your chosen ingredients at the start of steeping or simmering so the flavors infuse fully. If adding milk or lemon, do so after straining to avoid curdling.
For a ginger-cinnamon blend, steep the cloves with fresh ginger and cinnamon. For a creamy version, add a small amount of milk once the tea is strained. Lemon and honey pair well for a refreshing, cold-fighting twist.
Clove Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water 240 ml
- 5 to 6 whole cloves
Optional:
- 2 –3 slices fresh ginger
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 lemon slice or 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Mug Steep Method
- Boil water and let it rest for 30 seconds.
- Place cloves (and optional ingredients) in a mug.
- Pour hot water over them.
- Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm.
Stovetop Simmer Method
- Add water and cloves to a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Turn off heat, cover, and rest for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Strain into a cup and enjoy.
Tips
- Adjust the number of cloves based on taste.
- Add honey or lemon after straining.
- Let it cool and serve over ice for a refreshing cold version.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 35 – 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 – 12 g |
| Sugars | 5 – 6 g (with honey) |
| Fiber | 2 – 3 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Potassium | 55 – 65 mg |
| Calcium | 45 – 55 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4 – 6 mg (with lemon) |
| Iron | 0.8 – 1 mg |
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overdo the spices. One or two extras are enough to elevate the tea.
- For a sweeter cup, add honey or maple syrup at the end, not during steeping.
- Use fresh ingredients for brighter, cleaner flavors.
- Experiment with combinations, but keep the clove as the star of the tea.
Clove Tea Recipe Benefits for Cold Relief and Digestion
When people search for a clove tea recipe, they’re often looking for more than flavor. They want something that feels good to drink and offers real support. Clove tea has long been used in traditional herbal remedies because of its warming properties and strong natural compounds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The benefits begin with just two ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 5 to 6 whole cloves
Optional for added wellness:
- Fresh ginger slices for extra digestive support
- Cinnamon for anti-inflammatory properties
- Lemon for vitamin C
- Honey to soothe the throat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the clove tea recipe as usual. Use the simmer method if you want a stronger infusion of the clove’s active compound, eugenol. This compound is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ginger and cinnamon bring additional warmth and circulation support. Lemon adds freshness and immune-boosting vitamin C. Honey helps coat the throat and ease coughing.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Drink after meals to support digestion and reduce bloating.
- Enjoy during cold weather to help open the sinuses and ease congestion.
- Don’t exceed 2 to 3 cups per day to avoid overuse of strong spices.
- Always listen to your body and adjust strength as needed.
Clove Tea Recipe Side Effects and Who Should Be Careful
Even with a natural drink like a clove tea recipe, it’s important to know where the limits are. Cloves are strong and concentrated. While they offer real health benefits, they can also cause side effects if used too often or in large amounts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Basic brew for sensitive drinkers:
- 1 cup water
- 3 to 4 whole cloves for a milder version
Avoid adding too many strong ingredients like ginger or cinnamon if you’re unsure how your body reacts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To stay on the safe side, use the mug steep method. Keep steeping time short, around 5 minutes, and avoid drinking very strong brews daily. Stick to one or two mild cups a day, especially if you’re trying clove tea for the first time.
This clove tea recipe is generally safe in small amounts, but certain people should take extra care.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- If you take blood-thinning medication, consult your doctor before drinking clove tea regularly
- Avoid high-strength clove tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Those with low blood sugar or on medication should monitor how they feel after drinking
- Stop drinking it before surgery, as cloves may affect blood clotting
Clove Tea Recipe vs Clove Water – What’s the Real Difference
It’s easy to confuse clove tea with clove water, especially since both use the same spice and are often mentioned in wellness routines. But if you’re following a clove tea recipe, the preparation and purpose are usually quite different from clove water.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For clove tea recipe:
- 1 cup hot water
- 5 to 6 whole cloves
For clove water:
- 1 cup room temperature water
- 3 to 5 whole cloves soaked overnight
Step-by-Step Instructions
Clove tea is made by steeping or simmering whole cloves in hot water, then straining and drinking it warm. It’s meant to be consumed fresh, often within minutes of preparation. The heat draws out more aroma and active compounds quickly.
Clove water is more passive. You let the cloves soak overnight at room temperature or in the fridge, then sip the infused water the next day. It’s a gentler method but may lack the intensity and warmth of a traditional clove tea recipe.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use clove tea when you want fast relief or aromatic warmth.
- Try clove water if you prefer a milder, all-day hydration option.
- Don’t mix the two methods. They serve different purposes and flavors.
- Always strain both before drinking to avoid bitterness or residue.
How to Store and Make Clove Tea Recipe Ahead of Time
Preparing a clove tea recipe doesn’t always have to be a one-cup-at-a-time ritual. You can easily make a larger batch and store it, especially during colder seasons or when you’re building a wellness habit. Proper storage helps maintain both flavor and benefits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 to 3 cups water
- 10 to 15 whole cloves
- Optional: ginger slices, cinnamon stick, lemon peel
These larger quantities allow for multiple servings while preserving the same comforting flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by using the stovetop simmer method. Once brewed, let the tea cool slightly. Strain the liquid and transfer it into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Store the tea in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to drink it, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also serve it chilled over ice for a refreshing twist.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Avoid adding lemon or sweetener before storing. Add those just before serving.
- If the flavor intensifies over time, dilute with a bit of hot water.
- Always shake or stir before reheating, as natural sediments may settle.
- Don’t keep clove tea more than three days to maintain freshness and safety.
Clove Tea Recipe Card – Simple, Healing and Customizable
If you’re ready to prepare this warm and soothing clove tea recipe at home, here’s a clear and flexible recipe card you can follow anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup water
- 5 to 6 whole cloves (adjust to taste)
- Optional add-ins:
- 2 to 3 slices of fresh ginger
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 lemon slice or 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 to 3 slices of fresh ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mug Steep Method
- Bring water to a boil, then let it sit for 30 seconds.
- Add whole cloves to a mug.
- Pour the hot water over the cloves.
- Steep for 5 to 10 minutes depending on desired strength.
- Strain and enjoy immediately.
Stovetop Simmer Method
- Add water and cloves to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Turn off heat, cover, and let it rest for another 2 to 5 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- For a stronger brew, use the stovetop method and let it rest longer.
- Sweeten or flavor after straining for best balance.
- To make it iced, let it cool completely, then pour over ice and add lemon.
Nutrition Information for Clove Tea Recipe
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition content in one serving of clove tea, prepared with water, 5 to 6 whole cloves, and optional add-ins like honey and lemon.
Estimated per 1 cup (240 ml)
| Nutrient | Per Cup (240 ml) |
| Calories | 35 – 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 – 12 g |
| Sugars | 5 – 6 g (with honey) |
| Fiber | 2 – 3 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Potassium | 55 – 65 mg |
| Calcium | 45 – 55 mg |
| Vitamin C | 4 – 6 mg (with lemon) |
| Iron | 0.8 – 1 mg |
These values may vary slightly depending on steeping time, clove quantity, and whether sweeteners or other ingredients are included.
Clove tea is naturally low in calories and caffeine-free, making it a great option for mindful hydration with added functional benefits.
Nutritional values are based on common ingredients and serving sizes. For more accurate, detailed data, see the USDA FoodData Central: fdc.nal.usda.gov.
Final Thoughts on Enjoying Your Clove Tea Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a simple spice into a source of comfort. Whether you’re looking for relief on a cold day, easing digestive discomfort, or just craving a bold, caffeine-free drink, clove tea offers all of that without fuss.
The beauty of this clove tea recipe is how flexible and personal it becomes. One day you might steep a mild, clear version with just cloves. The next, you’re simmering it with ginger and cinnamon, building a little ritual that helps you slow down and breathe deeper.
Let this be more than just a recipe. Let it be part of how you take care of yourself, how you create quiet in the middle of a noisy day.
Try it. Adjust it. Make it yours. Because a good clove tea recipe isn’t just about the steps. It’s about how it makes you feel when you take that first sip.
More Soothing Drinks to Try
[Gingerbread Latte Recipe] – Warm and spiced, a festive comfort in a mug.
[Friendship Tea Recipe] – A citrusy and comforting tea perfect for cozy moments.
[Honey Trick Recipe] – A natural, energizing recipe known for its wellness benefits.
[Green Tea with Honey] – Light, antioxidant-rich, and soothing for any time of day.
FAQs About Clove Tea Recipe
1. Can I drink clove tea every day?
Yes, you can enjoy a clove tea recipe daily in moderate amounts. One or two mild cups per day is generally well-tolerated. If you’re sensitive to spices or taking medication, it’s best to start slowly and observe how your body responds.
2. How many cloves should I use per cup?
For most people, 4 to 6 whole cloves per cup of water is a good starting point. If you’re new to the flavor or prefer a lighter taste, begin with 3 cloves and adjust as needed.
3. Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?
You can, but use caution. Ground cloves are much stronger and can turn the tea gritty. A small pinch is usually enough. Always strain carefully using a fine mesh filter if using powder.
4. Is clove tea safe during pregnancy?
In food-level amounts, a mild clove tea recipe is often considered safe. However, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s always best to consult your doctor before consuming herbal infusions regularly.
5. What’s the difference between clove tea and clove water?
Clove tea is steeped or simmered and typically served warm. Clove water is made by soaking cloves in cold or room temperature water for several hours. The tea is more intense and aromatic, while the water is gentler and more hydrating.
