How to Make Clove Tea – Warming Herbal Tea with Health Benefits

Clove tea doesn’t mess around. It’s warming, bold, a little spicy, and it smells like a cozy winter market. Brew a cup and you’ll get flavor, comfort, and a handful of legit wellness perks in one simple mug. Ready to turn a tiny pantry spice into your new favorite ritual? Let’s brew.

Why Clove Tea Deserves a Spot in Your Mug

Cloves carry a natural oil called eugenol that delivers big on aroma and benefits. You’ll taste warmth, sweetness, and a whisper of numbing spice that feels surprisingly soothing.
Beyond the flavor, clove tea can help you unwind after a heavy meal and ease that “I ate too much” feeling. It also makes a lovely, caffeine-free nightcap. FYI, it plays well with other spices, so you can customize it like a pro.

The Basic Recipe: Simple, Strong, and Soothing

You only need a handful of cloves and hot water to make a solid cup. From there, you can add citrus, ginger, or honey to fit your vibe.
Ingredients (1-2 servings):

1 to 1.5 teaspoons whole cloves (about 8–12 cloves)
1.5 cups water
Optional: thin slice of fresh ginger, a strip of orange or lemon peel, honey or maple syrup, a cinnamon stick

Method:

Lightly crush the cloves with the side of a knife or a mortar and pestle. Don’t pulverize—just crack them to wake up the oils.
Add water, cloves, and any optional spices to a small pot.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 7–10 minutes. You’ll see the color deepen and smell that sweet-spicy aroma.
Strain into a mug. Sweeten to taste and add a citrus twist if you like.

Flavor note: Want stronger tea? Simmer longer (up to 15 minutes), but expect a bolder, slightly bitter edge. IMO, 10 minutes hits the sweet spot.

Quick Microwave Mug Version

Short on time? Add cracked cloves and water to a mug, microwave for 2–3 minutes until steaming, cover the mug with a saucer, and steep 7–10 minutes. Strain and sip. Is it as nuanced as the stovetop? Not quite. But it’s fast and still tasty.

Taste Upgrades You’ll Actually Use

steaming clove tea in clear mug, whole cloves, dark wood

You don’t need to turn your kitchen into a spice lab, but a few simple additions make clove tea pop.

Ginger + Lemon: Bright, zesty, and great for post-meal comfort.
Orange Peel + Cinnamon: Cozy, wintery, and a little dessert-like.
Cardamom Pod: Subtle floral lift. One pod goes far.
Black Tea Bag: Add for the last 2–3 minutes if you want caffeine and more body.
Milk or Oat Milk: Splash for creaminess. Honey pairs best here.

Cold-Brew Clove Iced Tea

Hot outside? Try this:

Lightly crush 2 teaspoons whole cloves.
Add to 3 cups cold water with a strip of orange peel.
Refrigerate 8–12 hours, then strain.
Serve over ice with a squeeze of lemon and a touch of maple.

You’ll get smooth flavor without bitterness. Great mixer for mocktails, too.

What Clove Tea Can Do for You (Beyond Tasting Good)

Let’s keep it real: tea is not a magic wand. But cloves bring some legit properties that make this brew worth the fuss.

Digestive comfort: Many people find cloves ease bloating and that heavy, post-meal slump.
Soothing warmth: The gentle numbing quality of eugenol can feel calming for a scratchy throat.
Antioxidant support: Cloves rank high in antioxidant content, which basically means they help deal with oxidative stress.
Cozy ritual points: Warm mug, deep inhale, screen break—yes, that counts as a benefit.

IMO, the combination of aroma and warmth delivers half the magic. The rest comes from keeping it simple and consistent.

A Quick Word on Safety

Cloves are strong. Keep it reasonable:

Limit: 1–2 cups per day for most adults works well.
Avoid overdoing eugenol: Too much can irritate your stomach.
Check meds: Cloves may interact with blood-thinning medications. If you take those or have a bleeding disorder, talk to your healthcare provider first.
Pregnancy: Occasional culinary amounts are generally considered fine, but ask your provider before making it a daily habit.

Whole Cloves vs. Ground: Which Should You Use?

Short answer: use whole cloves. Ground cloves turn the tea gritty and overpowering fast. Whole cloves give you control and a clean sip.
If you only have ground cloves:

Use just 1/8 teaspoon per cup.
Steep for 3–4 minutes max.
Strain through a fine filter or coffee filter to catch the powder.

But seriously, a small jar of whole cloves lasts ages and tastes better. Worth it.

Make It a Ritual Without Overthinking It

clove tea with lemon slice and honey dipper, soft morning light

Your tea routine should feel easy. Keep a small “brew kit” ready so you can make clove tea on autopilot when you want it.
My low-effort setup:

A jar of whole cloves and a tiny spoon for scooping
A peeler for quick citrus strips
Honey or maple nearby
A small saucepan and fine strainer that live together

Then, when you want tea, you’re one step from simmering, not rummaging. Small differences, big follow-through.

Batch Brewing and Storage

If you love it, batch it:

Simmer 4–5 cups water with 2 tablespoons whole cloves and any extras for 10–12 minutes.
Strain and store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Sweeten per cup so it stays fresh-tasting.

Batch brew on Sunday, and weekday-you will thank weekend-you.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

We’ve all been there. Here’s how to dodge the usual pitfalls:

Too bitter? You simmered too long or used too many cloves. Dilute with hot water and a squeeze of lemon. Next time, cut back by 2–3 cloves or reduce simmer time.
Too weak? Crush the cloves more, simmer a few minutes longer, or add a cinnamon stick for depth.
Gritty texture? That’s from ground cloves. Strain through a coffee filter or switch to whole cloves.
Flat flavor? Add a pinch of salt. Sounds weird, works wonders. Citrus peel also brightens instantly.

FAQ

Can I drink clove tea every day?

Yes, in moderate amounts. Stick to 1–2 cups daily and pay attention to how you feel. If you take blood thinners, have GI issues, or you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your healthcare provider first.

Does clove tea help with a sore throat?

Many people find it soothing because cloves bring warming comfort and mild numbing vibes. Add honey and lemon for extra relief. It won’t replace medical treatment, but it can make you feel better while you recover.

What does clove tea taste like?

Warm, slightly sweet, and spicy with a hint of cooling aftertaste. Think “mulled cider energy” without the apple. If you add citrus or ginger, it tastes brighter and more complex.

Can I sweeten clove tea without sugar?

Totally. Try honey, maple syrup, stevia, or monk fruit. For creamy versions, honey pairs best; for iced tea, maple blends in smoothly.

Is clove tea caffeine-free?

Yes. Pure clove tea contains no caffeine, which makes it great at night. If you add a black tea bag, that changes, obviously.

Whole cloves look intimidating—how do I measure them?

Count them or use a teaspoon. About 8–12 whole cloves equals roughly 1 to 1.5 teaspoons. Lightly crush for stronger flavor, keep whole for gentler tea.

Conclusion

Clove tea wins because it’s easy, affordable, and ridiculously cozy. You’ll get a cup that warms you up, treats your senses, and offers a few wellness perks along the way. Keep whole cloves on hand, simmer for 7–10 minutes, and tweak the flavor to match your mood. IMO, once you dial in your perfect combo, this humble spice becomes a daily luxury. Now go brew something delicious.