Orange Clove Hot Tea
Orange Clove Hot Tea is a soothing, aromatic beverage perfect for chilly days or moments when you need a gentle, flavorful pick-me-up. With the vibrant citrus of fresh orange and the warm spice of whole cloves, this tea offers a comforting blend that is both revitalizing and grounding.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tea is incredibly easy to prepare, using simple, natural ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s caffeine-free, making it a suitable choice for any time of day, especially during the evening when you want something warm without disrupting your sleep. The balance of citrus and spice is not only delicious but also known to be beneficial for digestion and respiratory comfort. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want a cozy drink, this tea is a delightful option.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Fresh orange slices or orange peel
-
Whole cloves
-
Water
-
Honey or another sweetener (optional)
-
Cinnamon stick (optional)
-
Black tea bag or herbal tea base (optional, if you want a stronger flavor)
directions
-
In a small saucepan, bring water to a gentle boil.
-
Add fresh orange slices or orange peel and whole cloves to the water.
-
If using, add a cinnamon stick and a tea bag to the pot.
-
Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
-
Remove from heat, strain the tea into a cup, and discard the solids.
-
Sweeten with honey if desired, stir well, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 2 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
-
Citrus Blend: Add lemon or grapefruit slices along with the orange for a more complex citrus profile.
-
Spiced Version: Incorporate a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for an extra warming effect.
-
Herbal Infusion: Use herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint instead of a traditional black tea bag.
-
Iced Version: Let the brewed tea cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing summer beverage.
-
Alcohol-Infused: Add a splash of bourbon or brandy for an adult variation, perfect for cold evenings.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, simply pour the tea into a small saucepan and warm over low heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid boiling, as it may affect the flavor balance.
FAQs
What does orange clove tea taste like?
It has a naturally sweet citrus flavor from the orange and a warm, spicy note from the cloves.
Can I use dried orange peel instead of fresh orange?
Yes, dried orange peel works well and may even intensify the flavor. Use a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated.
Is this tea safe to drink daily?
Yes, it’s generally safe for daily consumption, especially without caffeine or added sugars.
Can I make this tea in advance?
Yes, you can brew a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat as needed within 1–2 days.
Is orange clove tea good for a sore throat?
Yes, the warm liquid, combined with honey and clove, can be soothing to a sore throat.
Can children drink this tea?
Yes, as long as you skip caffeine and keep the spices mild, it’s suitable for children.
Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?
You can, but use sparingly, as ground cloves are much stronger and can make the tea overly spicy.
How can I make the tea stronger in flavor?
Allow it to simmer longer or increase the amount of orange peel and cloves.
What kind of tea bag works best if I want to include one?
Black tea complements the citrus and spice well, but you can also try rooibos or herbal blends.
Does this tea help with digestion?
Yes, cloves are known to aid digestion, and warm citrus beverages can help soothe the stomach.
Conclusion
Orange Clove Hot Tea is a simple, fragrant, and therapeutic drink that combines the brightness of citrus with the comforting warmth of spice. Whether enjoyed on a cold evening or sipped slowly as part of your wellness routine, this tea is a timeless choice for calm and comfort
Orange Clove Hot Tea
A warm and comforting tea infused with the zesty flavor of orange and the aromatic spice of cloves, perfect for chilly days or soothing moments.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 orange, sliced
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 black tea bag (or herbal tea of choice)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add orange slices and cloves to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bag. Let steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a mug, removing orange slices, cloves, and tea bag.
- Add honey if desired, stir, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh orange for the best flavor.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
- Adjust the steeping time for a stronger or milder tea.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: orange clove tea, hot tea, winter drink, spiced tea, vegan tea