Whole Clove Tea Recipe: A Warming, Aromatic Cup Made in Minutes

There is something wonderfully comforting about the aroma of cloves. Warm, sweet and gently spicy, this familiar kitchen spice can also be used to make a simple and soothing herbal infusion.

This Whole Clove Tea Recipe requires only a few ingredients and takes around 10 minutes to prepare. Enjoy it after a meal, during the cooler months, or whenever you fancy a naturally fragrant alternative to ordinary tea or coffee.

What Is Whole Clove Tea?

Clove tea is made by gently simmering dried whole cloves in water. As the cloves warm, they release their distinctive aroma, flavour and naturally occurring plant compounds, including eugenol—the compound responsible for much of their characteristic fragrance.

The flavour is warming and slightly sweet, with a pleasant peppery finish. Because cloves are naturally powerful, you only need a few to make a flavoursome cup.

Make It Your Own

Clove tea is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other warming ingredients.

Try adding:

• Fresh ginger for a livelier, spicier cup

• Cinnamon stick for extra warmth and natural sweetness

• Orange peel for a festive citrus aroma

• Lemon for a fresher, brighter flavour

• Honey to soften the clove’s peppery edge

• Black tea for a simple clove-spiced breakfast tea

For an iced version, prepare the tea slightly stronger, allow it to cool and serve over ice with orange slices.

Simple Whole Clove Tea Recipe

Makes: 1 generous cup

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Brewing time: 8–10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4–6 whole cloves

• 300 ml water

• 1 teaspoon honey, optional

• 1 slice of fresh lemon or orange, optional

• A small piece of cinnamon stick, optional

Method

1. Lightly crush the whole cloves with the back of a spoon or using a mortar and pestle. You only need to crack them slightly—do not grind them into powder.

2. Add the cloves and water to a small saucepan.

3. Bring the water gently to the boil.

4. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 5 minutes.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover and allow the tea to steep for another 3–5 minutes.

6. Strain into your favourite cup.

7. Add honey, lemon or orange to taste and enjoy while warm.

Why Use Whole Cloves?

Whole cloves retain their flavour and aroma particularly well. Gently cracking them just before brewing helps release their fragrant oils while making the finished drink easier to strain than one prepared with ground cloves.

A Little Everyday Wellness

Cloves contain naturally occurring aromatic plant compounds, particularly eugenol, which has been widely studied for its antioxidant and other biological properties.

Although cloves have a long history of traditional use, a cup of clove tea should be enjoyed as part of a varied, balanced diet—not treated as a cure or replacement for medical care. Evidence for specific health benefits from drinking clove tea remains limited.

Because the flavour is concentrated, start with four cloves and adjust future cups according to your taste. More is not necessarily better.

Brew a Cup at Home

If you enjoyed this Whole Clove Tea Recipe, explore our aromatic Spice&Easy Whole Cloves and discover more simple ways to bring natural flavour and warmth into your kitchen.

Our Spice&Easy Whole Cloves are naturally aromatic and packed without additives, preservatives or anti-caking agents. Each 15 g pack provides plenty of cloves for teas, warming drinks and everyday cooking.

Shop Spice&Easy Whole Cloves

Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most satisfying cup.

Wellness note: Culinary amounts of cloves are generally used in food and drink. Anyone taking blood-thinning or blood-sugar medication, preparing for surgery, pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a healthcare professional before consuming cloves regularly or in concentrated amounts. Clove essential oil should not be used as a substitute for whole cloves in this recipe.