Whole cloves are the sun-dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). They're small and nail-shaped, with a warm, sweet, slightly peppery flavor, and they've been brewed into tea across India and Asia for centuries.
Clove tea recipe (1 cup)
You need
- 4–6 whole cloves
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- Honey or lemon to taste (optional)
Steps
- Lightly crush the cloves to release more aroma.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil, add the cloves and lower the heat.
- Simmer 5–8 minutes. Longer gives a stronger cup.
- Strain into a mug and add honey or lemon if you like.
Tip: want it stronger? Simmer longer rather than adding more cloves, which can turn bitter.
Clove chai and other blends
Masala chai: cloves with black tea, cardamom, a cinnamon stick, fresh ginger and a few black peppercorns, simmered in milk and water.
Warming ginger-turmeric cup: cloves with fresh ginger, a pinch of turmeric, cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon.
After-meal blend: cloves with fennel seeds and fresh mint.
Winter spice tea: cloves, star anise, orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
How many cloves, and how many cups?
For most healthy adults, 1–3 cups a day is a sensible amount. Cloves are potent, so more isn't better. You can steep the same cloves a second time; it'll be milder, so add a minute or two.
Who should be careful?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People on blood-thinning medication (cloves naturally thin the blood)
- Anyone with surgery coming up: stop two weeks before
- Children: smaller amounts, less often
If any of these apply, check with your doctor first.
Does clove tea have caffeine?
If you brew cloves with black or green tea, the caffeine comes from the tea leaves, about the same as a normal cup of tea.
Why people love clove tea
We're spice people, not doctors, so we'll stick to what we know. Clove tea is a warming comfort drink in cold season and a soothing cup after meals. Cloves are naturally rich in eugenol, the compound behind their aroma, plus manganese and vitamin K. If you're drinking it for a health condition, ask your doctor.
How to pick good cloves for tea
- Deep brown, not pale or grey
- Intact buds with round heads
- Strong smell as soon as you open the pack
- Slightly oily to the touch: that's the fresh essential oil
- Lab tested, with the report published
Store cloves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, not above the stove. They're best within 12 months of the manufacturing date on the pouch and keep well beyond that.
Beyond tea
- Rice, biryani and curries: 2–4 cloves in hot ghee at the start
- Garam masala and spice blends
- Mulled wine, cider and warm drinks
- Baking: grind fresh for cookies and pumpkin pie
- A clove-studded orange as natural home fragrance
FAQ
How many cloves should I put in my tea?
4 to 6 whole cloves per cup of water. For a stronger brew, steep longer rather than adding more cloves.
How many cups of clove tea can I drink per day?
For most healthy adults, 1 to 3 cups a day is a sensible amount. Cloves are potent, so moderation is best.
Does clove tea have caffeine?
No. Clove tea made with just whole cloves and water is naturally caffeine-free. If you brew it with black or green tea, the caffeine comes from the tea leaves.
Can I reuse cloves for a second cup?
Yes. The second steep is milder, so add a minute or two. After two steeps most of the aromatic oils are spent.
Should I strain the cloves out?
Yes, strain before drinking. Biting into a whole clove is intense. Leaving them in while the tea cools adds more flavor.
What's the best time of day to drink clove tea?
Any time. Many people enjoy it after meals or in the evening, since it has no caffeine.
Who should be careful with clove tea?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people on blood-thinning medication, anyone with surgery coming up, and children should check with a doctor first.
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