Clementine clove honey tea is a gently spiced citrus tea made by simmering fresh clementines with whole cloves, cinnamon, and a touch of rosemary, then sweetened lightly with honey and optionally finished with a splash of brandy or rum. Warm, aromatic, and soothing, it’s a simple winter tea that feels especially comforting during the holiday season.

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Hey folks, I hope you’re all doing well and staying warm!

As we move through the heart of the holiday season, I’ve been reaching for cozy drinks like this one more than ever – the kind you sip slowly while the house fills with soft notes of citrus and spice.

With Christmas just around the corner, I hope these days feel warm, calm, and comforting for you. (And while the celebrations don’t quite end there, I’ll be sharing a few more festive ideas as we ease into New Year’s Eve.) So, let’s dive into this clementine clove honey tea.

Why You’ll Love This Clementine Clove Honey Tea

Warm and comforting. This tea is gently spiced and soothing, perfect for cold winter evenings.
Naturally festive. Without being heavy or sugary, it still feels special enough for the holidays.
Citrus-forward flavour. Clementines bring natural sweetness and brightness that balance the bold clove notes.
Easy and flexible. It works beautifully with loose tea or tea bags, depending on what you have on hand.
Easily adaptable. You can keep it non-alcoholic or add a splash of spirits for an evening version.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

For this clementine clove honey tea, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a balanced, aromatic drink.

Water: Forms the base of the tea, allowing the citrus and spices to infuse gently without overpowering bitterness.
Black tea bags or loose black tea: Brings body and structure to the tea, balancing the bright citrus flavours.
Clementines: Sliced with the peel on to release fragrant citrus oils and provide soft, natural sweetness.
Whole cloves: The dominant spice in this tea, lending warmth, depth, and a distinctly festive aroma.
Cinnamon stick: Adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the spice profile without competing with the cloves.
Fresh rosemary (optional): A small sprig introduces a subtle herbal note that complements the citrus and spice.
Honey: Added at the end, only if needed, to sweeten to taste.

Possible Additions and Variations

Add a thin slice of fresh ginger for extra warmth and gentle heat.
Replace black tea with Earl Grey for a subtle bergamot note.
Use green tea for a lighter, more delicate version.
Add a splash of brandy, rum, or triple sec for an evening tea.

How to Make Clementine Clove Honey Tea

This clementine clove honey tea comes together easily and can be made using either loose tea or tea bags.

In a saucepan, combine the water, sliced clementines, cloves, cinnamon stick, and rosemary, if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5–7 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Remove from the heat, add the black tea (either loose or tea bags), and steep according to your preference. Strain if needed, then sweeten with honey to taste just before serving.

More Festive Holiday Drinks

Are you looking for more warming holiday drinks, like this festive festive spiced citrus tea? Be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try this Christmas tea recipe. If you give this holiday citrus tea a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!