Festive Clementine Honey Tea with Brandy

Festive clementine honey tea with brandy is a warm, aromatic drink infused with citrus zest, gentle spices, and black tea. Lightly sweetened with honey and finished with an optional splash of brandy, this cozy holiday tea is perfect for winter evenings and festive gatherings alike.

Hey folks – I hope you are doing well!

With the holidays less than a week away (I mean, seriously?!), I wanted to share a few simple, cozy drinks that feel just right for this time of year. This festive tea is easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and works beautifully both during the holidays and throughout the winter season. So, let’s steep a pot of this festive clementine honey brandy tea.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Clementine Honey Tea With Brandy

• Cozy and aromatic: Warm spices, citrus zest, and black tea create a comforting, winter-ready drink.
• Simple to prepare: No special equipment or precise measurements required.
• Flexible sweetness: Use honey, clementine juice, or both, depending on your taste.
• Festive but not heavy: A lighter alternative to mulled wine or rich holiday cocktails.
• Optional brandy finish: Easily enjoyed with or without alcohol.

Flavour Profile

This holiday tea is gently spiced, citrus-forward, and softly sweet. The black tea provides structure, while clementine zest lifts the flavour with freshness. Cinnamon and star anise add warmth and depth without dominating, and the optional brandy brings a subtle, cozy finish that feels especially comforting on cold winter nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make this festive clementine spiced tea, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients.

• Loose black tea: A classic base that pairs well with citrus and warm spices.
• Clementine zest: Adds bright citrus aroma and a subtle festive note.
• Cinnamon stick: Provides warmth and gentle spice without overpowering the tea.
• Star anise: Adds depth and a softly spiced, holiday-style aroma.
• Water: Used to infuse the spices and brew the tea.
• Clementine juice and/or honey (optional): Used as a natural sweetener and for extra citrus flavour.
• Brandy (optional): Added at the end for a warming, festive touch.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this spices clementine honey brandy tea is already delicious, you can always play with flavour to make it even more exiting to your taste:

• Orange or mandarin zest: Swap or combine with clementine for a slightly different citrus profile.
• Fresh ginger: Adds heat and extra warmth for very cold evenings.
• Vanilla pod: Introduces a soft, rounded sweetness.
• Rum or cognac: A gentle alternative to brandy for variation.
• Orange liqueur: Add a splash of orange-infused liqueur such as Triple sec or Cointreau for an extra citrusy kick.
• Herbal twist: Replace black tea with rooibos for a caffeine-free option.

How to Make Festive Clementine Honey Tea with Brandy

To make this festive citrus tea, bring water to a gentle simmer in a small pot. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and clementine zest, and let everything infuse for a few minutes to release the aromas.

Turn off the heat, add the loose black tea, and let it steep until the tea reaches your desired strength. Just before serving, sweeten with honey and/or clementine juice to taste, and finish with a splash of brandy if using. Serve hot and enjoy.

More Festive Cozy Drinks for the Holiday Season

Are you looking for more cozy holiday drinks, like this festive clementine honey tea with brandy? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Holiday Spruce Tea – Cozy Winter Drink
• Festive Mulled Orange Brandy for Holidays
• Festive Spruce Cocktail for the Holidays
• Sea Buckthorn Tea Recipe (Seaberry Tea)
• and more Festive Holiday Drinks

I’d love for you to try this Festive Clementine Honey Tea with Brandy. If you give this holiday drink 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!

Festive Clementine Honey Tea with Brandy

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Festive clementine honey tea with brandy infused with citrus zest and warm spices. A cozy holiday tea perfect for winter evenings.

Course: Festive Holiday Drinks, Christmas, Non-Alcoholic DrinksCuisine: European-inspiredDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 ml) water

• 2 tsp (4 g) loose black tea, or 2 tea bags

• Zest of 1 small clementine (about 1 tsp / 2 g)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise

• 1–2 tbsp (20–40 g) honey, to taste (optional)

• 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) fresh clementine juice, to taste (optional)

• 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) brandy, to taste (optional, added at the end)

Directions

• Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and clementine zest; simmer for for about 5 minutes to infuse.
• Remove from heat, add the black tea, and steep until the desired strength is reached.
• Strain if needed, then sweeten with honey and/or clementine juice. Add brandy if using and serve hot. Enjoy!