4 Cozy Winter Tea Recipes to Warm Your Soul

As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a hot cup of tea to warm the spirits and soothe the soul.

In this article, I introduce some of my favorite winter teas, which feature warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. These spices have deep flavors and possess health benefits.

They can stimulate circulation, which helps to warm up the body on cold days and offer anti-inflammatory properties that are especially welcome during the winter when colds and flu are more common.

So, stoke the fire, grab your favorite teacup, and let each sip of these winter teas transport you to a place of contentment and joy!

1. Spiced Earl Grey Milk Tea

Earl Grey tea has a distinctive flavor of bergamot oi and provides a perfect base for a warming winter drink.

Enhancing it with spices and a touch of milk transforms this classic tea into a comforting beverage ideal for frosty mornings or relaxing afternoons.

Ingredients and Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags or 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• A small piece of nutmeg, grated
• 1/2 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Honey or sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing the water to a boil in a small pot.
2. Infuse Spices: Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and grated nutmeg to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
3. Steep the Tea: Add the Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea to the spiced water. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.
4. Add Milk: Remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaves and spices from the pot. Return the spiced tea to the heat and stir in the milk. Warm the mixture until it’s hot, but not boiling.
5. Sweeten to Taste: Add honey or sugar according to your taste preferences.
6. Serve: Pour the tea into cups and enjoy hot.

This Spiced Earl Grey Milk Tea is perfect for sipping while wrapped in a blanket, reading a good book, or as a luxurious start to a cold winter’s day!

2. Hibiscus Cranberry Tea

Hibiscus Cranberry Tea combines the tartness of hibiscus flowers and cranberries, making it a refreshing and vibrant winter drink.

This tea is also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a great choice for boosting the immune system during the colder months.

Ingredients and Brewing Instructions

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 5 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup of sugar or honey, adjust to taste
• A slice of orange or a cinnamon stick (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring the water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
2. Add Hibiscus and Cranberries: Once the water is boiling, add the dried hibiscus flowers and fresh cranberries. If using, add a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for additional flavor layers.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The cranberries should begin to burst, and the hibiscus will infuse the water with a deep red color.
4. Sweeten: Remove the pot from heat and stir in sugar or honey, adjusting the amount according to your taste preferences.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve to remove the hibiscus flowers and cranberry skins. Serve the tea hot, or let it cool down and serve it over ice for a chilled version.

This caffeine-free herbal tea offers many health benefits including high levels of antioxidants which are great for skin health and immune support.

It’s a perfect drink to serve during the holiday season or to keep on hand for a colorful and healthful boost on any winter day.

3. Rose Cardamom Black Tea Latte

My Rose Cardamom Black Tea Latte is an exotic blend that infuses the robust flavors of black tea with the aromatic sweetness of rose and the spicy warmth of cardamom.

The floral notes of rose and the spicy undertones of cardamom enhance the depth of black tea, offering a perfect antidote to the winter blues.

Ingredients and Preparation Guide

Ingredients for one large serving:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves, or 2 black tea bags
• 1 teaspoon of crushed cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon of dried rose petals (culinary grade)
• Honey or sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Infuse Tea and Spices: Add the black tea leaves, crushed cardamom pods, and dried rose petals to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare Milk: While the tea is infusing, heat the milk in a separate saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling. Once hot, use a milk frother to froth the milk until it’s foamy and doubled in volume. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can also use a whisk or an immersion blender to create froth.
4. Combine and Strain: Remove the tea-spice mixture from the heat. Strain the mixture into a large cup, removing the tea leaves, cardamom pods, and rose petals.
5. Add Frothed Milk: Gently pour the frothed milk over the strained tea. The froth should float on top, giving it a distinctive latte appearance.
6. Sweeten and Garnish: Sweeten with honey or sugar as desired. Optionally, sprinkle a little crushed cardamom or a few rose petals on top for garnish.
7. Serve: Enjoy your Rose Cardamom Black Tea Latte hot, savoring the creamy texture and aromatic flavors.

The Rose Cardamom Black Tea Latte is a sumptuous drink that combines traditional flavors with a touch of luxury, ideal for those moments when you need a bit of pampering.

Its aromatic profile and creamy texture make it a favorite choice for a relaxing break or to serve to guests on a cold day.

4. Apple Cinnamon Rooibos Tea

Apple Cinnamon Rooibos Tea is a soothing, naturally caffeine-free option that combines the sweet notes of apple with the spicy warmth of cinnamon.

This tea is perfect for evenings, providing a cozy comfort without the caffeine jitters.

Ingredients and Recipe

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 5 cups of water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons of rooibos tea (loose leaf or bags)
• Honey or maple syrup, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Infusion: In a medium pot, bring the water to a gentle boil. Add the cinnamon sticks and apple slices to the boiling water.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the cinnamon and apple flavors to infuse the water.
3. Add Rooibos: Add the rooibos tea to the infused water. Cover the pot and steep for 5-7 minutes. Rooibos has a robust flavor that becomes more pronounced with longer steeping times.
4. Sweeten and Serve: Remove from heat. Take out the cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and tea leaves or bags. Sweeten the brew with honey or maple syrup to your taste. Serve the tea warm for a comforting evening drink.

This tea pairs beautifully with a slice of warm apple pie or cinnamon rolls, making it an ideal dessert tea.

It’s also an excellent choice for relaxing after a long day or gathering around the fireplace with loved ones.

I hope you like my collection of winter tea recipes!

Winter is a season for reflection, comfort, and warmth, and what better way to embody these qualities than through a deliciously brewed cup of tea.

-Joonas