Simple and Soothing Orange Spice Green Tea Recipe

Here is a recipe that has become my new favorite this week. The Orange Spice Green Tea combines many of my favorite flavors into one soothing cup that it’s simply irresistible!

Not only is this tea delicious, but it’s also a healthy way to enjoy something cozy and comforting. Green tea is full of antioxidants, and the honey provides natural sweetness without any refined sugars. The spices, like cinnamon and cloves, are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making this the perfect drink for chilly autumn days when you want to relax while staying healthy.

The Orange Spice Green Tea is the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up with a book or enjoy with friends on a crisp fall afternoon.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Refreshing: Green tea provides antioxidants while cinnamon and cloves offer anti-inflammatory benefits, making this both a delicious and health-boosting drink.
• Easy to Make: With simple, accessible ingredients, this tea is quick to prepare, making it a great go-to for a cozy fall refreshment.
• Boosts Immunity: The combination of orange zest and honey provides a natural vitamin C and antioxidant boost, helping to support your immune system during cooler months.
• Great for Digestion: Cinnamon and cloves are known for their digestive benefits, making this tea not only flavorful but also soothing after a meal.
• Pairs Well with Snacks: This tea is a delightful companion to light snacks, like biscotti or fruit, enhancing your autumn tea-time experience.

Ingredients

When making Orange Spice Green Tea, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the balance of flavors.

The base of the recipe is green tea, which provides a refreshing, slightly grassy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices. It’s important to choose a quality loose-leaf green tea or a trusted brand of tea bags to ensure you’re getting a clean, bright flavor without bitterness.

Fresh orange zest adds a burst of citrusy brightness, which complements the warmth of the spices. It’s best to use organic oranges if possible, as their peels won’t contain any pesticides or wax. The zest is where the essential oils are concentrated, providing an aromatic, zesty note to the tea.

Cinnamon and cloves are the key spices that bring warmth and comfort to the drink. Whole cinnamon sticks and cloves are preferred because they release their flavors more gradually and blend seamlessly into the tea without leaving residue. These spices are also known for their health benefits, such as boosting immunity and aiding digestion, making them perfect for this autumn-inspired tea.

Honey is the natural sweetener in this recipe, and it rounds out the flavors by adding a smooth, mellow sweetness. Choosing a high-quality, raw, or local honey is best for retaining all its natural nutrients and health benefits. Finally, the optional star anise adds a subtle licorice-like flavor and enhances the overall complexity of the tea. It’s a great addition if you want an extra layer of spice to the drink, but it’s optional depending on your taste.

Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, creating a blend of flavors that feels balanced, soothing, and wonderfully autumnal.

Ingredients for 2 servings of Orange Spice Green Tea:

• 2 teaspoons loose-leaf green tea (or 2 green tea bags)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 star anise (optional, for extra spice)
• 2 cups water
• Orange slices or cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Orange Spice Green Tea

Instructions making for 2 servings of Orange Spice Green Tea:

1. Boil the Water: In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the Spices: Once the water boils, add the orange zest, cinnamon stick, cloves, and optional star anise. Let the spices simmer for 2-3 minutes to release their flavors.
3. Steep the Green Tea: Turn off the heat, add the green tea (loose-leaf or bags), and let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
4. Strain and Sweeten: Strain the tea into cups, removing the tea and spices. Stir in the honey to your preferred sweetness.
5. Garnish: If desired, garnish with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch.
6. Enjoy: Sip your Orange Spice Green Tea while it’s warm and aromatic!

More Tips & Variations

• Spicy Kick: For an extra warming effect, add a small piece of fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper while simmering the spices. This adds a spicy twist that complements the orange and cinnamon.
• Cranberry Twist: Toss a handful of fresh or dried cranberries into the pot while simmering the spices for a tart burst of flavor and an extra touch of seasonal color.
• Nutmeg Sprinkle: Grate a little fresh nutmeg over the tea before serving for an extra layer of warmth and spice, perfect for a more festive autumn flavor.
• Saffron Threads: Add a pinch of saffron threads while the tea is steeping for a subtle, luxurious earthy flavor and a golden hue that enhances the tea’s color.
• Candied Ginger Garnish: Top your tea with a piece of candied ginger for a sweet and spicy garnish that melts into the drink, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.