It was the start of another promising week, and I woke up to a crisp autumn breeze sneaking through the window, making me pull the blanket a little tighter. The day had already brought its share of small surprises—my morning coffee didn’t have its usual charm, and the deadlines were piling up.
After a busy afternoon of running errands and juggling work, I craved something comforting, something warm to restore balance to the day. As I reached for fresh oranges and ginger on the kitchen counter, the idea for this tea came together— Spiced Ginger Orange Tea!
A blend of sweet citrus and spicy warmth was exactly what I needed to reset.
The combination of zesty orange and the warming kick of ginger is pure comfort in a cup. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also super simple to make. Trust me, you’ll love the balance of sweet and spicy flavors—it’s refreshing yet soothing.
If you’re looking for a drink that warms you from the inside out, this is the one to try!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Combines the warming spice of ginger with refreshing citrus for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Packed with natural ingredients like fresh ginger and orange, it offers health benefits such as boosting immunity and aiding digestion.
- The fragrant blend of cinnamon and cloves adds a comforting aroma that fills your home.
- It’s a natural pick-me-up, offering a gentle energy boost without the intensity of coffee.
- Great for easing sore throats or calming a cold with its warming and soothing ingredients.
- A healthier alternative to sugary store-bought drinks, with the option to sweeten it just the way you like.
Ingredients
When making Spiced Ginger Orange Tea, each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Start with fresh ginger; it adds a warming, slightly spicy kick that complements the citrus. Make sure to choose a firm, juicy piece of ginger for the best flavor—older, dried ginger won’t have the same vibrant taste.
The orange peel adds a bright, zesty sweetness, but be careful to avoid the bitter white pith beneath the skin. A fresh, fragrant orange will give you the best results, as the oils in the peel are what really bring out the citrus notes in the tea.
For the spices, the cinnamon stick provides a warm, slightly sweet undertone, while the whole cloves add a deep, earthy spice. Both should be fresh and aromatic—old, stale spices won’t have the same impact.
Finally, choose a good quality black tea. A rich, robust black tea is ideal because it holds up well against the bold spices and citrus flavors.
Sweeten the tea with a touch of honey, which not only rounds out the flavors but adds a delicate, natural sweetness. The amount is up to you, but a good-quality honey will blend beautifully with the spices.
Ingredients for making 2 servings of Spiced Ginger Orange Tea:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf black tea)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- Peel from 1 orange (avoid the white pith for less bitterness)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves
- Honey, to taste
How To Make Spiced Ginger Orange Tea
Instructions for making 2 servings of Spiced Ginger Orange Tea:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the fresh ginger and peel the orange, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
- Simmer the Spices:
- In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the ginger slices, orange peel, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the Black Tea:
- After simmering, add the black tea bag (or loose leaf tea) to the pot.
- Let it steep for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Sweeten and Serve:
- Remove the tea bag and strain the mixture into a mug.
- Sweeten with honey to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Enjoy:
- Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of your homemade tea!
This tea is perfect for cozy moments and has just the right balance of spice and citrus to brighten your day!
Recommendations & Alternatives
- For a caffeine-free version, swap the black tea with herbal teas like rooibos or chamomile.
- Enhance the spice profile by adding a few cardamom pods or a small piece of star anise.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a dash of warm milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
- For a refreshing twist in warmer weather, let the tea cool and serve it over ice for a spiced iced tea.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs well with the spices.
- For an extra kick, steep a small piece of chili or cayenne pepper in the water to give the tea a spicy twist.
Spiced Ginger Orange Tea
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf black tea)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- peel from 1 orange (avoid the white pith for less bitterness)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves
- honey, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the fresh ginger and peel the orange, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
- In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the ginger slices, orange peel, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- After simmering, add the black tea bag (or loose leaf tea) to the pot. Let it steep for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Remove the tea bag and strain the mixture into a mug. Sweeten with honey to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of your homemade tea!