How Many Cloves Do You Need to Make Clove Tea? Your Ultimate Guide

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Cloves, known for their potent flavor and medicinal properties, have been used for centuries to create aromatic teas. A single cup of clove tea can deliver numerous benefits, but many new brewers ask, 'How many cloves do you need to make clove tea?' The answer depends heavily on personal taste and desired strength.

Quick Summary

The ideal number of cloves for tea typically ranges from 2 to 5 whole cloves per cup, with adjustments based on desired strength and flavor infusion method.

Key Points

Start with 2-5 cloves per cup: For a balanced flavor, begin with 2 to 5 whole cloves and adjust based on your desired strength.
Crushing cloves intensifies flavor: Lightly crushing whole cloves before steeping releases essential oils faster, resulting in a stronger, spicier tea.
Steeping time matters: Simmering the cloves for 5-10 minutes is standard, but longer steeping will produce a more potent brew.
Add other spices for complexity: Combine cloves with cinnamon, ginger, or lemon to balance the flavor profile.
Moderate consumption is key: Cloves are potent, and drinking one to two cups of clove tea per day is generally sufficient to reap the benefits.
Strain before drinking: Always strain the steeped cloves to prevent an overly strong taste and to make the tea more pleasant to drink.

Finding Your Ideal Clove Ratio

Determining the right quantity of cloves for your tea is a matter of personal preference and desired intensity. The aromatic and medicinal compounds in cloves, especially eugenol, are highly concentrated, meaning a small number can go a long way. For most people, a good starting point is somewhere between 2 and 5 whole cloves per cup of water. If you prefer a subtle, fragrant brew, start with two. For a bolder, more potent tea often used for medicinal purposes, use five or more. Whole cloves provide a slower, more gradual infusion, while crushed cloves will release their flavor much more quickly and intensely.

Preparing Your Basic Clove Tea

Making a simple cup of clove tea is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) water
2-5 whole cloves
Optional: honey, lemon, or a cinnamon stick for added flavor

Method

Bring one cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
Add the desired number of whole cloves to the boiling water. For a stronger brew, you can lightly crush them first with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon.
Reduce the heat to a low simmer and let the cloves steep for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more potent the flavor will be.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the cloves from the liquid into your mug.
Add any optional ingredients like honey or a squeeze of lemon to taste.
Sip and enjoy your warm, aromatic tea.

Adjusting Your Brew for Strength and Flavor

The number of cloves is not the only factor that influences your tea's final taste. Other variables, such as steeping time and preparation method, play crucial roles.

Crushing vs. Whole: Crushing cloves before steeping breaks down their cell walls, releasing eugenol and other aromatic compounds more quickly. This results in a spicier, more intense flavor. If you prefer a slow, subtle infusion, leave the cloves whole.
Steeping Time: The longer you steep the cloves, the stronger and more pungent the tea will be. Beginners should start with 5-7 minutes and increase the time for a more robust flavor.
Temperature: While boiling water is standard, prolonged, high-temperature simmering can result in a more concentrated brew. Always use caution not to scorch the spices.
Combining with Other Spices: For a more complex flavor profile, cloves can be paired with other spices like cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, or cardamom pods. This creates a more balanced and nuanced spiced tea.

Clove Tea Strength and Flavor Comparison


Clove Quantity (Per 1 cup water)	Resulting Strength	Flavor Profile	Best For
2-3 whole cloves	Mild, subtle	Lightly spiced, fragrant aroma, not overpowering.	Everyday enjoyment, subtle digestive aid.
4-5 whole cloves	Medium, balanced	Noticeably spicy and warm, with a robust clove taste.	Standard brew, moderate wellness benefits.
6+ crushed cloves	Strong, potent	Intense, pungent flavor with a powerful spicy kick.	Concentrated wellness shots, potent relief for oral pain.
1 teaspoon whole cloves	Potent	Strong, herbal flavor, best for those who enjoy bold spices.	Potent remedies, a strong base for other ingredients.

Potential Health Benefits of Clove Tea

Clove tea is prized not just for its flavor but also for its potential health benefits, which come from the rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cloves.

Digestive Aid: Clove tea can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, helping to soothe upset stomachs, reduce bloating, and alleviate nausea.
Pain Relief: The eugenol in cloves has natural analgesic properties, which is why clove oil is often used for toothaches. A warm cup of clove tea can help soothe gum and throat pain.
Antimicrobial Action: With potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, clove tea can help fight off infections and support a healthy immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
Antioxidant Boost: Cloves are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect the body from free radical damage.

For additional health information on cloves, refer to this resource on their properties: 10 Cloves Benefits (How to Use Whole, Ground or Oil) - Tua Saúde.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Brew

The answer to how many cloves do you need to make clove tea is not one-size-fits-all, but rather a journey of personal taste discovery. For a balanced, aromatic drink, 2-5 whole cloves per cup is a reliable starting point. For a more intense flavor, increase the number of cloves, lightly crush them, or extend the steeping time. By experimenting with different quantities and methods, you can craft a delicious, comforting, and potentially beneficial cup of clove tea tailored to your preferences. Remember to start with a modest amount and adjust gradually, as the strength of cloves can easily overpower a brew if not used in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, using too many cloves can result in an unpleasantly pungent and overwhelming flavor. It's best to start with a small number (around 2-3) and increase slowly until you find your preferred strength.

Using whole cloves is often recommended as it allows for a more controlled, gradual infusion of flavor. Ground cloves can be used for a quicker, more potent brew, but they can also create a gritty texture that requires thorough straining.

While it's possible to reuse cloves, their flavor and potency will be significantly diminished after the first use. For the best result, it's recommended to use fresh cloves for each brew.

For a standard brew, steeping cloves for 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient. If you want a more potent, stronger flavor, you can let them simmer for up to 15 minutes.

To enhance the flavor of clove tea, consider adding honey, a squeeze of lemon juice, a cinnamon stick, or a slice of fresh ginger.

Yes, many people enjoy clove tea daily. For most, one to two cups per day is considered a moderate and safe amount to enjoy its health benefits without overdoing it.

Clove tea is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It can aid digestion, soothe a sore throat, help with oral pain, and boost the immune system.