There’s something magical about a cup of spiced citrus green tea. The warm spices, the refreshing citrus, and the smooth green tea come together in the most comforting yet invigorating way. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different blends, and I’ve finally perfected my all-time favorite recipe—one that’s flavorful, soothing, and packed with health benefits.
If you love green tea but want to elevate it with a twist of spices and citrus, this is the recipe for you. It’s perfect for chilly mornings, lazy afternoons, or whenever you need a refreshing break. Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Tea
Before jumping into the recipe, let me tell you why this tea is special to me.
✅ Boosts Immunity – Green tea is already packed with antioxidants, and adding citrus (like lemon or orange) gives it an extra dose of Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system.
✅ Aids Digestion – Spices like cinnamon and ginger help with digestion and keep bloating at bay.
✅ Soothing & Refreshing – The warmth of spices mixed with the refreshing tang of citrus makes this tea both comforting and revitalizing at the same time.
✅ Aromatic Bliss – The smell of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus zest makes my kitchen feel like a cozy tea house every time I brew it.
Now that you know why I love it, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need
To make one large mug (or two smaller cups) of my favorite spiced citrus green tea, gather these ingredients:
✔ 1 cup water
✔ 1 teaspoon loose green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)
✔ 1 small cinnamon stick
✔ 1-2 cloves
✔ 1 thin slice of fresh ginger
✔ 1 small piece of orange peel or lemon peel (avoid the white part, as it can be bitter)
✔ 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
✔ 1 teaspoon lemon or orange juice (freshly squeezed)
How to Make Spiced Citrus Green Tea
1️⃣ Boil the Water
Start by bringing one cup of water to a gentle boil. Green tea is delicate, so you don’t want the water to be too hot. Ideally, the temperature should be around 80°C (175°F)—just before it starts bubbling vigorously.
2️⃣ Add the Spices
Once the water is hot, add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger slice. Let them simmer for 1-2 minutes so the spices can release their flavors. You’ll start to smell the warm and spicy aroma filling your kitchen.
3️⃣ Brew the Green Tea
Turn off the heat and add the green tea leaves (or tea bag) along with the orange or lemon peel. Cover the pot and let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Any longer, and the green tea might become bitter.
4️⃣ Strain and Serve
Strain the tea into your cup to remove the spices and tea leaves. Now, stir in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup if you like a bit of sweetness. Finally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice for that final citrusy touch.
5️⃣ Enjoy the Aroma & Flavor
Take a deep breath and enjoy the warm, spicy, and citrusy aroma before taking your first sip. It’s the perfect balance of earthy, tangy, and sweet flavors—absolutely divine!
Tips to Make It Even Better
✔ Adjust the Spices – If you love strong spices, add more cinnamon or an extra clove. If you prefer it milder, use a smaller cinnamon stick or reduce the steeping time.
✔ Make It Iced – This tea also tastes amazing as iced tea! Just let it cool, add ice cubes, and enjoy a refreshing citrus-spiced green tea.
✔ Use Different Citrus Fruits – Try lime, blood orange, or even grapefruit for a fun variation.
✔ Experiment with Sweeteners – If honey isn’t your thing, try agave syrup, stevia, or drink it unsweetened for a more natural taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade spiced citrus green tea to brighten up your day. It’s warm yet refreshing, simple yet full of flavor. Plus, it’s packed with health benefits that make every sip both enjoyable and nourishing.
Next time you need a cozy drink, skip the store-bought tea bags and try this homemade recipe instead. I promise—you won’t be disappointed!
