Lebanese Spiced Tea (Printable)
Fragrant black tea infused with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger for a warming beverage experience.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tea & Water
01 - 4 cups water
02 - 2 tablespoons loose black tea or 4 black tea bags
→ Spices
03 - 1 cinnamon stick
04 - 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
05 - 4 whole cloves
06 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
07 - 1 star anise (optional)
→ Sweetener & Garnish
08 - 2–3 tablespoons sugar or honey to taste
09 - Lemon slices (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine water, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, ginger slices, and star anise in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
02 - Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow spices to release their aromatic flavors into the water.
03 - Add loose black tea or tea bags to the spiced water. Simmer for 3 minutes for standard strength, or up to 5 minutes for a stronger brew.
04 - Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or heatproof jug. Discard used spices and tea leaves.
05 - Stir in sugar or honey according to taste preference. Serve hot in teacups, garnished with fresh lemon slices if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The whole house smells incredible while it simmers, like you've been working all day when really it takes minutes
- Theres something meditative about watching the spices dance in the bubbling water
02 -
- Don't let the tea boil too long after adding the black tea or it can turn bitter
- Crushing cardamom pods right before use releases their oils much more effectively than pre-crushed ones
03 -
- Use a mortar and pestle for the cardamom instead of a rolling pin for better control
- Add a splash of milk at the very end if you prefer a creamier, more chai-like drink