Lebanese Spiced Black Tea (Printer-Friendly)
Fragrant black tea simmered with warming spices for a comforting Lebanese-inspired beverage perfect for any time of day.
# 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 fully infuse the water with their aromatic flavors.
03 - Add loose black tea or tea bags to the spiced water. Simmer for 3 minutes, or up to 5 minutes for a stronger brew.
04 - Remove from heat. Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or heatproof jug, discarding spices and tea leaves. Stir in sweetener to taste. Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The house smells like a cozy bakery within minutes of putting the kettle on
- Its gentle enough for afternoon sipping but spiced enough to feel special
02 -
- Simmering the spices first before adding the tea is the secret to depth of flavor
- The longer you steep the spices the more intense the tea becomes
03 -
- Crush cardamom pods right before using for the most potent flavor
- If using tea bags squeeze them gently against the side of the pot before removing