Spiced Tangerine Herbal Tea With Natural Flavors

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a go-to tea you reach for when you need a little calm in your day. For me, that tea is this Spiced Tangerine Herbal Tea. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a little self-care ritual in a mug.

Made with fresh or dried citrus peels and a handful of pantry spices, it’s surprisingly easy to make but feels like a luxurious treat. I can’t wait to walk you through it, step by step.

Why Spiced Tangerine Herbal Tea?

You know how some drinks just instantly make you feel better? That’s what this tea does for me.

The natural sweetness and bright aroma of tangerine peels are the stars here.

When simmered with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, they create a tea that feels both rejuvenating and relaxing. And because it’s caffeine-free, you can sip on this anytime—morning, evening, or even right before bed.

How To Make Spiced Tangerine Herbal Tea At Home

Brew a comforting cup of Spiced Tangerine Herbal Tea with dried peels, cinnamon, and cloves. A naturally sweet, caffeine-free tea full of flavor and wellness.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick look at the basics before we jump into the details:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Course: Beverage
• Cuisine: Herbal / Holistic
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 2 cups
• Calories: Around 50 per serving (without sweeteners)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down exactly what you need to make this tea:

Basic Ingredients:

• Peels from 1–2 tangerines (you can use them fresh or dried)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3–4 whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• 3 cups of water
• Honey or any sweetener of choice (optional)

Ingredient Insights And Substitutions

Tangerine Peels

Tangerine peels carry a bright citrus aroma and a mild sweetness that makes them ideal for tea. If you’re using fresh peels, make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove most of the white pith to avoid bitterness. Want to get fancy? You can dry your own peels at home and store them for future batches.

Can’t find tangerines? You can swap them out for orange peels, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit sharper and less sweet.

Cinnamon Stick

Cinnamon adds that warm, grounding flavor that perfectly balances the citrus. Use whole sticks if you can—it gives the tea a smoother taste compared to ground cinnamon.

Cloves

These little guys are powerful! Cloves bring a deep, aromatic warmth that adds complexity to the tea. A little goes a long way.

Star Anise

This spice adds a slight licorice flavor that complements both the cloves and the citrus. It’s totally optional, but I really think it takes the tea to another level.

Sweetener

You can enjoy this tea unsweetened, but a spoonful of honey, maple syrup, or even a dash of stevia can make it feel even more comforting. Go with whatever works for your taste or dietary preferences.

How To Make Spiced Tangerine Herbal Tea (Step-By-Step)

Here’s the full process, with all the tips and tricks I use in my kitchen:

Step 1: Prepare The Tangerine Peels

If you’re using fresh peels, start by washing your tangerines thoroughly to remove any wax or residue.

Then, carefully peel them and remove most of the white pith (that’s the soft white stuff on the inside of the peel). The pith can make the tea taste bitter.

If you’re using dried peels, just grab about 2 tablespoons and set them aside.

Step 2: Bring Water To A Boil

Pour 3 cups of water into a saucepan or small pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 3: Add The Spices And Peels

Once the water is boiling, add in your tangerine peels, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise. Give it a gentle stir.

Step 4: Simmer Slowly

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This slow simmering process allows all the beautiful flavors and natural oils to be released into the water.

Step 5: Strain And Serve

Turn off the heat and carefully strain the tea into your favorite mug or teapot. Discard the solids (or compost them if you’re into zero waste living like me).

Step 6: Sweeten (Optional)

Now’s the time to stir in a bit of honey or your preferred sweetener. Taste as you go—you might find you don’t need much (or any).

Step 7: Enjoy

And that’s it! Sit back, take a sip, and let the warmth and aroma do its magic.

Want To Enjoy It Iced?

Absolutely! You can chill the brewed tea in the fridge for a few hours and then serve it over ice. Add a splash of sparkling water and a wedge of lime or orange if you want to get fancy with it.

Benefits Of Tangerine Herbal Tea

Let’s talk about the good stuff—what this tea can actually do for your body:

Rich In Antioxidants

Tangerine peels are loaded with vitamin C, flavonoids, and essential oils that help fight free radicals and boost immunity.

Great For Digestion And Lungs

Cloves and star anise are both used in traditional herbal medicine for soothing the stomach and supporting respiratory health. That warm, comforting feeling isn’t just in your head—it’s real!

Natural Stress Reliever

The aroma of citrus and spices combined has a calming effect on the mind. It’s the perfect drink to wind down after a stressful day.

Heart And Skin Support

Thanks to the citrus oils and anti-inflammatory spices, this tea may help lower cholesterol and support skin health over time.

Perfect Pairings

If you want to pair this tea with a light snack, here are my go-to ideas:

• A slice of almond or lemon loaf cake
• Biscotti or shortbread cookies
• A handful of roasted nuts or trail mix
• Dark chocolate squares

Variations You Can Try

This recipe is super flexible. You can mix and match ingredients based on your mood or what you have on hand.

• Add fresh ginger slices for a spicy kick and extra warmth.
• Toss in a few mint leaves for a refreshing, cooling twist.
• Include cardamom pods if you want a more chai-like experience.
• Mix in dried hibiscus petals for a tangy flavor and lovely red color.

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this Spiced Tangerine Herbal Tea becomes your new go-to drink whenever you need a little warmth and comfort. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a tea blend from scratch using simple, natural ingredients—especially when it turns out this good.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you! You can leave a comment below, share your photos, or tag me on social media (@BestTeaCrafter). I love seeing your creations and tea setups.

Until next time, keep sipping mindfully and crafting with love.