Orange-Spiced Rooibos Tea with Cinnamon and Clove

This orange rooibos tea has the warm, layered flavor of a holiday beverage without caffeine, juice or added sugar.

Orange peel supplies fragrant citrus oils without adding the concentrated natural sugar found in orange juice. Cinnamon and clove add warmth, while rooibos provides a naturally smooth base that is less bitter than many conventional teas.

Serve it warm as part of an evening routine or chill it for a refreshing caffeine-free drink.

Jump to Recipe

Why you’ll love it

• Naturally caffeine-free

• Contains no added sugar

• Fragrant and full of flavor

• Ready in approximately 10 minutes

• Enjoyable hot or chilled

• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free

• Uses orange peel rather than juice

• Easy to prepare as a single serving

How to Make Orange Rooibos Tea

Recipe at a glance

Preparation time	3 minutes
Steeping time	6–8 minutes
Total time	Approximately 10 minutes
Yield	1 cup
Serving size	1 cup
Serves	1
Difficulty	Easy
Caffeine-free	Yes
Added sugar	None

Ingredients

• 1 cup water

• 1 plain rooibos tea bag or 1½ teaspoons loose-leaf rooibos

• 1 strip fresh orange peel, approximately 2 inches long

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• 1 whole clove

• ⅛ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the orange peel. Wash and dry the orange thoroughly. Remove one thin strip of peel with a vegetable peeler.

2. Avoid excess white pith. Trim away any thick white pith from the underside of the peel, as it can make the tea bitter.

3. Heat the water. Bring the water to a boil.

4. Combine the ingredients. Place the rooibos, orange peel, cinnamon stick and clove in a heat-safe mug.

5. Steep. Pour the hot water over the ingredients. Cover and steep for six to eight minutes.

6. Strain. Remove the tea bag, orange peel, cinnamon stick and clove. Strain the tea if using loose-leaf rooibos.

7. Add optional vanilla. Stir in the vanilla extract, if using.

8. Serve. Allow the tea to cool slightly and enjoy it warm.

The Details That Make This Tea Exceptional

Why This Orange Rooibos Tea Has So Much Flavor

This orange rooibos tea uses citrus peel rather than orange juice. The peel releases fragrant natural oils that provide plenty of orange flavor without adding a meaningful amount of carbohydrate.

Use plain rooibos

Some packaged rooibos blends include dried fruit, flavorings or sweeteners. Plain rooibos gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Remove the white pith

The colorful outer peel contains the aromatic oils. The thick white portion underneath can taste bitter.

Use only one clove

Clove is powerful. One whole clove adds warmth without overpowering the orange and cinnamon.

Cover the mug

Covering the tea while it steeps helps preserve the fragrant citrus and spice aromas.

Avoid substituting orange juice

Orange juice adds considerably more carbohydrate than a strip of peel and is unnecessary for achieving citrus flavor.

Ingredient alternatives

Don’t have an orange?

Use lemon, mandarin or tangerine peel.

Want a spicier tea?

Add one thin slice of fresh ginger.

Prefer a cooler drink?

Prepare the tea with two tea bags, cool it and pour it over ice. Avoid diluting regular-strength tea with too much ice.

Want a festive variation?

Add one small star anise while steeping, then remove it before serving.

Prefer a softer flavor?

Omit the clove and use vanilla with the cinnamon and orange.

Diabetes-conscious considerations

The orange peel flavors the tea without the sugar contained in orange juice. When prepared without sweetener, the beverage contains virtually no carbohydrate.

Avoid adding honey simply because the tea is herbal. Honey, maple syrup and conventional sugar all contribute carbohydrate.

Nutrition Values

Per serving: one cup

• Calories: 2

• Protein: 0 g

• Carbohydrate: less than 1 g

• Fiber: 0 g

• Total fat: 0 g

Frequently asked questions

Does rooibos contain caffeine?

Plain rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. Check the package when purchasing a blend because it could contain tea leaves or other caffeinated ingredients.

Can I prepare a larger batch?

Yes. Multiply the ingredients by four and steep them in four cups of water. Refrigerate the strained tea for up to three days.

Can I reuse the orange peel?

Fresh peel provides the strongest flavor. It is better to use a new strip for each batch.

Can I add fresh orange slices?

You can, but orange flesh and juice add some carbohydrate. The peel alone provides substantial flavor.

When should I drink it?

Enjoy it approximately 60 to 90 minutes before bed. If nighttime bathroom visits disturb your sleep, prepare a smaller six-ounce serving.

Enjoy!