Ethiopian Spiced Tea

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: Ethiopian

A fragrant Ethiopian spiced tea infused with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and sweetened with sugar, perfect for cozy mornings or as a delightful dessert beverage.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 pods whole cardamom
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons loose black tea or 2 tea bags black tea

Instructions

  1. Bring water, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves to a boil.
  2. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add black tea and boil for 1 minute.
  4. Remove from heat and add sugar to taste.
  5. Serve hot, enjoying the aromatic spices and sweetness.

Tips & Substitutions

For a stronger spice flavor, try adding more cardamom or cloves based on your preference. If you don’t have loose black tea, feel free to use more tea bags. Adjust the sugar to your taste; you can substitute it with honey or a sugar alternative for a healthier option. Experimenting with different spices like ginger or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ethiopian spiced tea hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with A Great Salad or light pastries for a delightful afternoon treat. Enjoy this aromatic tea on its own or alongside a spicy dish for a balanced meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Ethiopian spiced tea in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the flavors. Avoid boiling again as it may alter the taste of the spices. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ethiopian Spiced Tea contains roughly 770 calories, with 14g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (146% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 42g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

770 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.1g 28% DV
Total Fat 24.1g 31% DV
Carbs 158.6g 58% DV
Fiber 41.9g 100% DV
Sugar 14.6g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 393.3mg 17% DV
Potassium 1705.2mg 36% DV
Cholesterol 2.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 131mg 100% DV
Calcium 654.9mg 50% DV
Iron 11.7mg 65% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tea without sugar?

Yes, you can prepare Ethiopian spiced tea without sugar if you prefer a less sweet drink. The spices will still provide a rich flavor. You may also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as alternatives to sugar.

How can I adjust the spice level?

You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves used in the recipe. For a milder flavor, reduce the spices by half, and for a bolder taste, consider adding an additional spice or two.

Is there a caffeine-free version of this tea?

Yes, you can use herbal tea or rooibos tea instead of black tea for a caffeine-free version of Ethiopian spiced tea. The spices will still infuse beautifully, giving you a fragrant and flavorful beverage without the caffeine.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →