🍵 Warm Ginger & Clove Tonic
This recipe is designed to be a concentrated infusion. You can drink it warm as a tea, or let it cool and dilute it with sparkling water for a refreshing botanical drink.
Ingredients
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Ginger: 1 large knob (about 3–4 inches), sliced or roughly chopped.
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Whole Cloves: 1 tablespoon.
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Fresh Mint: 2–3 sprigs (plus extra for garnish).
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Water: 4 cups (approx. 1 liter).
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Optional: 1–2 tablespoons of honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Instructions
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Prep the Ginger: Wash the ginger well. You don’t need to peel it, but slicing it thinly or bruising it with a heavy knife will help release more of its natural oils.
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Simmer: Place the water, ginger slices, and whole cloves in a pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the “spicier” it will be.
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Infuse the Mint: Turn off the heat. Add the fresh mint leaves to the pot. Cover and let it steep for another 5 minutes.
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Strain and Serve: Strain the liquid into a mug or a glass bottle.
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Sweeten: Add honey or lemon to taste while the liquid is still warm.
A Few Tips
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Strength: If you find the clove flavor too intense, start with just 5–6 cloves the first time.
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Storage: This infusion keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s excellent served cold over ice!
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Safety Note: While ginger and cloves are generally great, they can be quite potent. If you have specific health conditions or are on blood-thinning medication, it’s always a good idea to check with a doctor before making this a daily habit.