This orange spice tea is a warm, aromatic drink perfect for those who love the combination of citrus and spices without the added sugar. With the comforting flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and orange, this tea is a keto-friendly option that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a soothing drink to sip on a chilly evening, this sugar-free tea is sure to be a hit.
Best Tea for Keto Orange Spice Tea Recipe
We tested two varieties of orange tea, both offering similar flavor profiles. These teas are commonly available at local grocery stores, so either option will work for this recipe. The added spices blend seamlessly with either tea, resulting in a comparable final flavor.
Bigelow’s Orange & Spice tea is a widely accessible option and is ideal for use in a Russian Tea Gift set due to its individually wrapped bags, making it convenient for gifting.
For those who prefer tea without pre-mixed spices, Celestial Seasonings Citrus Sunrise offers a suitable alternative, though the tea bags are not individually wrapped.
Creating a Sugar-Free Tea Gift Set
For a thoughtful low-carb gift, consider assembling a sugar-free Russian tea set. Pair it with a mug and include a sachet of sweetener and cloves (mix monkfruit sweetener with cloves and package in a small bag or sachet). This makes for a simple yet considerate keto-friendly gift.
Substitutions and Customizations
- Tea Choices: This recipe uses orange tea bags for a bright citrus flavor, but you can substitute with black tea, green tea, or other herbal blends. Teas with lemon or other citrus notes work well, as they maintain the tangy essence of the drink.
- Sweetener Adjustments: Monk fruit sweetener is a great low-carb option, but feel free to use other keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. Adjust the sweetness level based on your personal preference.
- Spice Levels: The cinnamon sticks and cloves add a comforting warmth, but you can easily modify the spice level. For a more intense flavor, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or a star anise for a different spice profile.
What to Serve with Orange Spice Tea
This tea pairs beautifully with an assortment of low-carb treats. Try serving it with almond flour scones, sugar-free cookies, or cinnamon muffins for a delightful afternoon tea experience. If you’re hosting brunch, it complements savory dishes like quiches or casseroles as well, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Quick Tips for Preparing the Perfect Orange Spice Tea
- Steep for the Right Amount of Time: Be sure to follow your tea bag’s steeping instructions, typically around 4-5 minutes. Over-steeping can lead to bitterness, while under-steeping may result in a weaker flavor.
- Avoid Eating the Cloves: While the cloves enhance the tea’s flavor, they aren’t meant to be eaten. You can leave them in for continued flavor infusion, but be cautious when drinking.
- Fresh Orange Slices: Although optional, adding a fresh or dehydrated orange slice enhances the presentation. This addition doesn’t significantly increase the carb count, but make sure not to eat the slice if you’re keeping it strictly keto-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Orange spice tea is a flavorful, sugar-free beverage that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Its combination of citrus and spices creates a cozy, warming drink without the guilt of added sugars. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to customize the sweetness, spice level, and tea type to fit your preferences. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings or quiet moments at home, filling your space with its delightful, aromatic scent.
Orange Spice Tea
Ingredients
- 2 bags Orange Tea
- 16 oz Boiling Water
- 3 tsp monk fruit sweetener more or less to taste
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 4 Whole Cloves more or less to taste
- dehydrated or thinly sliced fresh orange Optional
Instructions
- In a jar, glass measuring cup, or saucepan place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and tea bags then cover with boiling water. Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes (see your tea box for time instructions). Remove and discard tea bags.
- Add sweetener and vanilla to prepared tea.
- Serve in mugs or teacups, place one cinnamon stick in each mug. It is okay if cloves are in the tea, they will continue to add flavor, just don’t eat them.
- Optional – Place a slice of fresh or dehydrated orange in the tea. See notes
