Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 8 mins – 11 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
50 | 0g | 0g | 13g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
12g | 0.5g | 0.5g | 0g |
I’ll never forget the first time I tried Spiced Vietnamese Cinnamon Tea. It was a crisp autumn afternoon in Portland, Maine, where the leaves had just begun to paint the town in hues of red and gold. I was looking for something warm and comforting to serve my daughters, Erin and Samantha, after their soccer practice. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe and decided to give it a whirl.
The Story Behind the Recipe
Spiced Vietnamese Cinnamon Tea is a glorious blend of traditional black tea, fragrant spices, and refreshing citrus that delights the senses. The addition of Vietnamese cinnamon, known for its sweet and spicy flavor, elevates this tea to a whole new level. It’s a beautiful marriage of robust flavors that makes this brew stand out among other spiced teas.
As someone who loves to incorporate the freshest ingredients into my cooking, I was particularly drawn to the fresh orange and lemon juice in this recipe. The citrus not only adds a zesty brightness but also packs a good dose of vitamin C, making this tea both delicious and beneficial for your immune system.
Health Benefits Galore
Aside from the immune-boosting properties of citrus, the spices in this tea are equally impressive in their health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There’s also ginger, which aids in digestion and helps soothe the stomach. Cloves, the final touch, are rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties. Together, these spices make Spiced Vietnamese Cinnamon Tea a healthful addition to your daily routine.
Interestingly, this tea carries a sophisticated flavor profile that reminds me of Chai, minus the milk. It’s slightly reminiscent of a warm mulled beverage, perfect for the holiday season or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s an excellent non-alcoholic alternative for holiday gatherings.
Pairing this tea with New England seafood dishes might sound unusual, but it works surprisingly well. The warm spices and citrus notes complement the briny sweetness of dishes like lobster rolls or clam chowder. It’s a pairing that evokes the very essence of Maine – where the air smells of salt and cinnamon during the fall.
If you’ve enjoyed recipes with a similar flavor palette, such as a traditional Masala Chai or Mulled Apple Cider, you’ll find Spiced Vietnamese Cinnamon Tea to be a refreshing yet familiar inclusion in your repertoire. And if you’re on a quest for more adventurous tea recipes, you might want to explore Vietnamese Cinnamon Ginger Tea or Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea for yet another delightful tea experience.
The comfort that this tea brings to my family and friends keeps me coming back to it. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a warm hug in a mug, a reminder of the beauty in simple moments, and a celebration of rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone looking for a cozy, healthful drink, Spiced Vietnamese Cinnamon Tea is sure to become a cherished addition to your tea collection.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups water
- 6 black tea bags
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Vietnamese cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 6 slices of orange (for garnish)
- 6 slices of lemon (for garnish)
Method
Step One
In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
Step Two
Remove the saucepan from heat and add 6 black tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
Step Three
Stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar until dissolved.
Step Four
Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 teaspoon ground Vietnamese cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger to the tea.
Step Five
Return the saucepan to heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
Step Six
Strain the tea to remove the cinnamon sticks and any spice sediments.
Step Seven
Stir in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice.
Step Eight
Pour the tea into cups and garnish each with a slice of orange and a slice of lemon.
Step Nine
Serve the Spiced Vietnamese Cinnamon Tea hot and enjoy!