How to make the perfect tea with bay leaf
Fresh bay leaves add a gorgeous aromatic flavor to savory dishes, but did you know they also make delicious herbal tea? Simple to make and full of health benefits, bay leaf tea is the perfect winter drink.
Fresh bay leaves aren’t just for stews and soups, they make a calming, fragrant tea that’s perfect for winding down. Simple to brew and full of potential health perks, bay leaf tea is one of those quiet Caribbean gems that deserves more love.
Glass cup of bay leaf tea with cloves and cinnamon beside it.
West Indian bay leaf tea is warm, soothing, and deeply aromatic. With just two ingredients (or more if you’re feeling fancy), this herbal tea is easy to make and doesn’t need any caffeine to wake up your senses.
And it’s not just a pretty scent. Bay leaf tea is packed with antioxidants and known for its gentle digestive and cold-fighting properties. Keep it simple with just the leaves and a bit of brown sugar, or jazz it up with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for an extra layer of spice and comfort.
What exactly is bay leaf?
So you’re sipping on bay leaf tea and thinking: wait, what even is a bay leaf?
Bay leaf is the shy but essential player in your spice cabinet. It doesn’t show off like cinnamon, and it won’t hit you over the head with flavor like basil — but give it time, and it transforms a pot of stew or tea into something deeply aromatic and flavorful.
Bay leaves come from the bay laurel tree, and while they look pretty plain, they’re packed with subtle herbal, peppery notes. They’re not meant to be eaten whole (chewing a bay leaf = regrets), but let them simmer in hot water, and they release a soothing, earthy flavor that makes your kitchen smell like comfort.
If you’re using West Indian bay leaves, the flavor is even more intense, slightly spicy, warm, and with that unmistakable Caribbean flair. I personally love tossing a few into my Guinness lamb stew, but turning them into tea is a whole different vibe.
How to make bayleaf tea
Ingredient notes
- Bay leaves: You can make bay leaf tea with any type of bay leaf, but for the best results, use West Indian Bay leaves, which are more fragrant and have a stronger flavor. Buy them in larger supermarkets or online. Dried bay leaves or fresh leaves both work well.
- Sugar: Use brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
Instructions
Making some tea follows a really basic recipe.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add your ingredients: Toss in the bay leaves, plus ginger, cinnamon, and cloves if you’re using them.
3. Boil for 5 minutes. Let everything roll together to release all the flavor.
4. Remove from heat and cover. Steep for another 5 minutes with the lid on.
5. Strain and sweeten to your liking. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy the comforting aroma as you sip.
Optional Additions (but highly recommended)
You can keep your tea minimal, but if you want to kick things up, these additions will bring warmth and a little fire:
- Ginger: Use fresh slices and peel the skin first. Ginger adds a zesty heat and is known for settling the stomach and fighting colds.
- Cloves: Just a couple of dried cloves give the tea a sweet and spicy undertone that plays well with bay leaf’s earthy notes.
- Cinnamon stick: Adds a woody, warming depth. It’s hard to beat the combo of cinnamon and bay — they just work.
A Quick Note on Side Effects
Like with most herbal teas, moderation is key. A few bay leaves in a pot? You’re good. A whole forest? Maybe not.
And remember: don’t eat the leaves whole, they’re tough and hard to digest. Just steep, strain, and enjoy the flavor.
- Too many bay leaves can cause stomach upset — they’re potent, and your belly will let you know.
- Bay leaf is also known to lower blood sugar, so if you’re on diabetes medication, it’s best to sip with care and check with your doctor first.
Storage
This recipe makes about four cups, which is perfect if you want to save some for later. Once brewed:
- Strain the tea to remove the leaves and spices.
- Pour into an airtight container and store in the fridge.
- It’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
For the best flavor, though, I recommend drinking it fresh — it’s so quick to make, it’s barely a chore.
Reheating tips
To reheat, pour the tea into a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it gently simmers. No need to let it boil again — once those little bubbles show up, it’s ready to sip.
You can also reheat it in the microwave, but stovetop keeps that cozy aroma alive.
Other soothing tea recipes
Give This a Try!
Bay leaf tea might be simple, but don’t underestimate its comfort and flavor. Whether you’re brewing a cup for wellness or just to warm up your evening, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your back pocket.
Tried this tea? Let me know in the comments or tag me when you make yours! I’d love to see your version — plain, spicy, or somewhere in between.
Recipe
Bayleaf Tea
Ingredients
Method
- Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
- Add bay leaves and any extras.
- Drop in the bay leaves and your choice of optional additions.
- Let the mixture boil gently for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the tea to steep for another 5 minutes.
- Strain out the leaves and spices. Sweeten if desired and enjoy warm, or chill for a refreshing iced tea.
Nutrition
Notes
These ingredients can be added for enhanced flavor or wellness benefits: A few slices of fresh ginger Dried orange peel 2–3 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick A splash of milk (if you prefer a creamy finish)
