Certain recipes almost unconsciously become a part of your daily routine. For me, one of those is Ginger & Clove Infused Water.
My friend recommended trying fresh ginger with whole cloves and mint, which is how I first learned about this combo. I wasn’t sure what to anticipate at first. Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm Warm. However, I made the decision to test it..
Ginger & Clove Infused Water — Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Drink
Ginger & Clove Infused Water is a refreshing homemade herbal drink made with fresh ginger, whole cloves, mint, and optional lemon. It has a naturally warming, spicy flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols that have been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Human research suggests ginger may influence certain inflammation-related biomarkers, although this drink should not be considered a treatment or cure for inflammatory conditions.
🌿 Full Ginger & Clove Infused Water Recipe
Ingredients
Makes: 4 servings
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1½–2 inches (4–5 cm) fresh ginger
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6–8 whole cloves
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1 liter (about 4 cups) filtered water
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8–12 fresh mint leaves
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½ lemon, sliced — optional
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1–2 teaspoons honey — optional
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Ice cubes — for serving
Instructions
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Wash the ginger thoroughly. You can peel it or leave the skin on if it is clean.
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Slice the ginger into thin pieces to release more flavor.
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Add the ginger and whole cloves to a saucepan with 4 cups of water.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and add the fresh mint.
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Cover and allow it to steep for another 5 minutes.
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Strain the drink into a glass jug.
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Add lemon slices if desired.
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For a sweeter drink, allow it to cool slightly and add honey.
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Serve warm, or refrigerate and serve over ice.
🧊 Cold-Infusion Version
For the refreshing drink shown in the picture:
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Add sliced ginger, cloves and mint to a clean glass bottle or pitcher.
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Add 1 liter of cold filtered water.
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Refrigerate for 6–12 hours.
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Strain before drinking and add lemon and ice.
Tip: Don’t leave fresh ingredients sitting at room temperature for long periods. Refrigerate the infusion and consume it within a reasonable timeframe.
Why Ginger & Clove Infused Water?
This beverage combines several flavorful plant ingredients:
Ginger
Ginger provides gingerols and related compounds that have been investigated for antioxidant and inflammation-related effects. Research on ginger supplementation is considerably stronger than research specifically on homemade ginger water, so the effects of this beverage should not be exaggerated.
Cloves
Cloves contain aromatic compounds, particularly eugenol, and are naturally rich in antioxidant compounds. A small amount provides a strong, warming flavor.
Mint
Fresh mint adds a cooling aroma and refreshing taste while balancing the spicy flavor of ginger and cloves.
Lemon
Lemon adds acidity, freshness and a small amount of vitamin C.
🍵 Serving Suggestions
Morning wellness drink
Enjoy a warm cup in the morning instead of a sugary beverage.
After meals
A small serving can be a refreshing, aromatic drink after lunch or dinner.
Iced herbal drink
Pour over ice and add fresh mint and lemon for a refreshing summer beverage.
Before bedtime
If you enjoy it in the evening, keep the serving mild and avoid adding caffeine-containing ingredients.
With breakfast
Pair it with oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, eggs or whole-grain toast.
🔄 Ginger & Clove Infused Water Variations
1. Ginger, Clove & Lemon Water
Add extra lemon slices for a bright, citrusy flavor.
2. Ginger, Clove & Mint Detox Water
Use plenty of fresh mint and serve chilled.
“Detox” is best understood as a wellness/marketing term rather than a claim that the drink removes toxins from the body.
3. Ginger & Turmeric Drink
Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder or a few slices of fresh turmeric. Black pepper can be added for flavor.
4. Cinnamon Ginger Water
Add one small cinnamon stick while simmering for a warmer, sweeter spice profile.
5. Honey Ginger Clove Tea
Serve warm with 1 teaspoon honey for a soothing, naturally sweet beverage.
6. Apple Ginger Infusion
Add a few thin slices of fresh apple for natural sweetness.
7. Cucumber Ginger Water
For a lighter summer drink, add cucumber slices and mint.
🥤 Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition for 1 serving (250 ml) when prepared with ginger, cloves, mint and lemon but without honey:
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5–15 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1–3 g |
| Protein | <1 g |
| Fat | <1 g |
| Fiber | <1 g |
| Added sugar | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 0 mg |
The actual nutritional content varies substantially depending on how much ginger, cloves, lemon and honey are used and how much of the ingredients’ compounds are extracted into the water.
Adding 1 teaspoon of honey adds roughly 20 calories and about 5–6 g of carbohydrate.
⚠️ Important Considerations
Ginger & Clove Infused Water is generally a food-style beverage, but more is not necessarily better.
Large amounts of ginger may cause heartburn, stomach discomfort or diarrhea in some people. Concentrated clove preparations can also be quite strong.
If you take blood-thinning/anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, have a bleeding disorder, are preparing for surgery, or regularly use medicinal doses of herbs or supplements, discuss concentrated ginger or clove products with a healthcare professional.
This recipe is intended as a flavorful beverage and should not replace prescribed treatment for arthritis, autoimmune disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation or other medical conditions.
❓ Related Questions
Is Ginger & Clove Infused Water anti-inflammatory?
Ginger contains compounds with anti-inflammatory activity, and human studies of ginger supplementation have reported changes in some inflammation-related biomarkers. However, evidence for a homemade ginger-and-clove infusion specifically is limited, so it is more accurate to call it an anti-inflammatory-inspired wellness drink rather than a proven anti-inflammatory treatment.
Can I drink Ginger & Clove Infused Water every day?
A mild culinary preparation can fit into a balanced diet for many people. Keep the quantities moderate, particularly with cloves and concentrated ginger.
Does Ginger & Clove Water help with weight loss?
It is naturally very low in calories when made without sugar, which can make it a useful replacement for sugary drinks. However, it is not a weight-loss treatment or fat-burning drink.
Can I drink it on an empty stomach?
Some people tolerate ginger well on an empty stomach, while others may experience heartburn or stomach irritation. If that happens, drink it with or after food.
Can I add honey?
Yes. Honey makes the drink more pleasant and soothing, but it increases the calorie and sugar content.
How long does it last?
For the best quality, prepare it in a clean container, refrigerate it and consume it promptly rather than storing fresh ginger, mint and lemon at room temperature.
Can I drink it cold?
Absolutely. The cold version works particularly well with lemon, mint and ice.
Is this the same as ginger tea?
Not exactly. Ginger tea is usually prepared by steeping or simmering ginger in hot water. Ginger & Clove Infused Water can be made either hot or as a refrigerated cold infusion.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Ginger & Clove Infused Water is an easy, low-calorie alternative to sugary beverages and a flavorful way to incorporate ginger, cloves, mint and lemon into your daily diet. Its ingredients contain naturally occurring antioxidant and bioactive compounds, with ginger being particularly well studied for inflammation-related effects.

