The 10 best Cloves cocktails
An editorial shortlist of the Cloves cocktails most worth starting with.
Introduction
Spice Up Your Sips with Cloves!
Cloves, the aromatic flower buds of the clove tree, are not just for holiday pies and mulled wine; they're a secret weapon in crafting delicious, fragrant cocktails too.
This spice, with its intense warmth and sweetness, can transform a simple drink into something truly extraordinary. Its pungent flavor and slight burn make cloves a favorite among bartenders and home mixologists alike, especially in concoctions where a depth of flavor is desired. From warming winter beverages to refreshing summer sips, cloves add a dash of exotic spice that elevates any cocktail. In this listicle, we explore the top 10 cocktails where cloves are not just an ingredient but the star of the show, infusing each sip with their distinctive aroma and taste.
Whether steeped in syrups, muddled, or used as a garnish, cloves contribute to the complexity and richness of cocktails, making each of the following drinks a memorable experience.
On this page
Jump through the ranked list, then head into the conclusion or FAQs.
This cocktail is a winter favorite, blending the richness of red wine with a hint of sweetness and a powerful spice kick.
This cocktail is a winter favorite, blending the richness of red wine with a hint of sweetness and a powerful spice kick. The presence of cloves, combined with nutmeg and cinnamon, creates a heartwarming mixture that embodies the essence of the colder months.
Enhanced with orange liqueur and honey, the drink gains a complex sweetness that perfectly balances its bold spices. Originating from centuries-old European traditions of spicing and heating wine, this beverage has warmed many a cold night and continues to be a festive staple, evoking memories and comforting flavors.
Ingredients: Orange liqueur 15ml, Red wine 45ml, Lemon juice 15ml, Nutmeg Pinch, Cloves 5, Cinnamon Pinch, Orange Wedge , Honey 2 teaspoons
This cocktail takes a classic approach to warmth and comfort, pairing the soothing properties of whiskey with the aromatic intensity of cloves.
This cocktail takes a classic approach to warmth and comfort, pairing the soothing properties of whiskey with the aromatic intensity of cloves. The addition of honey softens the blend, while a touch of lemon adds just the right amount of tartness, creating a balanced drink that soothes and satisfies.
Originating from Scotland, or so the legend goes, as a remedy for cold weather ailments, its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a beloved choice worldwide. The cloves, in particular, play a crucial role, offering not just a hint of spice but also a subtle depth that enriches the whiskey's natural flavors.
Ingredients: Whiskey 45ml, Sugar / simple syrup 1 teaspoon, Lemon juice 7.5ml, Honey 7.5ml, Cloves 3
Transforming traditional cider into a celebration of autumn, this cocktail is a bounty of the season's best flavors.
Transforming traditional cider into a celebration of autumn, this cocktail is a bounty of the season's best flavors. The cloves, together with cinnamon and nutmeg, infuse the cider with a spicy warmth, while orange and pomegranate add layers of fruity depth.
The addition of a vanilla pod rounds out the drink with a smooth sweetness, making it a complex yet comforting choice. This rich concoction not only highlights the versatility of cloves in pairing with both sweet and tart flavors but also showcases the spice's ability to complement and enhance the natural sweetness of cider.
Ingredients: Cider 2000ml, Nutmeg Quarter , Orange 2, Sugar 4 tablespoons, Cinnamon Stick, Pomegranate 1, Cloves 6, Vanilla pod 1
Merging the comforting warmth of tea with the robust flavors of dark rum and cognac, this nuanced cocktail is a sophisticated take on the traditional toddy.
Merging the comforting warmth of tea with the robust flavors of dark rum and cognac, this nuanced cocktail is a sophisticated take on the traditional toddy. The star of the show, cloves, are steeped alongside the tea, imbuing the drink with their unmistakable warmth and spiciness.
This concoction is a celebration of global influences, from the Caribbean rum to the French cognac and the Asian-inspired use of black tea, proving that cloves can indeed bridge worlds through flavor. It's a testament to the spice's adaptability and its power to elevate drinks into something genuinely warming and invigorating.
Ingredients: Dark rum 60 ml, Cognac 60ml, Honey 15ml, Lemon 1, Tea 500 ml, Cloves 12
A holiday season favorite, this cocktail takes inspiration from traditional German Christmas markets.
A holiday season favorite, this cocktail takes inspiration from traditional German Christmas markets. The cloves add a spicy, aromatic quality that is well-complemented by the sweetness of the oranges and the robust flavor of the brandy.
This drink is not just a treat for the taste buds but also an experience, conjuring images of festive lights and snowy nights. The use of cloves here is critical, providing a depth and complexity that transforms simple ingredients into a seasonal spectacle.
It's a perfect example of how spices can turn ordinary wine into a celebratory delight.
Ingredients: Brandy 240ml, Red wine 750 ml, Lemon 1, Orange 3, Sugar 3 tablespoons, Cinnamon 6 sticks, Cloves 8
Hailing from the Nordic countries, this spiced wine cocktail is a testament to the enduring appeal of cloves in winter beverages.
Hailing from the Nordic countries, this spiced wine cocktail is a testament to the enduring appeal of cloves in winter beverages. Alongside cinnamon and cardamom, cloves give this drink a deep, spicy warmth that's perfect for long, dark nights.
The addition of sugar helps to balance the spices, while the red wine base makes it a hearty choice. What sets this cocktail apart is the tradition behind it; originally a way to celebrate the winter solstice, it has evolved into a symbol of hospitality and warmth, showcasing the unparalleled ability of cloves to bring people together around a shared, cozy experience.
Ingredients: Red wine 750ml, Ginger Teaspoon, Sugar 90ml, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves 15, Cardamom pods 6
This cocktail represents a modern twist on spiced drinks, blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair.
This cocktail represents a modern twist on spiced drinks, blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair. The effervescence of champagne or prosecco lifts the rich notes of spiced rum and port, while cloves add a hint of aromatic warmth.
The drink is a masterclass in balance, proving that cloves can play well with both the robustness of rum and the subtle sweetness of sparkling wine. It's an innovative concoction that demonstrates the spice's versatility, making it an exciting choice for those looking to explore beyond classic clove-infused cocktails.
Ingredients: Spiced rum 35ml, Port 15ml, Champagne / prosecco 40ml, Orange juice 20ml, Nutmeg Half , Cinnamon Stick, Cloves 2, Vanilla pod 1
In this cocktail, cloves are used to imbue a classic South American spirit with a touch of winter warmth, creating an intriguing blend of flavors.
In this cocktail, cloves are used to imbue a classic South American spirit with a touch of winter warmth, creating an intriguing blend of flavors. The spice subtly enhances the floral and fruity notes of pisco, while the citrus juices add freshness, and the champagne or prosecco introduces a celebratory fizz.
This union of ingredients from different corners of the globe illustrates how cloves can seamlessly integrate into various cocktail traditions, elevating them with its distinct, warm spiciness. It's a refreshing yet warmly spiced drink, perfect for any season.
Ingredients: Pisco 50ml, Champagne / prosecco Top up with, Pineapple juice 30ml, Orange juice 15ml, Lemon juice 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml, Cloves 2
This innovative cocktail takes the traditional elements of mulled wine and reimagines them with beer as the base.
This innovative cocktail takes the traditional elements of mulled wine and reimagines them with beer as the base. The cloves, along with cinnamon and ginger, create a spice layer that complements the maltiness of the lager, while honey adds a balancing sweetness.
This drink challenges preconceptions about the role of spices in cocktails, showcasing the versatility of cloves beyond the expected. It's a testament to the creativity of modern mixology and the endless possibilities for reinventing classic flavors.
Ingredients: Lager 660ml, Lemon juice 60ml, Honey 90ml, Ginger 5 tablespoons, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves 5, Cardamom pods 2
Bringing a dessert-like quality to the cocktail world, this drink combines the indulgence of vanilla ice cream with the tartness of apple juice, all spiced with a pinch of cloves.
Bringing a dessert-like quality to the cocktail world, this drink combines the indulgence of vanilla ice cream with the tartness of apple juice, all spiced with a pinch of cloves. The spice plays a crucial role, cutting through the sweetness and adding a layer of complexity that makes the drink more than just a simple sweet treat.
It's a celebratory concoction, perfect for special occasions or as a novel dessert option, proving that cloves have a place in a wide array of beverage types, even those that lean towards the sweeter side.
Ingredients: Apple juice 2000ml, Nutmeg Tablespoon, Vanilla essence 10ml, Vanilla ice cream 12 scoops, Cinnamon 1.5 teaspoons, Cloves Pinch
1. Mulled Wine
This cocktail is a winter favorite, blending the richness of red wine with a hint of sweetness and a powerful spice kick. The presence of cloves, combined with nutmeg and cinnamon, creates a heartwarming mixture that embodies the essence of the colder months.
Enhanced with orange liqueur and honey, the drink gains a complex sweetness that perfectly balances its bold spices. Originating from centuries-old European traditions of spicing and heating wine, this beverage has warmed many a cold night and continues to be a festive staple, evoking memories and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Warm an Irish coffee glass, then pour in all ingredients and stir
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- Top up with boiling water, garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve
2. Hot Toddy
This cocktail takes a classic approach to warmth and comfort, pairing the soothing properties of whiskey with the aromatic intensity of cloves. The addition of honey softens the blend, while a touch of lemon adds just the right amount of tartness, creating a balanced drink that soothes and satisfies.
Originating from Scotland, or so the legend goes, as a remedy for cold weather ailments, its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a beloved choice worldwide. The cloves, in particular, play a crucial role, offering not just a hint of spice but also a subtle depth that enriches the whiskey's natural flavors.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Warm a heatproof glass
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- Add the whisky, lemon juice, syrup, cloves and honey
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- Top up with boiling water and garnish with a lemon skewered with cloves and a cinnamon stick
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- Give it a quick stir and serve immediately
3. Mulled Cider
Transforming traditional cider into a celebration of autumn, this cocktail is a bounty of the season's best flavors. The cloves, together with cinnamon and nutmeg, infuse the cider with a spicy warmth, while orange and pomegranate add layers of fruity depth.
The addition of a vanilla pod rounds out the drink with a smooth sweetness, making it a complex yet comforting choice. This rich concoction not only highlights the versatility of cloves in pairing with both sweet and tart flavors but also showcases the spice's ability to complement and enhance the natural sweetness of cider.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Put the cider into a pan with all the spices and the juices of the fruits
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- Bring to the boil and then allow to simmer for five minutes
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- Sweeten with sugar to taste
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- Garnish with a star anise and cinnamon stick, and serve
4. Hot Tea Toddy
Merging the comforting warmth of tea with the robust flavors of dark rum and cognac, this nuanced cocktail is a sophisticated take on the traditional toddy. The star of the show, cloves, are steeped alongside the tea, imbuing the drink with their unmistakable warmth and spiciness.
This concoction is a celebration of global influences, from the Caribbean rum to the French cognac and the Asian-inspired use of black tea, proving that cloves can indeed bridge worlds through flavor. It's a testament to the spice's adaptability and its power to elevate drinks into something genuinely warming and invigorating.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Put the tea, cognac, rum, cloves, honey and four thin strips of lemon zest into a saucepan and gently heat - without boiling
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- After four minutes remove from the heat and let the mixture infuse for another five minutes, before straining into heatproof glasses
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- Garnish with a slice of lemon or cinnamon stick and serve
5. Glühwein
A holiday season favorite, this cocktail takes inspiration from traditional German Christmas markets. The cloves add a spicy, aromatic quality that is well-complemented by the sweetness of the oranges and the robust flavor of the brandy.
This drink is not just a treat for the taste buds but also an experience, conjuring images of festive lights and snowy nights. The use of cloves here is critical, providing a depth and complexity that transforms simple ingredients into a seasonal spectacle.
It's a perfect example of how spices can turn ordinary wine into a celebratory delight.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Pour the red wine into a large pot and begin heating over low heat (don't boil)
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- Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, and star anise
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- Heat thoroughly, then add the oranges slices and the chopped whole lemon
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- Simmer the mixture about 45 minutes over low heat, again making sure not to boil
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- Strain into prewarmed glasses or mugs
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- Garnish with orange slices or a cinnamon stick and serve hot
6. Glogg
Hailing from the Nordic countries, this spiced wine cocktail is a testament to the enduring appeal of cloves in winter beverages. Alongside cinnamon and cardamom, cloves give this drink a deep, spicy warmth that's perfect for long, dark nights.
The addition of sugar helps to balance the spices, while the red wine base makes it a hearty choice. What sets this cocktail apart is the tradition behind it; originally a way to celebrate the winter solstice, it has evolved into a symbol of hospitality and warmth, showcasing the unparalleled ability of cloves to bring people together around a shared, cozy experience.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add the red wine, sugar, ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves and cardamom into a suitable large saucepan and heat slowly until the flavours have all infused
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- Do not let the mixture boil
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- Ladle into quirky Christmas mugs or latte glasses, garnish with orange peel and serve
7. The TCL Mulled Fizz
This cocktail represents a modern twist on spiced drinks, blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair. The effervescence of champagne or prosecco lifts the rich notes of spiced rum and port, while cloves add a hint of aromatic warmth.
The drink is a masterclass in balance, proving that cloves can play well with both the robustness of rum and the subtle sweetness of sparkling wine. It's an innovative concoction that demonstrates the spice's versatility, making it an exciting choice for those looking to explore beyond classic clove-infused cocktails.
Ingredients
Method
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- First make the spiced syrup
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- Split the vanilla pod and grate the half nutmeg, and add them both along with the other spices to 50ml of warm water, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes to infuse all the flavours
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- Leave to cool for about 10 minutes or so in the fridge and then strain
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- Next add all the liquid ingredients except the sparkling wine into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
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- Shake for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Double strain into a chilled champagne flute then top up with the sparkling wine
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- Garnish with an orange twist and serve
8. Pisco Punch
In this cocktail, cloves are used to imbue a classic South American spirit with a touch of winter warmth, creating an intriguing blend of flavors. The spice subtly enhances the floral and fruity notes of pisco, while the citrus juices add freshness, and the champagne or prosecco introduces a celebratory fizz.
This union of ingredients from different corners of the globe illustrates how cloves can seamlessly integrate into various cocktail traditions, elevating them with its distinct, warm spiciness. It's a refreshing yet warmly spiced drink, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle the cloves in a base of a cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients (except the champagne)
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- Add ice and shake well before straining into an ice-filled highball glass
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- Top up with champagne
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- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve
9. Mulled Beer
This innovative cocktail takes the traditional elements of mulled wine and reimagines them with beer as the base. The cloves, along with cinnamon and ginger, create a spice layer that complements the maltiness of the lager, while honey adds a balancing sweetness.
This drink challenges preconceptions about the role of spices in cocktails, showcasing the versatility of cloves beyond the expected. It's a testament to the creativity of modern mixology and the endless possibilities for reinventing classic flavors.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Put all the ingredients in a pan and bring to the boil
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- Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few moments before pouring through a sieve
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- Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick and serve
10. Hot Apple Pie Punch
Bringing a dessert-like quality to the cocktail world, this drink combines the indulgence of vanilla ice cream with the tartness of apple juice, all spiced with a pinch of cloves. The spice plays a crucial role, cutting through the sweetness and adding a layer of complexity that makes the drink more than just a simple sweet treat.
It's a celebratory concoction, perfect for special occasions or as a novel dessert option, proving that cloves have a place in a wide array of beverage types, even those that lean towards the sweeter side.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Warm the spices, apple juice and vanilla extract in a large saucepan
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- Bring to a simmer and add the ice cream, whisking vigorously until it has melted
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- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve hot
Conclusion
Selecting the top 10 cocktails that showcase cloves was no small feat, given this spice's ability to both stand out and blend seamlessly with a wide range of flavors.
The chosen cocktails are a testament to the versatility of cloves, illustrating how they can enhance both the aroma and the taste of a drink, from the warmth of mulled wine to the refreshing bite of a pisco punch. Each cocktail on this list was chosen for its unique ability to highlight cloves in a way that's both innovative and delicious, providing a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and warmth. Whether you're new to the world of spiced cocktails or a seasoned enthusiast looking for your next favorite drink, these top 10 cloves-infused cocktails offer something special for every palate, proving that this humble spice can indeed turn a simple drink into a sophisticated, flavorful masterpiece.
More about Cloves
What is the most popular cocktail made with cloves?
Mulled Wine is one of the most popular clove-forward cocktails, where cloves add a warming, aromatic spice to red wine. They’re typically infused during gentle heating alongside other winter spices.
What ingredients pair well with cloves in cocktails?
Cloves pair well with cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, citrus (especially orange and lemon), and sweeteners like honey or brown sugar. They also complement dark spirits such as whiskey and rum, and work especially well in warm drinks like toddies and mulled cider.
How many cocktails can you make with cloves?
You can make 18 cocktails with cloves. This includes popular warm serves like Mulled Wine, Hot Toddy, and Mulled Cider.
What are cloves and what do they taste like?
Cloves are dried flower buds from the clove tree, used as a spice in cooking and mixology. They taste intensely aromatic and pungent, with a warming, slightly sweet-spicy profile that adds depth and complexity to cocktails.
Explore even more about Cloves
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