Spiced Orange & Clove Syrup
This versatile Spiced Orange & Clove Syrup is a fragrant, sweet concoction perfect for elevating your breakfast, desserts, or cocktails. It's a simple yet elegant way to infuse dishes with warm, festive citrus notes.
For 10 servings
Prepare the orange peel: Thoroughly wash the organic orange. Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully remove wide strips of the orange peel, making sure to avoid as much of the bitter white pith as possible.
Combine ingredients: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, the prepared orange peel strips, and the whole cloves.
Dissolve sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a whisk or spoon until the granulated sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer gently. Do not allow it to come to a rapid boil.
Infuse flavors: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let the syrup gently infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer it infuses, the more pronounced the orange and clove flavors will become.
Cool and steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature with the orange peel and cloves still in the pan. This extended steeping time allows for maximum flavor extraction.
Strain and store: Once fully cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Discard the spent orange peel and cloves.
Refrigerate: Store the Spiced Orange & Clove Syrup in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2-3 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Avoid the Pith: When peeling the orange, try to get only the brightly colored zest and minimal white pith. The pith can introduce a bitter taste to your syrup.
- 2Gentle Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly and the flavors infuse without over-reducing the syrup too quickly.
- 3Extended Infusion: For a more intense flavor, you can let the orange peel and cloves steep in the syrup overnight in the refrigerator after it has cooled, then strain.
- 4Sterilize Storage: Ensure your storage bottle or jar is clean and sterilized to maximize the shelf life of your homemade syrup.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice Boost
Add a 2-inch cinnamon stick or 1-2 star anise pods along with the cloves for an even warmer, more complex spice profile.
Citrus SwapCitrus Swap
Experiment with other citrus peels like lemon, lime, or grapefruit for different aromatic notes, adjusting the quantity based on intensity.
Boozy TwistBoozy Twist
Once the syrup has cooled, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or a good quality brandy for an adult-friendly version perfect for cocktails.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Antioxidant Rich
Orange peel contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, while cloves are known for their high antioxidant content, which can help combat oxidative stress.
Digestive Aid
Cloves have traditionally been used to aid digestion and alleviate discomfort, contributing a subtle benefit to this aromatic syrup.
Aromatic Uplift
The natural essential oils from orange peel and cloves are known for their mood-boosting and calming aromatic properties, enhancing overall well-being through scent.
Frequently asked questions
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Spiced Orange & Clove Syrup will last for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
