This aromatic Almond Milk & Cloves Remedy combines the creamy comfort of plant-based milk with the warming spice of cloves to create a soothing beverage perfect for relaxation and wellness. This traditional-inspired drink offers both flavor and potential health benefits in a comforting cup that’s ideal for evening wind-down or morning mindfulness routines.
Ingredients
Main Components
- 240ml (1 cup) unsweetened almond milk
- 3-4 whole cloves (not 34 – this appears to be a typo)
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) raw honey or pure maple syrup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Small piece of fresh ginger (1cm/½ inch)
- 1 green cardamom pod, lightly crushed
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil for richness
Alternative Sweeteners
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar
- 2-3 dates, pitted and chopped
- ½ teaspoon stevia extract
- 1 teaspoon brown rice syrup
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prepare the Base
Pour the unsweetened almond milk into a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Choose a pan that conducts heat evenly to prevent scorching and ensure gentle warming. Cold almond milk from the refrigerator works best as it allows for gradual, controlled heating.
Gentle Warming Process
Place the saucepan over low to medium-low heat. The key to this remedy is gentle warming without boiling, which preserves the delicate nutrients in both the almond milk and spices. Heat the milk slowly, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
Add the Aromatic Cloves
Once the almond milk is warm to the touch but not yet steaming, add 3-4 whole cloves. Using whole cloves rather than ground ensures easy straining and prevents grittiness in the final drink. The cloves will begin to release their aromatic oils as the milk continues to warm.
Gentle Simmering
Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, where small bubbles appear around the edges but the liquid doesn’t rapidly boil. Maintain this gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The milk should take on a subtle spiced aroma and slightly deeper color.
Steeping Process
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture steep for an additional 5 minutes. This steeping time allows the cloves to fully infuse their flavor and beneficial compounds into the warm almond milk without overcooking.
Straining and Sweetening
Using a fine-mesh strainer or small sieve, strain the warm milk into your serving cup, removing all clove pieces. Add honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener while the drink is still warm, stirring gently until completely dissolved.
Final Seasoning
If desired, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or other optional spices. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. The final drink should be aromatic, lightly spiced, and comfortingly warm.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Serves: 1 person
Per Serving:
- Calories: 45-65 (depending on sweetener)
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8-12g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Vitamin E: 8% DV
Health Benefits and Wellness Properties
Cloves’ Therapeutic Properties
Cloves contain eugenol, a compound with natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Traditional medicine has long used cloves for digestive support, respiratory comfort, and their warming effect on the body. The aromatic compounds may also help promote relaxation and improve mood.
Almond Milk Benefits
Unsweetened almond milk provides vitamin E, healthy fats, and is naturally lactose-free. It’s lower in calories than dairy milk while still offering a creamy texture and mild nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with warming spices.
Timing for Optimal Benefits
Evening consumption may support relaxation and better sleep quality due to the warming, comforting nature of the drink. Morning consumption can provide gentle energy and digestive support to start the day mindfully.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Different Milk Bases
Substitute almond milk with oat milk for creamier texture, coconut milk for tropical richness, or soy milk for higher protein content. Each milk base will slightly alter the flavor profile while maintaining the core benefits.
Spice Combinations
Create variations by combining cloves with other warming spices. Try adding a cinnamon stick during simmering, fresh grated ginger for digestive support, or cardamom pods for an exotic twist.
Seasonal Adaptations
Winter versions can include a small piece of star anise or allspice berries. Spring adaptations might incorporate fresh mint leaves, while autumn versions could feature a touch of pumpkin pie spice.
Concentration Adjustments
For a stronger clove flavor, increase steeping time to 8-10 minutes or add one additional clove. For milder taste, reduce cloves to 2-3 pieces or decrease simmering time.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
This remedy is best prepared fresh for optimal flavor and therapeutic benefits. However, you can prepare a larger batch by multiplying ingredients proportionally and storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat before serving, adding fresh sweetener if needed.
The strained mixture can be stored without sweetener and customized individually when reheating, making it convenient for households with different taste preferences.
Safety Considerations and Precautions
Proper Clove Usage
While cloves are generally safe for most people, excessive consumption can cause mouth irritation or digestive upset. The recommended 3-4 cloves per cup provides beneficial properties without overwhelming the system.
Allergy Considerations
Those with tree nut allergies should substitute almond milk with oat, rice, or soy milk. Always check labels on plant-based milks for potential cross-contamination warnings.
Medical Interactions
Cloves may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners. Consult healthcare providers if you take medications or have specific health conditions before incorporating this remedy into your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cloves should I actually use? Use 3-4 whole cloves per cup of almond milk. The “34 cloves” mentioned in the original recipe appears to be a typo, as this amount would create an overwhelmingly strong and potentially irritating drink.
Can I reuse the cloves for multiple batches? Fresh cloves provide the best flavor and therapeutic benefits. While you could reuse them once, the potency will be significantly reduced. For optimal results, use fresh cloves each time.
Is it safe to drink this remedy daily? For most people, daily consumption in moderation is safe and potentially beneficial. However, if you experience any digestive discomfort or mouth irritation, reduce frequency or clove quantity.
Can children drink this remedy? Children can enjoy this drink in smaller portions with reduced clove content. Start with 1-2 cloves and monitor for any adverse reactions. Always consult pediatricians before introducing new remedies to children’s diets.
What’s the best time to drink this for maximum benefits? Evening consumption 30-60 minutes before bedtime can promote relaxation and better sleep. Morning consumption on an empty stomach may support digestion throughout the day. Choose timing based on your wellness goals and personal response.
This Soothing Almond Milk & Cloves Remedy offers a simple yet effective way to incorporate traditional wellness practices into modern daily routines. The combination of warming spices and nourishing plant-based milk creates a comforting ritual that supports both physical wellness and mental relaxation. Whether used as an evening wind-down drink or morning mindfulness practice, this gentle remedy provides a moment of calm in busy schedules while delivering potential health benefits through natural, wholesome ingredients.