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.

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 assistance with digestion 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. A cup of bay leaf tea is a must-drink.

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 pantry. 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, you would surely regret it), but let them simmer in hot boiling 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 good choice.

Feel very lucky if you have unlimited access to a bay leaf tree.

How to make bay leaf 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, but any sweetener you prefer is fine.

Instructions

Making some tea follows a really basic recipe.

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a small pot.
2. 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 to intensify the taste.
5. Strain and sweeten to your liking using sugar or honey. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy the comforting aroma as you sip. 

Quick fix

If you happen not to have a pot to boil, you can make this with a kettle.  

1. Put the kettle on to boil.
2. Add the herbs to your cup.
3. Add the hot water to the teacup. 
4. Cover and let seep for an additional five minutes.
5. Add sweetener of choice. Or milk even 

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:

• Orange: Add a sliver of orange peel to the water when boiling to not only add some additional flavor but also a good source of vitamins.
• 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 the bay leaf’s earthy notes.
• Cinnamon stick: Adds a woody, warming depth. It’s hard to beat the combo of cinnamon and bay leaf.

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 to digest. Just steep, strain, and enjoy the flavor of these fragrant leaves.

• 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 bay leaf tea recipe makes about four cups, which is perfect if you want to save the excess 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 the stovetop keeps that cozy aroma alive.

Other soothing tea recipes

• Turmeric ginger lemon tea
• Caribbean chocolate tea (cocoa tea)
• Caribbean organic herbal tea

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