Polish Winter Tea (Herbata Zimowa)

A Warm and Fragrant Tea for Cozy Winter Afternoons

Brrr… chilly winter days with freezing temps are no fun. The kind of cold that sends everyone reaching for a blanket and something warm to hold. When the wind bites and the air feels blustery, a comforting cup of Polish Winter Tea is a lovely way to tame the harsh weather. Bright citrus, ruby cranberries, and fragrant spices come together to make a cozy drink that warms from the inside out.

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Polish Winter Tea, known as herbata zimowa (pronounced her-BAH-ta zee-MO-va), is traditionally enjoyed during the colder months. It combines citrus slices, cranberries, warm spices, and a touch of raspberry syrup for sweetness and color.

The result is a festive yet soothing tea that feels right at home on a winter afternoon.

Warm fruit-and-spice teas appear in many winter traditions, and this Polish version is especially beloved for its bright flavor and gentle sweetness. It is simple to prepare, beautiful to serve, and easy to adapt depending on the day.

About This Winter Tea

Herbata zimowa is typically made by combining strong black tea with citrus slices, cranberries, and whole spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. A bit of raspberry syrup adds a rosy tint and soft sweetness, creating a drink that feels cozy without being heavy.

There are many variations throughout Poland and Eastern Europe. Some include apple or cranberry juice, others rely entirely on tea and spices. Some versions are gently steeped, while others are briefly simmered on the stovetop. The methods below reflect both approaches, using easy-to-find ingredients and simple techniques.

Why You Will Love This Tea

Bright citrus flavor
Orange and lemon slices add a refreshing lift that balances the warmth of the spices.

Naturally fragrant
Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise release their aromas as they steep, filling the kitchen with a cozy winter scent.

Easy to adapt
Sweeten with syrup or honey, adjust the spices, or add a splash of juice for a softer, mulled-tea style.

Perfect for gatherings
Serve in clear mugs to showcase the beautiful colors. It’s lovely for Advent, New Year’s Eve, or any chilly afternoon.

Ingredients at a Glance

• Black tea such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or a mild Polish-style tea
• Orange slices
• Lemon slices
• Fresh or dried cranberries
• Raspberry syrup or honey
• Cinnamon stick
• Cloves
• Star anise
• Optional: fresh ginger
• Optional: apple or cranberry juice

Tips for the Best Cup

• Brew the tea slightly stronger
  Fruit and spices dilute the tea, so a robust base works best.
• Adjust sweetness to taste
  Raspberry syrup is traditional, but honey adds a gentle floral note.
• Use citrus thoughtfully
  Thick slices hold their shape and prevent bitterness.
• Avoid over-simmering spices
  A brief simmer enhances flavor without letting cloves or star anise overpower the tea.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in clear glass mugs to show off the color
• Add extra citrus slices for garnish
• Pair with cookies, scones, or sweet breads
• For adults, a splash of rum or brandy makes a cozy après-ski version

Make Ahead and Storage

Polish Winter Tea can be made earlier in the day and kept warm on the lowest heat setting. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 1–2 days. Rewarm gently and add fresh citrus slices if desired.

Two Ways to Make Polish Winter Tea

This tea can be prepared using either a gentle steeping method for a clean, bright flavor, or a brief stovetop infusion for a deeper, more mulled style. Both are simple and traditional in spirit.

Method 1: Polish Winter Tea (No-simmer Steeping Method)

A clean, bright preparation using hot water and a gentle steep steeping method)  

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then let it rest for a minute or two so the temperature drops slightly.

Place 3 orange slices, 3 lemon slices, 3-4 thin slices fresh ginger, a handful of fresh cranberries, 6 whole cloves, 2 whole star anise, a cinnamon stick, and 2 black tea bags in a large heatproof teapot.

 Pour the hot water over the ingredients and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags when the desired strength is reached.

To sweeten the tea, stir in 2 tablespoons raspberry syrup and 2 tablespoons honey until dissolved. Adjust to your desired sweetness.

Pour the tea into mugs, adding some fruit and cranberries to each cup and serve.

Polish Winter Tea

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups water
• 3 slices lemon
• 3 slices orange
• 4 thin slices fresh ginger
• Handful fresh cranberries
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose tea
• 2 tablespoons raspberry syrup
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

 

Method 1: Polish Winter Tea (No Simmer Method)

• A clean, bright preparation using hot water and a gentle steep.

Heat the water

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then let it rest for 1 minute so the temperature drops slightly.

Combine fruit and spices

• Place citrus slices, ginger, cranberries, tea bags, cloves, star anise, and the cinnamon stick in a large heatproof teapot or saucepan.

Add the hot water

• Pour the hot water over the ingredients and steep for 5 minutes, removing the tea bags when the desired strength is reached.

Sweeten

• Stir in raspberry syrup and honey until dissolved.

Serve

• Pour into mugs, adding some fruit and cranberries to each cup.

Method 2: Polish Winter Tea (Stovetop Infused Method)

• Try his method for a deeper, more mulled version with richer spice and cranberry flavor.
• Use the same ingredients as above

Heat the water

• Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan.

Combine fruit and spices

• Add citrus, ginger, cranberries, cloves, star anise, and the cinnamon stick. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
• Take the saucepan off the heat to keep flavors balanced.
• Steep tea bags or loose tea for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea when done.

Sweeten

• Stir in raspberry syrup and honey.

Serve

• Ladle into mugs and include a few pieces of fruit for a pretty presentation.

Why choose method 1

• Quick and easy
• Clean citrus and spice flavor
• No simmering required
• Ideal for small batches

Why choose method 2

• Stronger spice notes
• Deeper color from cranberries

Homemade Raspberry Syrup

If you prefer not to purchase raspberry syrup, here is a simple homemade version that comes together quickly with just raspberries, sugar, and water. It is a simple syrup with bright, classic raspberry flavor and is perfect for using in Polish Winter Tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

Simmer raspberries, sugar, and water for 8 to 10 minutes. Gently mash, strain, stir in lemon juice, and cool. Store up to 1 week.

How to Use

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons per mug or 1 to 2 tablespoons per teapot.

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• Electric Kettle, No Plastic Filter & Spout, 1.8Qt Tea Kettle & Hot Water Boiler For Coffee & Tea, Water Heater & Teapot. >> Affiliate Link. 

• Gourmet Classic Raspberry Syrup, 25.4 Fluid Ounces >> Affiliate Link 

• Star Anise – whole star anise (3 oz) great for baking and tea >> Affiliate Link 

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