TURKEY BRINE RECIPES: Clove and Honey Brine for Turkey

Clove and Honey Brine for Turkey

Here is a rich, aromatic Clove & Honey Turkey Brine that delivers warm holiday spice, gentle sweetness, and deep moisture to your turkey. Perfect for roasted, smoked, or fried turkey.

🦃 Clove & Honey Turkey Brine

Ingredients (for a 12–18 lb turkey)

12 cups (3 quarts) water
4 cups apple cider or apple juice (optional but recommended)
1 cup kosher salt (or ⅔ cup table salt)
¾–1 cup honey, preferably floral or wildflower
1 tbsp whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 large onion, quartered
6–8 garlic cloves, crushed
1 orange, sliced (optional)
Fresh herbs (pick one or mix): rosemary, thyme, or sage
3–4 cups ice (to chill after heating)

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Brine Base

In a large stockpot, combine water, apple cider, salt, and honey.
Heat over medium until salt and honey dissolve, stirring occasionally.
(Do not boil — just warm enough to dissolve.)

2️⃣ Add Spices & Aromatics

Stir in cloves, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, garlic, herbs, and optional orange slices.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

3️⃣ Chill Completely

Add ice to rapidly cool the liquid.
Ensure the brine is fully chilled before adding turkey.

4️⃣ Brine the Turkey

Place thawed turkey in a brining bag, stockpot, or food-safe bucket.
Pour the cooled brine over turkey until submerged (add cold water if needed).
Refrigerate 12–18 hours (up to 24 for very large birds).

5️⃣ Prepare for Cooking

Remove turkey from brine, rinse lightly, and pat very dry.
For crispier skin, refrigerate uncovered 1–2 hours before cooking.
Season lightly — brine already adds salt.

⭐ Flavor Add-In Ideas

Choose one direction or mix and match:

Profile	Additions
Citrus-Bright	Lemon slices + fresh thyme
Spicy-Warm	Star anise + crushed red chili
Herbal-Savory	Extra sage + bay + rosemary
Deep-Sweet	Replace cider with pear nectar or add molasses

🍯 Why Clove & Honey Works

Honey helps with browning and adds mellow sweetness
Cloves give warm holiday aroma and richer flavor depth
Salt improves tenderness and juiciness
Apple cider enhances natural turkey flavor

Ingredients:

* 1 large bag of ice
* 1 gallon hot water
* 2 quarts chicken broth
* 1 pound table salt (non-iodine)
* 1 pound honey
* 2 tablespoons whole cloves

Preparation:
Combine salt and hot water until it dissolves. Add honey, broth, and cloves to mixture. Once thoroughly mixed, add ice. Brine for 1 hour per pound. Enjoy !

VIDEO:

TURKEY BRINE RECIPES