Years ago, when I was just beginning my tea-drinking journey, I became curious about how to make chamomile tea the right way. I wasn’t satisfied with just following the basic instructions on the tea box; I wanted to understand the nuances, the do’s and don’ts, to avoid ruining the delicate flavor. Back then, my tea knowledge was limited, but I had been told that using overly hot water could “burn” the tea, resulting in a bitter taste.
These days, a cup of chamomile tea is my go-to evening ritual (next to a warm mug of red raspberry leaf tea). I feel like I’ve finally cracked the code on how to make chamomile tea perfectly every time, so I’m excited to share all the tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years!
How to make chamomile tea- Tips & Tricks
- Use water just below boiling point (around 190-200°F / 88-93°C). Overly hot water can scald the delicate chamomile flowers, leading to a bitter taste.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flowers to fully release their flavor and beneficial compounds without becoming overpowering.
- Opt for high-quality chamomile flowers or tea bags. Loose flowers offer greater control over flavor and freshness, while tea bags are convenient. Look for organic options if possible.
The best flavor add ins (in order)
- Honey – you can’t go wring with a teaspoon of honey in almost any tea.
- Lavender- Add in a lavender tea bag or loose leafs while steeping and steep for 5-7 minutes as usual for a more complex flavor. I especially love this combo in the Spring as we prepare for warmer days.
- Mint- Use fresh mint leaves to enhance the flavor. You can steep dried mint with the chamomile tea or you can add fresh mint and steep for 3 minutes.
Store the chamomile tea in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve the flavor and aroma. Do this regardless if you use fresh flowers or teabags.
Ingredients:
- 1 chamomile tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose chamomile flowers for brewing
- 8 ounces of filtered water
- Honey or lemon (optional, to taste)
How to make chamomile tea:
Instructions:
- Heat the water: Bring filtered water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Test the temperature: you want it to be around 190-200°F / 88-93°C to avoid scalding the tea and making it bitter.
- Prepare the tea: If using a tea bag, place it in a mug. If using loose chamomile flowers, add them to a teapot or infuser basket placed in your mug.
- Steep the tea: Pour the hot water over the tea bag or flowers. Cover the mug or teapot with a lid to trap the steam and flavors in. Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer you steep the chamomile tea, the stronger the flavor will be but after 7 minutes I’ve found that it starts to get bitter.
- Strain and serve: If using loose flowers, carefully remove the infuser or strain the tea into your mug. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired. Enjoy the calming warmth of your perfect cup of chamomile tea.
Tips & Tricks Highlights
- Freshness matters: Use high-quality chamomile flowers or tea bags for the best flavor.
- Temperature is key: Avoid over-boiling the water, as it can scorch the tea and create a bitter taste.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a touch of honey for sweetness, or a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist.
- Embrace the ritual: Take a few moments to breathe in the aroma and savor the experience.
How To Make Chamomile Tea
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Ingredients
1 tea bag Chamomile tea (or roughly 1 tsp loose leaf chamomile)
8 oz Filtered water
- Optional
1 tsp Honey
1 squeeze Fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Bring filtered water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Test the temperature: you want it to be around 190-200°F / 88-93°C to avoid scalding the tea and making it bitter.
- If using a tea bag, place it in a mug. If using loose chamomile flowers, add them to a teapot or infuser basket placed in your mug.
- Pour the hot water over the tea bag or flowers. Cover the mug or teapot with a lid to trap the steam and flavors in. Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer you steep the chamomile tea, the stronger the flavor will be but after 7 minutes I’ve found that it starts to get bitter.
- If using loose flowers, carefully remove the infuser or strain the tea into your mug. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired. Enjoy your perfect cup of chamomile tea.
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Chamomile tea is a simple yet powerful way to incorporate a moment of tranquility into your daily routine. Its gentle properties can help you unwind, de-stress, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. So, the next time you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of a calming moment, reach for a cup of chamomile tea and let its soothing flavors and warmth help calm you.
Now, you know how to make chamomile tea perfectly.
For more cozy drinks, check out my September recipe roundup of Cozy Fall Drinks!
