Spiced Honey Chamomile Latte (Caffeine-Free)

Spiced Honey Chamomile Latte

A chamomile latte is a cozy, caffeine-free drink. It's made with strong chamomile tea, warm frothy milk, honey, and fall spice. To make one, steep 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile in hot water. Strain it, stir in honey and spices, and top with steamed milk.

Some evenings call for something warm in your hands. Coffee is too late. Plain tea feels too plain.

That's when I make this spiced honey chamomile latte. It tastes like a fall evening on the porch, sweet and soft with a little cinnamon.

You don't need an espresso machine or fancy tools. Just a saucepan, a whisk, and a jar of good dried flowers.

What is a chamomile latte?

A chamomile latte is strong-brewed chamomile tea topped with warm, frothy milk. Some cafés call it a "tea latte."

Chamomile has a gentle, sweet taste, a little like apples and honey. Warm milk makes it creamy. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy fall touch.

I use whole Dried Chamomile Flowers from Maranatha Botanicals. Whole flowers give a fuller, rounder flavor than dusty tea bags.

What do you need to make a spiced honey chamomile latte?

How do you make a chamomile latte from dried flowers?

Brew a strong cup of chamomile, season it, and top it with frothy milk. It takes about 12 minutes from start to sip.

Heat the water. Bring 1/2 cup of water just to a boil.
Steep the flowers. Put the chamomile in a mug or jar. Pour the hot water over it, cover, and steep for 7 minutes.
Strain. Pour the tea through a strainer into your favorite mug. Press the flowers with a spoon to get every drop.
Season while hot. Stir in the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla. The heat helps the honey melt.
Warm the milk. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stop when it steams and tiny bubbles form at the edge, about 3 to 4 minutes. Don't let it boil.
Froth the milk. Whisk the milk hard for about 30 seconds, until it's foamy.
Pour and finish. Pour the milk into the tea. Spoon the foam on top and dust with a pinch of cinnamon.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good." — Psalm 34:8 (KJV)

I like to say that verse over my first sip. Simple things, made with care, are a gift.

How do you froth milk without a frother?

The easiest way is to whisk warm milk hard in the pan for 30 seconds. You'll get a soft, light foam.

If you have a French press, pour the warm milk in and pump the plunger up and down 15 to 20 times. It makes a thicker foam.

A handheld frother works too, if you already own one. No need to buy one for this.

Can you make a chamomile latte ahead of time?

Yes. You can brew the chamomile part ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Steep 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile in 1 cup of hot water for 7 minutes. Strain, let it cool, and store it in a covered jar.

When you're ready, warm 1/2 cup of the tea, stir in the honey and spices, and add your frothy milk.

Can you make an iced chamomile latte?

Yes, and it's lovely on a warm fall afternoon. Use the make-ahead tea and cold milk.

Stir the honey into the tea while it's still warm so it mixes in. Cool it, pour it over ice, and top with 1/2 cup of cold milk.

What other flavors go well with chamomile?

Chamomile plays nicely with warm spices and soft florals. Here are a few swaps to try:

Ginger: Add a pinch of ground ginger for a little warmth.
Lavender: Add 1/4 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the steep. A little goes a long way.
Maple: Swap the honey for maple syrup.

Shop the herb: Dried Chamomile Flowers Sweet and apple-like, whole chamomile flowers brew a rich, caffeine-free base for lattes and evening tea. Available in 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz. Shop Dried Chamomile Flowers

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medicine, check with your doctor before drinking herbal tea. Never give honey to babies under 1 year old.

FAQ

Does a chamomile latte have caffeine? No. Chamomile is an herb, not a tea leaf, so this latte is caffeine-free.

Can I use chamomile tea bags instead of loose flowers? Yes. Use 2 tea bags in place of 1 tablespoon of loose flowers. The flavor will be a little lighter.

What milk is best for a chamomile latte? Whole milk froths best and tastes richest. Oat milk is the best dairy-free choice for foam.

How long should chamomile steep for a latte? Steep it for about 7 minutes, covered. A longer steep keeps the flavor strong under the milk.

How should I store dried chamomile flowers? Keep them in a tightly closed jar, away from heat and sunlight. A dark pantry shelf works well.

A cozy closing

This latte isn't fancy. It's just a warm cup, made slowly, at the end of a full day.

If you read yesterday's post about doing less, this is the kind of small, quiet habit I meant.

Grab a jar of Dried Chamomile Flowers, put the kettle on, and make one for yourself tonight. And if you want to learn about other herbs, visit our Introduction to Our Herbal Tea Apothecary.

Spiced Honey Chamomile Latte (Caffeine-Free)