How to Make Chamomile Tea (Hot and Iced | + Flavor Variations)
How to make chamomile tea with dried flowers or tea bags. Enjoy this healthful, relaxing herbal chamomile tea warm or iced, with several flavor variations!
Heat water either on the stovetop or in a kettle to a boil.
Once boiled, place the chamomile flowers in a glass/teapot and cover them with the water. Allow it to steep for 4-5 minutes. Then strain the tea from the pot, sweeten (I make honey chamomile tea), and enjoy.To make it easier to remove the chamomile flowers, you could use a tea infuser/strainer. If you're making it in a teacup, you could place the flowers in a tiny strainer that dips down into the water. Alternatively, make your own "tea bag" by wrapping the flowers in a cheesecloth parcel.
Iced Chamomile Tea
My preferred method of preparing iced chamomile tea is simply to follow the instruction above, allow it to cool, and then serve over ice with some diced fruit.Some methods have you leave the chamomile (and any add-ins) to steep in hot water for 1+ hour or longer. I'm wary of doing so, though, as chamomile can become bitter when over-steeped. However, feel free to experiment if you'd like.If you’d prefer a longer steep, I recommend cold brewing the tea in cold water overnight (up to 20hrs).
Storage Instructions
You can store any leftover cooled chamomile tea in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You could also pour leftovers in an ice cube tray for longer-term storage.
Notes
Don't squeeze the chamomile: Otherwise, it will release bitter flavor into the tea. Instead, let it steep untouched.
It's best to use an infuser: Otherwise, small parts from the dried flowers may linger in the tea unless thoroughly strained.
The optimal temperature: Herbal teas are generally okay to steep in boiling or near-boiling water. For the best results, I recommend allowing it to cool to 203ºF/95ºC before steeping the tea.
Adjust the strength: For a stronger tea, adjust the ratio of chamomile flowers (or tea bags) added to the water or increase the steep time by 1-2 minutes (not any longer, or it may become bitter).
To keep the teapot hot: Pour some hot water into it, swirl it around, then discard. Then add the brewed tea.
Check the blog post for optional flavor variations and answers to top FAQs!