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Enjoy this naturally caffeine-free, warmly-spiced, aromatic chamomile tea latte recipe as a relaxing hot beverage any time of day. It’s as easy to make as steeping tea!
If you’re trying to reduce your coffee intake or just want a delicious new hot beverage to try, I highly recommend this soothing latte.
This drink features the crisp, fruity aroma of chamomile mellowed out with a subtle nuttiness from almond milk, warm spices, complex vanilla, and a hint of sweetness. It’s the perfect drink to relax with any time of day.
Caffeine Free Coffee Alternatives
Normally I drink two cups of coffee a day, and I’m ok with this. However, I occasionally go through phases where I convince myself to try to reduce my coffee intake.
A few months back I decided to cut my coffee consumption down to just one cup a day. For me, the biggest issue was finding a routine to replace my French press coffee ritual in the morning.
Here Are a Few Ideas for Caffeine Free Coffee Substitutes
- Herbal teas or tisanes, such as ginger, chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, etc.
- Chicory root coffee
- Dandelion coffee
- Cacao coffee
- Matcha tea
- Barley tea
- Oat tea
- Golden milk latte (i.e., turmeric latte)
- Chaga mushroom drink
Herbal Tea as a Coffee Substitute
Unlike black, green, white, and oolong tea, herbal tea is caffeine free, and therefore, a good coffee substitute!
What’s the Difference Between Tea and Tisane?
Black, green, white, and oolong teas come from a plant called Camellia sinensis.
Herbal teas, which are also referred to as tisanes, are infusions of spices, barks, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, etc. that are steeped in liquid (usually water).
Note that the steeping time is different; in general, tea requires a shorter time to steep than tisane requires.
Chamomile Tea
According to Wikipedia, Chamaemelum nobile, commonly known as chamomile, has daisy-like flowers with a yellow disk and white petals, and a sweet, fruity, and herbaceous aroma. It’s also known as Roman chamomile, English chamomile, garden chamomile, ground apple, low chamomile, mother’s daisy, or whig plant. And it can be a great alternative to coffee!
Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Studies indicate that chamomile tea can lead to improved sleep quality and fewer symptoms of depression. Additionally, it may have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also be beneficial for blood glucose, insulin, and blood lipid levels.
(Read more about the health benefits of chamomile on HealthLine and Medical News Today.)
How Long Before Bed Should You Drink Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile is thought of as a mild sleep inducer or tranquilizer. Its calming effects may be attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and may assist in reducing anxiety and initiating sleep. (Read more about chamomile as a sleep inducer on HealthLine.)
It’s generally recommended to drink chamomile tea about 30 minutes before bed, but remember that it needs to steep for about 10 minutes before drinking.
Chamomile Tea Latte Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
- Plain unsweetened almond milk – Or you can use another plant-based milk or cow’s milk if you prefer.
- Looseleaf chamomile – If you don’t have a tea strainer, you can use a chamomile tea bag instead of looseleaf.
- Vanilla extract – For flavor and aroma.
- Ground cinnamon and cloves – These warm spices add a lovely cozy flavor that pairs well with chamomile. If you want to use 1 cinnamon stick and 2 whole cloves, simply add them to the pot along with the almond milk to come up to a simmer.
- Sweetener – You can use anything you like here, such as honey, maple syrup or agave to keep it vegan, stevia or monkfruit for the low carb and keto version, etc. Add it to taste, or omit the sweetener if you prefer.
How to Make a Chamomile Latte
Making a chamomile tea latte is as easy as making a cup of tea.
Simply heat the liquid and steep the chamomile, and add any spices or sweetener you like. Strain it if you used looseleaf tea or whole spices, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips
- If you’re allergic or just don’t like it, swap out the almond milk for whatever kind of milk you like.
- You can use a chamomile tea bag instead of looseleaf tea.
- You aren’t stuck with cinnamon and cloves, feel free to play with the spices here! Ginger (either fresh or dried) is a great addition.
- Just like making a regular cup of tea, you can use any sweetener you like to make this homemade latte.
Special Diet Friendly
This cozy, warming drink is:
- Paleo – Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to sweeten.
- Vegan – Go for maple syrup, agave, or sugar as your sweetener.
- Low carb and keto – Opt for stevia, monkfruit, or your favorite keto sweetener.
More Cozy Hot Drinks to Make
- Fresh Ginger Tea with Honey
- Drinking Chocolate (French Hot Chocolate)
- Oat Tea with Cinnamon and Honey
Let’s Connect
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Spiced Chamomile Tea Latte Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon looseleaf chamomile
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- Sweetener to taste (such as honey, maple syrup, stevia, etc.)
Instructions
- Add the almond milk and chamomile to a small pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and then cover the pot and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and sweetener to taste.
- Strain the mixture 2 times through a fine mesh sieve. I like to add it to a French press, slowly push the plunger down, and then strain it into my mug.
- To make it more frothy, you can use a hand-held frother, or once it’s strained add it back into your French press and plunge up and down a few times.
Notes
- Looseleaf Tea Substitute: You can use a chamomile tea bag instead of looseleaf.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on November 5, 2018 and updated on February 20, 2024.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
Free Bonus
Chamomile latté are so lovely. I’ve had them often, but never thought to add cloves — fabulous addition! They add such warmth and enhance the aroma more than I thought they would. This was the vehicle for my medicinal cannabis dose this evening (1/2tsp of homemade infused coconut oil). Thank you!
where did you get the latte cup?
Theresa, I got it years ago on Etsy! I don’t remember the seller, but if you search for stoneware mugs you might find something similar.
This was delicious after dinner drink. Thank you!!!