Some evenings I want something cozier than a plain cup of tea, but coffee is completely off the table. That’s exactly when I make this honey chamomile tea latte. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and it smells like warm apples and cinnamon, which is basically a hug in a mug after a long day.
A chamomile tea latte is simply strong chamomile tea topped with steamed, frothy milk. It takes about 10 minutes, you don’t need an espresso machine, and it works with oat, coconut, or regular dairy milk. I’ll show you my base recipe, how to froth milk with whatever you have in your kitchen, and an iced version for warmer days.
| This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The recipes and ideas shared here are not designed to treat, prevent or cure any condition. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition, speak with a licensed healthcare provider before changing your diet. |
Why You’ll Love This Chamomile Latte
- Naturally caffeine-free: pure chamomile has no caffeine, so it’s an easy evening treat.
- Café-style at home: the same method coffee shops use for tea lattes, no special equipment needed.
- Works with any milk: dairy, oat, coconut, or almond all make a lovely cup.
- Ready in 10 minutes: most of that time is just the tea steeping.
What You’ll Need
- Chamomile: 2 tea bags or 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers. You want a stronger brew than usual so the flavor comes through the milk.
- Water: ½ cup (4 oz), just off the boil.
- Milk: ½ cup (4 oz) of your favorite (more on choosing below).
- Honey: 1 to 2 teaspoons, or maple syrup for a honey-free version.
- Ground cinnamon: a small pinch, plus more for dusting.
- Optional: a pinch of vanilla powder or a few drops of alcohol-free vanilla flavoring.
How to Make a Chamomile Tea Latte
- Brew a strong tea. Pour ½ cup of just-boiled water over 2 chamomile tea bags (or 1 tablespoon of dried flowers in an infuser). Cover the mug and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Using half the usual water gives you a concentrated tea that stands up to the milk.
- Sweeten the tea. Remove the tea bags, pressing them gently against the mug, and stir in the honey and cinnamon while the tea is hot so everything dissolves.
- Heat the milk. Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it’s steaming and tiny bubbles form around the edges. Don’t let it boil, or it can taste scorched.
- Froth. Froth the warm milk until it’s foamy and roughly doubled (see the no-frother methods below).
- Pour and serve. Pour the milk into the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top. Dust with a little cinnamon and enjoy right away.
How to Froth Milk Without a Frother
No milk frother? You have more options than you think:
- The jar method: Pour cold milk into a clean jar, filling it no more than halfway. Screw on the lid and shake hard for about 30 seconds. Then remove the lid and microwave the jar for about 30 seconds, until the foam rises and firms up. Never microwave with the lid on.
- The French press method: Pour warm milk into a French press and pump the plunger up and down quickly for 20 to 30 seconds.
- The whisk method: Whisk the warm milk vigorously in the saucepan, tilting it slightly. It won’t be as airy, but it still gives you a nice soft layer of foam.
Which Milk Is Best for a Chamomile Latte?
Here’s what I’ve found after making this more times than I can count:
| Milk | Froth | Flavor with chamomile |
|---|---|---|
| Whole dairy milk | Rich, stable foam | Creamy and classic |
| Oat milk (barista style) | Very good | Naturally sweet, my favorite dairy-free pick |
| Coconut milk (carton) | Light foam | Tropical, pairs well with cinnamon |
| Almond milk | Thin foam | Light and nutty, lets the chamomile shine |
If you’re dairy-free, look for oat milk labeled “barista.” It’s made to foam and makes the closest thing to a café latte.
Does Milk Go Well with Chamomile Tea?
Absolutely. Chamomile’s gentle apple and honey notes turn soft and almost dessert-like with milk, a bit like a creamy herbal version of a London Fog. The key is brewing the tea strong. A regular-strength cup gets lost under the milk and tastes mostly like warm milk. If you’re new to brewing chamomile, my guide on how to make chamomile tea covers ratios and steep times for dried flowers, tea bags, and fresh flowers.
Iced Chamomile Latte
When it’s warm out, I make this iced. Brew the tea exactly the same way (strong, with half the water), stir in the honey while it’s hot, then let it cool for a few minutes. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the tea, and top with cold milk. For a little café touch, shake the cold milk in a jar first so it pours in foamy. On really hot afternoons, I switch to something even lighter, like my chia seed lemon water.
Coffee-Shop Style Chamomile Latte
Coffee shops make tea lattes by steeping a concentrated tea and topping it with steamed milk, which is exactly what this recipe does. To get that café feel at home, use barista oat milk or whole milk, froth it well, and sweeten with a simple honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, stirred together) so the sweetness blends evenly. A dusting of cinnamon on the foam makes it feel like you ordered it.
Can You Mix Chamomile and Coffee?
You can, and some people love the combination: the floral chamomile softens coffee’s bitterness. Just know that once you add coffee, the drink is no longer caffeine-free. If you’re making a latte to wind down, keep it chamomile only. If you’re curious, try a small splash of brewed coffee in the tea before adding the milk and see what you think.
Does a Chamomile Tea Latte Have Caffeine?
A chamomile latte made with pure chamomile and milk has no caffeine. Chamomile is an herb, not a “true” tea, so it doesn’t contain caffeine naturally. The only thing to watch is boxed blends: some mix chamomile with green or black tea, so check that the label lists chamomile only.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Chamomile is considered likely safe in the amounts found in teas, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). If you’re allergic to ragweed or other daisy-family plants, or you take blood thinners, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center advises caution, so check with your healthcare provider first. The same goes if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
My Tips for the Best Chamomile Latte
- Brew it strong. Two tea bags in half the water is the secret to a latte that actually tastes like chamomile.
- Cover while it steeps. It keeps the fragrant steam, and the flavor, in your mug.
- Warm, don’t boil, the milk. Steaming-hot milk froths best and tastes sweeter.
- Sweeten the tea, not the milk. Honey dissolves much better in hot tea.
- Make it a little ritual. A warm mug of something good is one of my favorite ways to slow down, whether it’s a quiet evening or a hazy day stuck indoors, like the cozy drinks in my guide to staying hydrated during wildfire smoke.
If this is part of your evening wind-down, I’m putting together a full guide on chamomile tea before bed, with timing tips and my simple routine. In the meantime, find more warm and cold sippers in my wellness drinks collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chamomile latte caffeine-free?
Yes, as long as you use pure chamomile. Chamomile is an herb, not a true tea, so it contains no caffeine. Check the label on blends, since some include green or black tea.
What is the best milk for a chamomile tea latte?
Whole dairy milk and barista-style oat milk froth the best and taste the creamiest. Coconut and almond milk also work, with a lighter foam.
Can I use chamomile tea bags for a latte?
Yes. Use two tea bags in half a cup of water so the tea is strong enough to stand up to the milk.
Can I make a chamomile latte ahead of time?
You can brew and sweeten the chamomile concentrate up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Heat and froth the milk just before serving for the best foam.
How do I make a chamomile latte without a frother?
Shake cold milk in a jar with the lid on for about 30 seconds, then remove the lid and microwave for about 30 seconds. A French press or a whisk also works.
Honey Chamomile Tea Latte (With Oat, Coconut, or Dairy Milk)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte 1x
Description
A creamy, caffeine-free chamomile tea latte made with strong-brewed chamomile, honey, cinnamon, and frothy milk of your choice.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (4 oz) water
- 2 chamomile tea bags (or 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers)
- ½ cup (4 oz) milk of choice
- 1–2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting
- 1 pinch vanilla powder (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the just-boiled water over the chamomile, cover, and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in the honey and cinnamon.
- Heat the milk over medium-low heat until steaming, without boiling.
- Froth the milk until foamy.
- Pour the milk into the tea, spoon the foam on top, and dust with cinnamon.
Notes
For an iced version, let the sweetened tea cool, pour over ice, and top with cold milk. For a dairy-free latte, barista-style oat milk froths best.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chamomile tea latte, chamomile latte recipe, chamomile tea with milk, honey chamomile latte