This easy, 3-ingredient chamomile iced tea is a refreshing, caffeine-free option for any time of day. Light, floral, and naturally soothing, it’s a simple way to enjoy a chilled herbal beverage with gentle apple-and-honey notes. The recipe below is quick to make, stores well, and is easy to adapt if you prefer a stronger infusion or a sweeter finish.
Chamomile Iced Tea
Chamomile tea is made from dried chamomile flowers and produces a mild, floral infusion that is caffeine-free. This iced version starts with a small concentrated brew that is cooled and poured over ice. Because chamomile is an herbal tisane rather than a true tea, it tolerates longer steeping without turning bitter, so you can easily adjust strength to taste.
Many people enjoy chamomile as a calming evening drink, but this chilled version is equally pleasant during the day.
Note from Jee
I enjoy chamomile drinks for their gentle flavor profile. This iced chamomile is delicate but clearly flavored — not just water. If you prefer a more pronounced chamomile taste, steep the sachets longer than the recipe’s five minutes. If the brew becomes too concentrated, simply dilute it with a little extra cold water.
Recipe Summary
- Chamomile iced tea uses chamomile tea sachets (or loose flowers), hot and cold water, and ice.
- Steep the tea in hot water to create a concentrated infusion, then cool and serve over ice.
- Yield: one 16-ounce (2 cup) serving.
Ingredients Notes
- Chamomile tea: Tea sachets or sachet-style pouches tend to contain more intact flowers and are easier to clean up than standard tea bags. Use two sachets for the recipe or about 1 tablespoon of loose chamomile flowers.
- Water: Filtered water yields the cleanest flavor for both hot and cold water used in the recipe.
- Ice: Use fresh, filtered ice if possible to avoid diluting the delicate flavor with melted tap ice.
Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are included below in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place chamomile sachets (or loose chamomile in an infuser) into a teapot or heatproof container and pour ½ cup of hot water over them. If you have an adjustable electric kettle, set a moderate temperature around 195°F; boiling water from the stovetop works well too.
Step 2: Cover and steep for about 5 minutes. Because chamomile is an herbal infusion, it can steep longer without becoming bitter. For a stronger flavor, steep 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Remove and discard the tea sachets or strain out the loose flowers. Add ½ cup of cold water to the concentrate and place it in the refrigerator until chilled, about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Pour the cooled tea over a glass filled with ice and enjoy. Optionally garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint.
Recipe Notes
Steeping flexibility
Unlike many true teas that can turn bitter if steeped too long at high temperatures, chamomile is forgiving. Leaving the flowers in hot water will deepen and intensify the flavor rather than becoming astringent. If you prefer a bolder cup, extend the steeping time to 10–15 minutes and then dilute to taste.
Proper storage
Store unused chamomile sachets or loose flowers in an airtight container, away from heat and direct light, to preserve aroma and flavor. Keep the prepared iced tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Make ahead
This iced tea is ideal for making in advance. Brew and chill the concentrate, then pour over ice when ready to serve. Sweeteners such as honey or simple syrup dissolve more easily while the tea is still warm, so add them during the steeping or immediately after removing the sachets if you want a sweetened version.
Expert Tips
- Keep the teapot covered while steeping to retain heat and capture the full aroma of the flowers.
- If you’d like a honey-flavored variation, dissolve honey or a honey syrup into the hot concentrate so it mixes evenly.
- Finish drinks with a lemon slice or fresh mint for a bright, inviting presentation when serving guests.
- For a lightly sweetened cup, add simple syrup or a flavored syrup such as lemon or ginger to taste.
Recipe Card
Chamomile Iced Tea
By: Jee Choe, Certified Tea Sommelier
A simple, caffeine-free iced tea made with chamomile that’s fragrant, smooth, and easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 1 serving (16 ounces)
Ingredients
- 2 chamomile tea sachets (or 1 tablespoon loose chamomile)
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Put the tea sachets and ½ cup of hot water into a teapot or heatproof container. Use boiling water or water heated to about 195°F if available.
- Cover and steep for 5 minutes. For a stronger infusion, steep 10–15 minutes.
- Discard the sachets or strain the loose flowers, then add ½ cup of cold water. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
- Pour the cooled tea into a glass filled with ice and serve. Sweeten or garnish as desired.
Notes
- Sachets with intact flowers tend to produce a higher-quality flavor and are easier to clean up.
- Herbal tisanes like chamomile deepen in flavor with longer steeping rather than becoming bitter.
- Prepared chamomile iced tea keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
- Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint for an attractive, flavorful finish.
Nutrition (approximate)
Calories: 0.02 | Carbohydrates: 0.01 g | Sodium: 4 mg | Potassium: 1 mg | Calcium: 8 mg
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used only as a guideline.