Soothing Chamomile Iced Tea with Mint

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If you’re looking for a drink that’s not only refreshing but is caffeine-free, non-alcoholic and soothing, look no further than this Chamomile Iced Tea.

Also known as te de manzanilla, this aromatic herbal tea, made with mint and lemon, is a cooling, calming drink that’s perfect for summer.  

You can enjoy a glass of caffeine-free Chamomile Iced Tea on its own, or with a meal, at any time of the day. 

Why We Love This Chamomile Tea (Te de Manzanilla) Recipe  

 I love making iced chamomile tea in the summer as a naturally caffeine-free way to stay cool and hydrated. 

One of the most popular traditional drinks in Guatemala, chamomile tea is a staple in my kitchen whether I’m sipping it straight over ice or shaking it into a honey chamomile whiskey cocktail for something a little more grown-up. 

It’s also: 

• Steeped in tradition: Chamomile has been cherished since the Neolithic era and even honored by ancient Egyptians, who dedicated it to the sun god Ra. That’s some serious herbal history in your glass.
• Naturally calming: With terpenoids and flavonoids concentrated in the flowers, homeopathy practitioners have long used chamomile to support relaxation, reduce stress, and soothe digestive discomfort.
• Culturally rich: Té de manzanilla is a beloved home remedy across Latin America. My Guatemalan mother-in-law often brews whole bunches of fresh chamomile the traditional way with no teabags, just pure plants. 
• Cool, refreshing, and caffeine-free: Perfect for sipping all day without the jitters. The fresh mint adds a crisp, uplifting finish that balances the earthy floral notes. The taste of chamomile tea made from scratch has an intense herbaceous flavour with a faint aroma of fresh apples.  
• Pure and economical: Unlike store-bought or chain café versions, homemade iced chamomile tea has no preservatives, additives, or hidden sugars. It contains just real ingredients and flavour you control.
• Versatile and easy to make: Use dried flowers, tea bags, or fresh-foraged chamomile this recipe flexes with what you have on hand and still delivers a gorgeous, golden brew.
• Beautiful to serve: It’s naturally golden, gorgeously fragrant, and makes any moment feel a little more thoughtful whether poured over ice at brunch or as a mid-afternoon drink. 

Ingredients

While chamomile on its own has many purported benefits, I spruce up this chamomile tea recipe just a bit, with lemon and mint. 

In this homemade iced tea recipe, you can opt to use honey as a natural sweetener. But it’s not really necessary as chamomile tea has a slightly sweet taste on its own.

• Dried Chamomile Buds: Loose dried chamomile flower buds (or tea bags or fresh chamomile)
• Water: It’s best to use filtered, purified or distilled water. 
• Lemon: Fresh lemon adds a boost of vitamin C which is handy if you’ve got a cold or are feeling under the weather. 
• Mint: Adds herbaceous, cooling flavour.

Note: There can be risks with consuming any botanical. Follow safety guidelines for herbal supplements published by the Mayo Clinic before consuming herbs or flowers in tea or any other form. 

Step by Step Instructions 

Scroll down to the recipe card for full method and instructions. 

1. I like to use an use an infuser tea pot but a tea ball, a French Press Coffee maker or even a pot and a fine-mesh strainer will work.
2. Prepare your tea bags or loose tea. If you’re using fresh chamomile, remove the heads of the flowers from the stalk.
   

   

3. Bring filtered water to a boil, reduce to a low simmer and remove from the heat.
4. Once the boiling has completely stopped and is at 100C, pour it over the dried or fresh chamomile flowers (or tea bags).
   

   

5. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
6. Strain with a fine-mesh strainer, use a gauze bag or a basket filter. Allow the tea to cool slightly.
7. Transfer it to a glass pitcher. Chamomile is naturally sweet but if you’d like to add honey do it now.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
9. Add ice to the pitcher or pour over ice in individual glasses and add slices of fresh lemon, springs of fresh mint or honey as desired.

Expert Tips 

• Allow the tea to infuse naturally. Although it might be tempting to squeeze the chamomile flowers or teabags in an attempt to extract more flavour or colour, don’t do it. The pressure will release bitterness into the tea.
• To prevent the delicate leaves from getting scorched and producing a bitter taste, be sure to wait for one minute before combining the chamomile tea with the boiling water
• Use filtered, purified or distilled water to avoid the taste of fluoride and other additives in tap water.

How to Serve Iced Chamomile Tea

This calming and relaxing tea should be served chilled over ice. As mentioned above, refrigerate it for at least one hour prior to being poured over ice.

Cold chamomile tea is the ideal drink for lunch on a hot summer day or to enjoy by the pool. 

Its light floral flavour and hint of mint make it a perfect counterbalance to rich, hearty dishes. I often serve it alongside salpicón de res, garnachas, grilled steak, or tacos. It’s an unexpected but welcome twist that complements traditional Guatemalan food beautifully.

Since it’s got no caffeine, you can enjoy it at any time of the day. A glass of this tea might even help you sleep!  If you’re looking for a summer drink with a caffeine kick, check out our recipe for Vegan Iced Cafe Frappé! 

Storage 

Homemade iced chamomile tea will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in a sealed glass jar or airtight container.

For the best flavour and freshness:

• Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store it without sweeteners or citrus until ready to serve .
• If you’ve added fresh mint, strain it out after a day or two to prevent bitterness.
• If it smells off or looks cloudy, it’s time to toss it and brew a fresh batch.

Recipe

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5 from 31 votes

Easy Chamomile Iced Tea with Mint

If you're looking for a drink that's not only refreshing but is caffeine-free and soothing, look no further than this Chamomile Iced Tea. Also known as te de manzanilla, this aromatic herbal tea, made with mint and lemon, is a cooling, calming drink that's perfect for summer.  

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Cook Time3 minutes mins

Chilling time30 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Guatemala, Latin American

Servings: 4

Calories: 11kcal

Author: Michele Peterson

Cost: $2.

Equipment

• ▢
  Infuser tea pot, tea ball, a French Press Coffee maker or a pot and fish-mesh strainer
• ▢
  kettle or pot

Ingredients

• ▢ 5 tablespoon loose dried chamomile flowers (or 8 tea bags or 1 cup fresh chamomile)
• ▢ 6 cups water filtered, purified or distilled
• ▢ 1 fresh lemon (optional)
• ▢ 1 mint leaves (optional)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Prepare your tea bags or loose tea. If you're using fresh chamomile, remove the heads of the flowers from the stalk.
• Bring water to a boil, reduce to simmer, and remove from heat. It should be 100C.
• Once the boiling has stopped completely, pour it over the fresh or dried chamomile (or teag bags).
• Let it steep for 5 minutes.
• Strain with a fine mesh strainer or use a gauze bag or basket filter. Allow tea to cool slightly.
• Transfer to a glass pitcher. If you'd like to add honey, do it now.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
• Add ice to the pitcher or pour over ice in individual glasses, and add slices of fresh lemon, springs of fresh mint, or honey as desired.

Notes

• Allow the tea to infuse naturally. Although it might be tempting to squeeze the chamomile flowers or teabags in an attempt to extract more flavour or colour, don’t do it. The pressure will release bitterness into the tea.
• To prevent the delicate leaves from getting scorched and producing a bitter taste, be sure to wait for one minute before combining the chamomile and the boiling water.
• Use filtered, purified or distilled water to avoid the taste of fluoride and other additives in tap water.
• Store covered in the refrigerator (without the lemon) for up to 5 days. Remove the mint after day 2. 

Nutritional information is created by online calculators so the figures are only estimates.

Nutrition

Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @ATasteForTravel or tag #ATasteForTravel!

Other Iced Summer Drinks To Try: 

• Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea – Agua de Jamaica 
• Agua de Avena – Vanilla Oat Milk Cooler
• Guatemalan Horchata
• Fresh Strawberry Mango Lemonade
• Sparkling Bourbon Peach Punch

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