Some evenings call for something gentle. This chamomile lavender tea recipe brings together two of our favorite products — our small-batch Good Night Chamomile Lavender Tea and our raw Alfalfa Honey — for a naturally caffeine-free cup that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to sip. The tea brings the chamomile, lavender, and everything that makes the blend hum. The honey brings a clean, unhurried sweetness that lets all of those floral notes breathe.
Whether you’re new to brewing herbal tea at home or already have an evening ritual in place, this recipe is one you’ll come back to.
Why Chamomile and Lavender Make the Perfect Tea Duo
Herbal teas — technically called tisanes — are made from flowers, leaves, herbs, and roots rather than traditional tea leaves. That distinction matters because it means they’re naturally caffeine-free, which makes them a great choice any time of day when you want something warm and flavorful without the buzz.
Chamomile flowers bring a sweet, apple-like flavor that’s been cherished for centuries. Lavender adds a delicate floral note and a beautiful aroma that makes a simple tea feel a little more intentional. Together, they create a balanced cup that’s floral without being perfumy, sweet without being cloying.
Did you know? At our Chesterhaven Beach Farm, we grow hundreds of organic chamomile and lavender plants that inspire many of our tea blends and honey-based recipes.
Meet the Stars of This Recipe
Good Night Chamomile Lavender Tea
You could make chamomile lavender tea with plain dried chamomile flowers and a handful of lavender buds — and it would be fine. But our Good Night Tea was built for exactly this kind of cup. It’s a thoughtfully balanced blend where every ingredient earns its place:
- Premium chamomile: Whole flowers, not dust. Naturally sweet with genuine apple-like character.
- Lavender buds: Enough to smell it, not so much that it tastes like perfume.
- Linden flowers: Add a subtle honey-like sweetness that deepens the cup without any added sugar.
- Spearmint: A clean, cool lift that keeps the blend from going one-note floral.
- Rose petals: A delicate floral layer and visual beauty that makes opening the jar feel like something.
Each 1.1oz jar makes about 20 cups and comes in recyclable glass. We blend it small-batch right here in Owings Mills. It’s fully caffeine-free, with no added sugar or artificial flavors — just botanicals doing what botanicals do.
Alfalfa Honey
Not all honey belongs in a delicate herbal tea. A bold varietal like buckwheat can easily overtake the subtle floral notes of chamomile and lavender. Alfalfa Honey is different — it’s the quiet, steady partner that makes the tea taste more like itself. Here’s why it works so well in this recipe:
- Mild flavor: Delicate sweetness with subtle grassy notes and a whisper of vanilla — it enhances without competing.
- Light color: White to light amber, so it won’t alter the appearance of your cup.
- Slow to crystallize: Its unique sugar ratio keeps it pourable longer than most raw honey varieties, which means it dissolves smoothly into warm tea without any fuss.
- All-purpose versatility: It’s the kind of honey that quietly makes everything better without announcing itself.
Made by bees visiting the purple blooms of alfalfa fields across the American West, this raw honey is minimally filtered and never heated above hive temperature. Read more in our full guide: What Is Alfalfa Honey?
About the Herbs: Chamomile and Lavender
Both chamomile and lavender have been cultivated and enjoyed for thousands of years across different cultures.
Chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) belong to the daisy family and have been used in traditional practices across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all valued these daisy-like flowers. Today, chamomile remains one of the most popular herbal tea ingredients in the world, prized for its naturally sweet, apple-scented flavor.
Lavender: Native to the Mediterranean, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been cherished since ancient times. Its name comes from the Latin “lavare” (to wash) — Romans used it in their baths. For culinary purposes, English lavender is the variety you want: distinctively floral, aromatic, and just a little earthy.
A Note on Herbal Tea and Wellness
Herbal teas like chamomile and lavender have been enjoyed for generations as part of personal routines. People choose them for their pleasant flavors, their caffeine-free nature, and the simple ritual of making something warm from scratch. While we can’t make any medical claims about what herbal teas treat or cure, we can say this: there’s something genuinely nice about sitting down with a handcrafted cup.
Important: Herbal teas are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have known allergies (particularly to plants in the daisy or mint families), please consult your healthcare provider before adding new herbal teas to your routine. People with sensitivities to chamomile or lavender should start with a small amount.
The Chamomile Lavender Tea Recipe
Two great products, one beautifully simple recipe. Good Night Tea brings the herbal complexity; Alfalfa Honey brings the sweetness. This makes 4 servings — great for sharing or storing in the fridge for iced tea later.
Ingredients
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds (culinary grade)
- 1 tablespoon Good Night Chamomile Lavender Tea
- 1 teaspoon Alfalfa Honey (see honey variations below for alternatives)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- Fresh mint or dried lavender for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Tea kettle or pot
- Tea steeper, infuser, or strainer
- Teacup or mug
- Spoon
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Boil the Water
Bring 2 cups of filtered water to a full boil. Remove from heat and let it rest 1–2 minutes to reach approximately 200°F. Herbal teas extract better at slightly sub-boiling temperatures, and it helps preserve the delicate floral oils in the lavender.
Step 2: Add the Herbs
Place the dried lavender buds and Good Night Tea into your steeper or infuser. No steeper? A tea ball, paper filter, or even steeping loose and straining later all work fine.
Step 3: Steep for 10 Minutes
Pour the hot water over the herbs, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. This gives the chamomile and lavender time to fully release their oils and flavor — don’t rush it.
Step 4: Strain and Sweeten
Remove the steeper or strain the tea into your cup. While it’s still warm (not boiling), stir in the alfalfa honey. Its mild sweetness dissolves smoothly and complements the florals in the Good Night Tea without competing with them.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Squeeze in the fresh lime juice, stir gently, and top with a sprig of mint or a few dried lavender buds. Let cool to your preferred drinking temperature.
Honey Variations Worth Trying
Alfalfa Honey is our top pick for this recipe, but part of the fun of keeping a few different raw honey varietals on hand is discovering how much a single swap can change a cup. Here’s how the others play:
- Blueberry Honey — Gentle berry sweetness that complements the floral herbs beautifully; a lovely choice for berry-forward iced versions.
- Orange Blossom Honey — Adds soft citrus undertones that amplify the lime juice.
- Wildflower Honey — Bolder and more complex; great if you want the honey to be a more prominent part of the experience.
Curious about the full spectrum? Browse our guide on types of honey to discover what makes each varietal distinct.
Creative Variations on This Recipe
Creamy Lavender Chamomile Latte
Replace half the water with warm oat milk or almond milk for a richer, creamier cup. Heat the milk separately to avoid boiling, then combine with the strained tea. A small drizzle of alfalfa honey on top finishes it beautifully.
Berry-Infused Version
Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the steeper while brewing. The berries add natural color and a gentle sweetness that pairs especially well if you swap in Blueberry Honey.
Vanilla Comfort
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract after steeping. The warmth of vanilla rounds out the florals in a lovely way — particularly nice with Spring Honey or Sunflower Honey in place of alfalfa.
Extra Fresh Mint
Muddle 3–4 fresh mint leaves in your cup before adding the tea for a more pronounced cool finish. This variation works especially well when served iced.
Iced Tea Version
Steep as directed, let cool completely, and pour over ice. Pro tip: freeze brewed chamomile lavender tea into ice cubes so your iced version never gets watered down.
More Alfalfa Honey Recipes to Explore
Alfalfa honey’s mild character makes it one of the most versatile raw honeys in the kitchen. If you love how it works here, try it in a few other places:
- Honey Nut Balls — A simple no-bake snack where alfalfa honey’s clean sweetness lets the nuts shine.
- Bee Green Smoothies — The mildness of alfalfa honey blends seamlessly into this leafy green smoothie without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sweet & Savory Moroccan Honey and Almond Tagine — A savory application where alfalfa honey’s neutral sweetness balances spice without dominating the dish.
When to Enjoy Chamomile Lavender Tea
Being caffeine-free, this tea fits into just about any part of your day:
- Evening: The classic choice — brew a cup as part of an unhurried evening routine.
- Weekend mornings: A gentler start when you don’t want the jolt of coffee.
- Afternoon break: A moment to step back from the screen and taste something intentional.
- Hosting: A sophisticated non-caffeinated option for guests.
- Meditation or journaling: A warm cup to accompany quieter practices.
If mornings call for something caffeinated, our Good Morning Black Tea offers a bright, energizing blend to start the day. And on evenings when you want something a little warmer and more spirited, our Tupelo Honey Hot Toddy uses Good Night Tea as its base — same chamomile-lavender warmth, with smooth whiskey and bright lemon layered in. If you are building a full bedtime ritual around this tea, our guide to raw honey before bed pairs perfectly with this recipe.
Why These Two Products Work So Well Together
At the heart of this recipe is a pairing that makes intuitive sense once you taste it: Good Night Tea provides a naturally complex botanical base — chamomile, lavender, linden, spearmint, rose — and Alfalfa Honey provides sweetness that stays out of the way of all of it. Where a stronger honey might compete with the linden flowers or muddy the lavender, alfalfa gently rounds everything out. The result is a cup that tastes unified rather than layered — and that’s exactly what you want in an herbal tea.
Raw honey also carries its own subtle aromatic complexity that layers beautifully with botanicals when it’s mild enough not to dominate. Alfalfa does this better than almost any other varietal. It also creates a silky mouthfeel that makes the tea feel more substantial than its simple ingredient list suggests. All of our Eastern Shore honey is raw, unfiltered, and never heated above 118°F — learn more in our guide: Raw Honey vs. Regular Honey.
Growing Your Own Tea Garden
Want to bring this recipe even closer to home? Both chamomile and lavender are approachable garden plants:
Chamomile: German chamomile is an annual that reseeds readily. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Harvest flowers when they’re fully open for maximum flavor, and dry them in a dark, well-ventilated spot.
Lavender: For culinary use, reach for English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It needs excellent drainage and full sun. Harvest just as the flowers begin to open, then hang bundles upside down to dry. Learn more about growing lavender and harvesting lavender from our farm experience.
Proper Storage for Your Herbs and Tea
- Airtight glass containers: Our Good Night Tea comes in recyclable glass jars — perfect for the job, and reusable once empty.
- Cool and dark: Away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and anything strongly aromatic (dried herbs absorb nearby smells).
- Moisture-free: Humidity degrades dried herbs quickly.
- Label and date: Best used within 1–2 years of opening.
Explore Our Peace of Mind Collection
If you love lavender in your cup, you might love it in the rest of your routine, too. Our Peace of Mind Collection features lavender-based body care, soy candles, and more — all inspired by what we grow right here on the farm.
Chamomile Lavender Tea FAQs
Why is alfalfa honey recommended for this tea?
Alfalfa honey’s delicate sweetness with hints of vanilla and grass complements chamomile and lavender without overpowering them. Its slow crystallization rate also means it stays pourable and dissolves easily into warm tea. Learn more about alfalfa honey and why it’s such a versatile kitchen staple.
Can I use a different honey?
Absolutely. Any of our raw honey varietals will work — just know that bolder varieties will be more present in the cup. Alfalfa, Orange Blossom, and Blueberry are all lovely in herbal teas. Buckwheat is delicious but will make itself known.
How often can I drink this tea?
Most people enjoy 1–3 cups daily as part of their routine. Herbal teas like chamomile and lavender have been consumed safely for generations, though individual tolerances can vary. Listen to your body.
Can I make the tea stronger?
Yes — add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of herbs or steep up to 12 minutes. Avoid steeping beyond 15 minutes, as lavender in particular can turn bitter with extended exposure.
Why lime instead of lemon?
Lime has a slightly more floral, less sharp profile than lemon, which pairs naturally with chamomile and lavender. That said, lemon works beautifully too — use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Can I use tea bags instead of loose herbs?
Yes. Chamomile tea bags combined with lavender bags work fine — steep for the same amount of time. Our Good Night Tea is loose leaf, which gives you more control over strength and a more complex cup.
Is this tea safe during pregnancy?
We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before consuming herbal teas during pregnancy or while nursing. Individual circumstances vary, and your doctor is the best resource for personalized guidance. Read more: Honey and Pregnancy.
Can I make this iced?
Absolutely — it’s lovely cold. Steep as directed, let cool completely, and pour over ice. For best results, make chamomile lavender ice cubes from the brewed tea so your drink doesn’t dilute as the ice melts.
How do I store brewed tea?
Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir or shake before serving — and remember to add the honey and lime fresh if you’re storing a larger batch without them.
Do I need to worry about allergies?
People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family — including ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds — may react to chamomile. Lavender is in the mint (Lamiaceae) family. If you’re uncertain, start with a very small amount and pay attention to how your body responds.
Build Your Tea Collection
Once you’ve fallen in love with this herbal blend, our full artisanal tea collection has a lot to explore:
- Good Night Tea — The star of this recipe, and delicious on its own.
- Good Morning Tea — Berry-bright black tea for energizing starts.
- Raven Earl Grey with Lavender — Sophisticated bergamot and lavender for those who still want caffeine.
- Place in the Sun Tea — Fruity honeybush blend, naturally caffeine-free.
- Beautea — Vibrant turmeric and ginger for something totally different.
