Chamomile & Cardamom Warmer
Sipping a warm mug of chamomile-infused milk, lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla and cardamom, is an unbelievably relaxing way to end your evening.
Move over, hot chocolate. I have a new favorite bedtime mug.
I can’t believe I just said that.
But it’s true. As much as I do love a good hot chocolate, once I got the idea to infuse chamomile flowers in milk, then lightly sweeten it with honey, things had to change.
This drink is so good. So yummy. So comforting. It’s like a deliciously warm tuck-in at bedtime. In fact, it’s so comforting that I wanted to name it A Hug in a Mug, because that’s just what it feels like.
When you’ve had a stressful day or you need a little me time to unwind, this drink is just what the herbalist ordered!
Now, I can’t take complete credit for this mug of comfort. My friend Katie Mae shared a recipe on her blog for a Bowl of Soul Chamomile Latte, and I was instantly intrigued! Why had I never thought to infuse chamomile in milk?
Katie Mae’s recipe calls for almond milk, shaved chocolate, and cinnamon. We don’t use almond milk, and for some reason, I felt that I just had to have cardamom with my chamomile instead of the chocolate and cinnamon. Later I learned that cardamom is an antispasmodic spice, making it a great compliment to chamomile’s soothing properties.
Herbalist intuition for the win!
After I made my first mug of this Chamomile and Cardamom Warmer, I was just blown away. It was unlike anything I’ve had before and left me completely relaxed and ready for bed.
Chamomile & Cardamom Warmer
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Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (we use whole raw milk, but you can use whatever you have)
- 2 T. chamomile blossoms* (from Bulk Herb Store or Amazon)
- pinch cardamom (less than 1/8 t.)
- 1/2 t. vanilla extract
- 1-2 t. honey, to taste
*In a pinch, you could use a couple bags of chamomile tea. Whole chamomile flowers are usually much more potent, though, and that’s why I like using them over packaged herbal teas.
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk, chamomile, and cardamom. Gently warm over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the chamomile to infuse. Be careful that the milk doesn’t boil or simmer.
- Strain the milk through a fine mesh sieve. You can also use a paper coffee filter if your sieve isn’t very fine. Press the flowers left in the sieve or filter to release any leftover milk (this milk has the most flavor).
- Add the vanilla extract and stir. Pour into two mugs for 1 cup servings, or a very large mug for 1 large serving. Add honey to taste, and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of cardamom for an extra touch.
- Sit back, sip, and feel the hug.
If you want to make your warmer extra special, you could use a milk frother after straining out the chamomile for a coffee house touch. I don’t have a frother, but it does look like a fun kitchen toy.
I have a feeling this hug in a mug would be perfect with some Chamomile Shortbread on the side!
