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

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy chamomile?