Honey Chamomile Apple Nightcap
A warm, caffeine-free nightcap of chamomile tea and apple cider with honey, lemon and a cinnamon stick. Like a hot toddy that skipped the whiskey. Alcohol-free.
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 7 minutes mins
- 3/4 cup water just off the boil
- 2 chamomile tea bags or 2 tsp dried chamomile flowers; check the box says 100% chamomile
- 1/2 cup apple cider non-alcoholic; regular apple juice works too
- 2 tsp honey or maple syrup; add more to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick plus 1 more for garnish if you like
- 1 lemon wheel for garnish
- ground nutmeg a tiny pinch, optional
Pour the hot water over the chamomile tea bags in a mug. Cover the mug with a small plate and steep for 5 minutes, then squeeze and remove the bags.
While the tea steeps, warm the apple cider with the cinnamon stick in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it's steaming, about 3 to 4 minutes. Don't let it boil hard. (Microwave option: heat the cider in a mug for about 45 to 60 seconds.)
Pour the warm cider into the chamomile tea, along with the cinnamon stick.
Stir in the honey and lemon juice. Taste and add a little more honey if you like it sweeter.
Float a lemon wheel on top, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg if using, and sip while it's warm.
How to order it at a cafe, bar or soda shop: At a coffee shop, ask for "a chamomile tea with a splash of steamed apple juice, honey and lemon." If they don't have apple juice, chamomile with honey and lemon is still lovely. At a bar, ask for "a hot toddy with no whiskey: hot water, lemon, honey and a cinnamon stick, and chamomile tea if you have it." Caffeine-free swap tip: if a cafe is pushing a chai or a latte, ask for a steamer instead (steamed milk with a syrup, no espresso).
Allergens: no dairy, nuts or gluten in the recipe as written. Chamomile is in the daisy family, so skip it if you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. Don't give honey to babies under 1 year old.
Make it iced: let the tea and cider cool, pour over ice and top with a splash of sparkling water.
Batch it: multiply by 4, keep it warm in a slow cooker on low, and let everyone ladle their own.