4 Easy Herbal Tea Recipes to Upgrade Your Favorites

Herbal tea is (almost) as old as water itself! Known for aromatic flavors and therapeutic properties, herbal teas are a staple in households around the globe. Whether you're looking for sleep support, digestive support, or just love the flavors, herbal teas have a lot to offer – and now we're sharing four super easy herbal tea recipes to level up your favorites at home.

Before we do that, though, let's clarify the details on what makes an herbal tea, the health properties, and some of the more popular varieties. Using a selection of our most popular herbal tea blends, we'll show you how you can whip up crowd-pleasing cafe-style recipes. New to herbal tea? We'll also include essential tips for brewing the perfect cup.

What is Herbal Tea?

Herbal tea is made by steeping fresh herbs or dried herbs, flowers, fruits, or spices in hot water. Most herbal teas have been used for centuries as healing remedies for uses like supporting the digestive system and reducing anxiety and stress. These herbal infusions are technically tisanes, but in North America we refer to this as herbal tea.

What is the Difference Between Black Tea, Green Tea, and Herbal Tea?

The main difference between herbal teas and traditional teas, like black tea and green tea, is their composition and preparation. Black and green tea (along with white tea, matcha, and oolong tea) are considered "true teas" because they are all made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the tea plant. 

The production process of green or black teas, such as oxidization and drying, determines whether the color will be darker or lighter. Black teas undergo more oxidization and drying, giving them a more robust look and flavor, while green tea undergoes less processing, retaining a light green color and delicate taste.

On the other hand, herbal teas are crafted from various botanical ingredients such as dried leaves, fresh herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices of other plants. 

Additionally, traditional "true teas" contain caffeine. In contrast, their herbal counterparts are naturally caffeine-free, making them a great choice for anyone looking for caffeine-free alternatives, or as an evening treat that won't mess with your sleep.

Check out health benefits of popular herbal teas and steeping tips after the recipes, but now, let's get into 4 cafe-worthy herbal tea recipes you can easily make at home.

Simple, Homemade Herbal Tea Recipes 

We've pulled 4 of our most popular herbal teas and created fun, easy cafe tea-inspired tea recipes for when you're looking for a little more.  

As with any of our premium-quality teas, we recommend about a tablespoon of loose leaf tea per one cup of hot water. Use hot but not boiling water in these tea recipes, as boiling water may scorch the leaves, flowers, and spices and leave you with a slightly bitter brew. 

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Recipe: Chamomile Lavender Infused Honey Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 4 tablespoons of Paradise, a best selling herbal blend with real lemon verbena leaves, chamomile, apple, sweet blackberry leaves, lavender, and rosehips
• 4 tablespoons to 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup of juice from freshly squeezed lemons
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Remove saucepan from heat and let cool 1-2 minutes, then add your Paradise leaves to the water. 
• Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
• After steeping, strain the infused tea into a large pitcher.
• Stir in honey while the liquid is warm, allowing it to dissolve completely.
• Let the infused mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
• Once chilled, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well.
• To serve your tea, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour your lemonade over the ice.
• For an elegant touch, garnish each glass with a fresh slice of lemon or lemon peel and a sprig of fresh lavender herb. Serve and enjoy!

Pro tip: Making this (and other iced teas) is even easier with the Iced Tea Pitcher With Infuser. 

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Recipe: Spiced Ginger Turmeric Golden Milk Latte

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tablespoons of A Good Root, a popular herbal blend with real ginger, licorice root, galangal, moringa, and turmeric
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to your preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of black pepper (optional)
• Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for garnish (optional)
• Ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• When it starts simmering, lower the heat; it shouldn't boil!
• Once the milk is simmering, add your A Good Root blend. 
• Steep for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• After steeping, strain the tea from the milk using a fine-mesh sieve or tea strainer, and return the infused milk to the saucepan.
• Add honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and some black pepper. Continue to heat the brew, stirring frequently, until it is hot and well combined.
• Once heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour into mugs.
• If you prefer a bit more creaminess, top the drink with a dollop of coconut or dairy whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Add a cinnamon stick for a garnish. Serve and enjoy!

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Recipe: Refreshing Sweet Hibiscus Rooibos Iced Tea Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 4 tablespoons of Sweet Hibiscus Rooibos, a summery blend of rooibos, hibiscus, apple pieces, carob, sweet blackberry leaves, and licorice root
• 4 tablespoons to 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then add  your Sweet Hibiscus Rooibos tea blend. 
• Steep for 5-7 minutes.
• Strain the infused water into a large pitcher.
• Stir in honey or agave syrup while the tea is still warm, allowing it to dissolve completely.
• Let the infused tea mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
• Once chilled, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher. 
• Mix well.
• Fill glasses with ice, then pour your iced tea.
• Garnish the glasses with fresh lemon slices or sprigs of fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
• Stir gently before serving, and enjoy!

Pro tip: Making this (and other iced teas) is even easier with the Iced Tea Pitcher With Infuser. 

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Recipe: Iced Berry, Rosehips, and Apple Tea Cooler Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 4 tablespoons Paradise herbal tea with real lemon verbena leaves, chamomile, apple, sweet blackberry leaves, and lavender
• 1/2 cup mixed berries 
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then add your Paradise blend.
• Steep for 5-7 minutes.
• After steeping, strain the infused tea into a large pitcher.
• Add mixed berries, orange slices, lemon slices, and honey or other sweetener to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
• Let the infusion cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
• Once chilled, fill a single-serving glass jar with ice cubes and pour the tea cooler over the ice.
• Garnish each glass jar with fresh mint leaves for a cooling touch.
• Stir gently before serving, and enjoy the fruity and floral notes of this iced berry, rosehip, and apple tea cooler on a hot day.

Pro tip: Making this (and other iced teas) is even easier with the Iced Tea Pitcher With Infuser. 

How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Herbal Tea

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Start with the fresh, high-quality real herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices of our tea blends for optimal flavor and health benefits.

• Proper Water Temperature: Different dried or fresh herbs require different water temperatures for steeping your brew. Follow recommended steeping instructions to prevent over-brewing or under-extracting flavors of specific herbs.

• Steeping Time: Steep herbs for the appropriate amount of time to extract their full flavor and medicinal properties. Over-steeping herbs can taste bitter, while under-steeping herbs may yield a weak brew.

• Straining: After steeping, strain the herbs to remove any solids or particles, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.

• Enjoy Mindfully: Take a moment as you savor the aroma and flavor of your herbs and appreciate the nourishing and relaxing benefits each drink provides to your body and mind.

Health Benefits of The Most Popular Herbal Teas

Making a cup of tea using herbs offers several health benefits, ranging from soothing digestive troubles to promoting relaxation and immune support.

It is worth noting that making tea from tea bags uses highly processed tea, resulting in a fine powder or dust that has lost most of its beneficial nutrients and flavor. Here at Firebelly Tea, we only use high-quality loose-leaf tea that hasn't been over-processed. This means you get a healthier and more flavorful beverage with each cup of Firebelly tea.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is perfect for relaxing! It is widely known for its calming properties, making it an ideal beverage to promote relaxation, help you fall asleep, and alleviate stress and anxiety. It also contains anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, aiding in soothing stomach discomfort and promoting healthy digestion.

Ginger Tea

Dried and fresh ginger is mainly known as a warm and spicy herb used for cooking, but ginger also makes a great cup of tea! Dried or fresh ginger has an invigorating flavor and potent medicinal properties. Ginger also contains a high level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds in ginger tea can help alleviate nausea, support digestion, and even boost the immune system. Dried or fresh, ginger is also a popular herb for combating cold and flu symptoms.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is derived from the Rooibos plant native to South Africa. It is prized for its smooth, earthy taste and contains numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, rooibos tea supports heart health, promotes skin health, and may help alleviate allergies and inflammation.

Lavender Tea

Many know the bright purple herb lavender as a prized ingredient in essential oils. The floral aroma of this herb has calming effects on the mind and body. Drinking lavender tea offers the same benefits to the mind, body, and emotions as essential oils do. Lavender contains stress-relieving properties, promotes relaxation, and can help you easily fall asleep. Lavender tea also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting overall health and well-being.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is made from dried hibiscus flower petals. It is a tart, fruity drink with a vibrant crimson hue. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, drinking hibiscus tea supports heart health, lowers blood pressure, may aid in weight management, and provides hydration throughout the day.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is cherished for its fresh mint flavor and invigorating aroma. Hailing from the mint herb family of plants, peppermint has a long history of aiding digestion. Mint can help relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion. Mint tea also has soothing properties that help alleviate headaches, nausea, and respiratory congestion.

Conclusion

Including herbal teas in your daily routine can elevate your wellness journey and provide a delightful sensory experience. Whether you're seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply a flavorful drink, the world of herbal tea offers endless possibilities. 

You can unleash your inner tea chef with the knowledge of some of the herbs we use in our tea blends, their potential health benefits, and a few simple tea recipes. Firebelly's herbal tea blends are already tasty on their own, but with a bit of creativity and a few added ingredients, you can create exciting tea recipes to enjoy all year long. Take a look at these amazing herbal tea blends from Firebelly so you can start your creative beverage journey today.