We may earn income from links in this post. Please read this Disclosure for details.
This Chamomile Whiskey Cocktail is a refreshing blend of chilled chamomile tea, honey, lemon, rye whiskey and honey bourbon.
It’s delightfully crisp and herbaceous, which makes it the perfect not-too-sweet drink for spring through fall. Serve it with a light meal, on a sunny patio or as an after-dinner drink.
Why This Chamomile Whiskey Cocktail Recipe Works
- Chamomile tea is earthy, herbaceous and flowery which makes this drink perfect for spring through late summer.
- Chamomile drinks are made with all-natural flower blossoms which are a healthy alternative to sweetened soda pop. Soda drinks and other mixers can contain chemicals as well as high fructose syrup, aspartame, caffeine, artificial colouring, phosphoric acid and other ingredients.
- The honey simple syrup adds a sweetness that pairs nicely with the flavours of the herbal tea.
- A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the whole cocktail and adds a refreshing note.
- Rye whiskey has undertones of spice and smoky peat which adds deep undertones to the drink and pulls all the flavours together.
Go Fresh and Local with a Chamomile Cocktail
Chamomile has a history that dates back to the Neolithic era. It’s long been treasured for its soothing properties. Its flower extracts and oil are used in medicinal tinctures and aromatherapy throughout the world.
While chamomile flowers are most often enjoyed as a soothing hot tisane or even as an iced chamomile tea, its delicate earthy taste also works beautifully in cocktails.
Ever wondered what kind of alcohol goes with chamomile? It pairs exceptionally well with whiskies and bourbons, gin and vodka.
This particular cocktail is inspired by the whiskey and honey-infused Chamomile Bee Cocktail at the Millcroft Inn and Spa in Alton, Ontario.
In 2018, the historic property partnered with Toronto Bee Rescue and Ontario Honey Creations and installed 24 bee hives on their property.
They now craft several culinary creations from their own hives, including a selection of honey-infused cocktails. While the Millcroft Inn cocktail features Grand Marnier and Triple Sec liqueurs, I made a few adjustments to make it my own and a bit more locally-inspired.
Chamomile Tea Cocktail Ingredients
Rye Whiskey: This type of whiskey is peppery and spicy. It lends a wonderful note to this cocktail. Crown Royal, Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye and Forty Creek Barrel Select Canadian Whisky are our favourite rye whiskies to use in this cocktail.
Honey Bourbon: Honey bourbon is a blend of honey liqueur and Kentucky bourbon whiskey. Its mellow sweetness complements the spiciness of the rye whiskey and provides a smoothness to the drink. We love honey bourbon in Bourbon Hot Toddies for this same reason.
Jim Beam and Wild Turkey are the best known producers of honey bourbon.
Fresh Lemon: The fresh lemon juice and slice of lemon as garnish add bright, fresh citrus overtones.
Honey Simple Syrup:This sweet concoction of honey and water is simmered until it forms a syrup. It provides a splash of sweetness that counters the lemon juice and whiskey beautifully.
Clover, wildflower or dandelion honey are the best types of local honey to use in a chamomile cocktail. Buckwheat honey is wonderful (and nutritious) but its intense molasses and malty flavour can easily overwhelm the delicate taste of chamomile. It can also alter the colour of the cocktail.
Chamomile Tea: A blend of dried chamomile flowers and water is steeped and then chilled. The taste of chamomile tea made from scratch has an intense herbaceous flavour with a faint aroma of fresh apples.
Rosemary: Using a sprig of fresh rosemary as a garnish adds an intense woodsy and evergreen flavour and aroma. It also looks beautiful!
Whisky vs Whiskey? One of the unique facts about whisky is that it can be spelled in different ways. Why are there two spellings of whisky? Both are correct!
- American spelling is whiskey
- Canadian spelling is whisky
- Scottish spelling is whisky
- UK spelling is whisky
- Irish spelling is whiskey
Step by Step Instructions
Please scroll down to the recipe card for the exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Honey Simple Syrup
1. Add honey and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Heat and stir until the honey is dissolved.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Pour into a glass, heatproof jar, and allow to cool. Honey syrup will keep, refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Chamomile Tea
1. If you’re using fresh chamomile, remove the heads of the flowers from the stalk.
2. Bring filtered water to a boil, reduce to a simmer then remove it from the heat. Once the boiling has completely stopped and is at 100C, pour it over the dried or fresh chamomile flowers (or tea bags if you’re using).
3. Allow it to steep for three minutes.
4. Strain into a glass, heatproof container and allow it to cool.
Making the Chamomile Cocktail
1. Pour the whiskey into a drink shaker with ice.
2. Squeeze in the lemon juice.
3. Add the chilled chamomile tea.
4. Pour in the honey syrup.
5. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Crush the rosemary slightly between your fingers when adding it to release extra aroma and flavour.
Serving Chamomile Drinks
- Serve this chamomile cocktail immediately in a double old-fashioned glass.
- Double (and or even triple) this recipe and serve it in a pitcher.
- To make it in advance, prepare the honey syrup and tea separately. Store in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
- The fresh rosemary sprigs can be washed and stored wrapped in paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to be used.
How to Pair a Chamomile Cocktail with Food
This light and refreshing cocktail pairs well with creamy and rich foods, dishes with fresh herbs and grilled foods. It’s also does well with a charcuterie board of olives, sliced meats and nuts.
I enjoy serving this chamomile cocktail with a variety of dishes, from casual pizza to fancy lobster fettuccine. Check out some recipes below:
Perfect 15 Minute Halibut with Peach Salsa
Beer Pizza Dough with Brie, Basil, and Proscuitto
Lobster Fettuccine in Herbed Cream Sauce
Variations of Chamomile Cocktails
You can mix things things up by trying some variations on this cocktail recipe.
- Leave out the Jim Beam and add more honey.
- Substitute xtabentun, the Mexican honey liqueur, for the honey bourbon.
- Add some dried lavender leaves to the chamomile flowers when steeping. It will boost the floral flavour of the drink which would be nice for Mother’s Day or a brunch.
- Use peach tea or fresh mint tea in place of the chamomile tea.
- Pour in a splash of ginger beer for flavour and slight carbonation.
- Add angostura or walnut bitters.
FAQs
Can I serve this drink hot?
Yes, you can serve this drink hot. Try adding some star anise or cloves for additional spice.
Can I use bourbon rather than rye whisky in chamomile whiskey cocktails?
Yes, bourbon will taste a bit stronger and less sweet than rye whisky. You’ll taste notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
Which brand of rye whisky should I use?
Each brand will create a slightly different taste. While I like Crown Royal, Wisers and Forty Creek, you can also try a Scotch whisky. It would add a distinctive smoky flavour to the cocktail because the grain (usually barley) is malted and heated over a peat fire.
A whisky produced around the Inverness area (such as Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky) of Scotland would be a good choice to use in a chamomile cocktail as they’re usually light, smooth and fruity.
An intense, full-bodied whiskey such as Connemara Peated Irish Whiskey would likely be a bit too overpowering for this chamomile cocktail.
Other Refreshing Drink Recipes To Try
- Sparkling Bourbon Peach Punch
- Ice Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea
- Sparkling Watermelon Mint Vodka Cocktail
- Venetian Blush – Campari and Orange Cocktail
Honey Chamomile Whiskey Cocktail
Equipment
- high ball glass
- drink shaker
- two small pots
Ingredients
Honey Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey alfalfa or clover rather than buckwheat
- 1/2 cup water filtered
Chamomile Tea
- 3 cups water filtered
- 1/2 cup chamomile flowers loose dried (or tea bags)
Cocktail
- 1 ounce rye whiskey Wisers, Forty Creek, or Crown Royal
- 1 ounce honey bourbon Jim Beam
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 1/4 cup chamomile tea chilled
- 1 ounce honey simple syrup
Garnishes
- 1 sprig rosemary fresh
- 1 slice lemon
Instructions
Honey Simple Syrup
- Add honey and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat and stir until the honey is dissolved.
- Remove from the heat.
- Pour into a glass or heat-proof jar and allow it to cool. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Chamomile Tea
- Bring filtered water to a boil, reduce to a simmer then remove it from the heat. Once the boiling has completely stopped and is at 100C, pour it over the dried or fresh chamomile flowers.
- Allow it to steep for three minutes.
- Strain into a glass or heat-proof jar and allow it to cool.
Make the Cocktail
- Pour the whiskey into a drink shaker filled with ice.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice.
- Add the chilled chamomile tea.
- Pour in the honey syrup.
- Shake.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with the rosemary sprig and lemon slice.
Notes
- Serve this chamomile cocktail immediately in an old-fashioned glass.
- Double (and or even triple) this recipe and serve it in a pitcher.
- To make it in advance, prepare the honey syrup and tea separately. Store in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
- The rosemary sprigs can be washed and stored wrapped in paper towel in the refrigerator until ready to be used.
Nutrition
Save to Pinterest!
Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.
Read more about Michele Peterson.
15 Bucket List Things to Do in the British Virgin Islands
nancy
i love chamomile – it is so soothing and this cocktail is perfect
Michele Peterson
I’m glad you enjoyed it Nancy!
Ash B
I loved the touch of honey syrup! I added another layer of flavor to it. A super fun recipe to try.
Maya
Delicious cocktail! Particularly love the chamomile.