Chamomile Champagne

Name: Chamomile Champagne
Prep time: 15 min
Yield: 5 cups (about 10 servings)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Work Chamomile is a gentle nervine used for thousands of years to help calm the mind and promote relaxation. It contains apigenin, a compound that binds to GABA receptors in the brain, helping reduce anxiety and promote calmness. The effervescence from carbonation enhances the floral, honey-like notes of chamomile while creating a champagne-like drinking experience. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use chamomile tea bags instead of loose buds?Yes, use 3–4 tea bags in place of the loose buds. Steep for the same amount of time, then remove the bags before straining. Why does this recipe use a carbonation machine?Most soda siphons and SodaStreams are designed for water-only carbonation and will foam out or void warranties when used with tea or infused liquids. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is specifically designed to carbonate tea, juice, and cocktails, and includes a slow-release valve that prevents blowouts. If you don’t have a compatible carbonation machine, see the no-machine alternative below. Can I make this without citric acid?You can substitute with juice from ½ lemon, but you’ll lose some of the crispness and clarity that citric acid provides. The citric acid also helps preserve the bright, champagne-like character of the drink. What if I don’t have a carbonation machine?Make a more concentrated version using half the water (2½ cups). Chill completely, then mix ½ tea concentrate with ½ cold club soda in each glass when serving. Important Considerations; Allergies & medications: Chamomile may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re on medication or have known allergies.; Pregnant or nursing: Avoid chamomile without medical guidance.

Sparkling non-alcoholic champagne alternative made with chamomile

They say chamomile is like the champagne of relaxation herbs— so why not just make it into a "champagne"? Of course, not the real stuff from France— but a crisp, effervescent alternative, infused with fresh ginger, cardamom, star anise, and a hint of citrus. This bubbly is perfect for celebrations or a relaxing evening toast.

Yield: 5 cups (about 10 servings)

Prep: 25 min + chilling time

Best for: Celebrations, evening relaxation

Ingredients

Brew:

5 cups water
3 tbsp chamomile buds
Peel from 1 lemon (avoid white pith)
8 thin slices fresh ginger
5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 star anise
10 black peppercorns

Finish:

2 tsp agave syrup
Small pinch of sea salt
¼ tsp citric acid

Want it sweeter? This version is intentionally dry/brut. If you normally prefer sweeter sparkling wines, simply increase agave.

Preparation

Simmer the spices. Bring water to a boil with ginger, cardamom, star anise, peppercorns, and lemon peel. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Steep the chamomile. Remove from heat, add chamomile buds, cover with lid, and steep for 5 minutes.
Sweeten and acidify. While still warm, stir in agave, salt, and citric acid until fully dissolved.
Fine strain. Strain through a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer so no particles remain. Clarity is important for carbonation.
Chill completely. Refrigerate until cold. Cold liquid carbonates better and holds bubbles longer.
Carbonate carefully. Using a carbonated drink maker, fizz in short bursts. Slow-vent in tiny releases—pause if foam rises to prevent overflow.
Chill in bottle. Keep sealed in the carbonation bottle until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Classic Pour: Serve chilled in champagne flutes with a lemon twist
Festive Presentation: Transfer to a flip-top glass bottle right before serving

Storage

Carbonated: Best consumed within 12 hours. After that, carbonation weakens.
Presentation tip: Keep in the sealed carbonation bottle until just before serving to maintain maximum fizz.

Why These Ingredients Work

Chamomile is a gentle nervine used for thousands of years to help calm the mind and promote relaxation. It contains apigenin, a compound that binds to GABA receptors in the brain, helping reduce anxiety and promote calmness. The effervescence from carbonation enhances the floral, honey-like notes of chamomile while creating a champagne-like drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chamomile tea bags instead of loose buds?
Yes, use 3–4 tea bags in place of the loose buds. Steep for the same amount of time, then remove the bags before straining.

Why does this recipe use a carbonation machine?
Most soda siphons and SodaStreams are designed for water-only carbonation and will foam out or void warranties when used with tea or infused liquids. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is specifically designed to carbonate tea, juice, and cocktails, and includes a slow-release valve that prevents blowouts. If you don’t have a compatible carbonation machine, see the no-machine alternative below.

Can I make this without citric acid?
You can substitute with juice from ½ lemon, but you’ll lose some of the crispness and clarity that citric acid provides. The citric acid also helps preserve the bright, champagne-like character of the drink.

What if I don’t have a carbonation machine?
Make a more concentrated version using half the water (2½ cups). Chill completely, then mix ½ tea concentrate with ½ cold club soda in each glass when serving.

Important Considerations

Allergies & medications: Chamomile may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re on medication or have known allergies.
Pregnant or nursing: Avoid chamomile without medical guidance.

Where to Buy

Chamomile buds: Available at bulk herb stores, natural food markets, or online from retailers like Mountain Rose Herbs. For a flavorful twist, we also love chamomile and lemongrass blends, like the one below from Culinary Teas.

Citric acid: Found in the canning section of most grocery stores or online.

Carbonation equipment: The Drinkmate OmniFizz is designed to carbonate more than just water, making it ideal for tea-based drinks like this one.