This calming mugwort latte recipe is a cozy bedtime drink made with brewed mugwort tea, milk, and a touch of cardamom. Earthy, slightly bitter, subtly sweet, and softly creamy, it’s more of a quiet evening ritual than an everyday latte. Mugwort has a long history of use before sleep and is often associated with vivid or lucid dreams, making this a nice option for winding down at night.
When I first made this latte, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I do! The flavor is earthy and grounding in a quiet, comforting way, and it’s something I now reach for when I want to slow down in the evening. Mugwort has long been associated with vivid and lucid dreaming, which is part of what makes this drink especially appealing before bed!
Ingredient Notes
Dried Mugwort: Acts as the heart of the latte, giving it its herbal and slightly bitter flavor. Dried mugwort is renowned for its relaxing and calming properties, as well as its ability to promote vivid dreams.
Hot Water: Used to steep the dried herbs to extract their flavor and beneficial properties.
Choice of Milk: Provides creaminess and comfort to the mugwort base, along with mellowing out the bitter edges of the mugwort. You can use dairy or plant-based milk such as oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for this recipe.
Maple Syrup: Gives a touch of sweetness to soften the mugwort’s earthy taste. You can use honey if you’re not vegan.
Ground Cardamom: Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the drink.
How To Make A Mugwort Latte
- Add the dried mugwort to a tea infuser, cover with hot water, and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and discard the herbs.
- Warm the milk gently on the stove or in a frother until heated through. Froth if desired.
- Pour the brewed mugwort tea into a mug, then stir in the warm milk, sweetener, and cardamom.
- Sip slowly and enjoy as part of a relaxing evening routine!
Kristen's Top Tips
- Purchase and use culinary or food-safe mugwort when preparing mugwort tea.
- For the best flavor and potency, try sourcing dried mugwort from organic tea farms or trusted herbal suppliers.
- Mugwort powder is a good alternative for those who prefer a strain-free version of this drink. Add hot water or warm milk, and as the powder dissolves, you'll enjoy a more concentrated herbal flavor more quickly.
- Avoid using boiling water to steep the dried mugwort leaves, as this can make the tea taste bitter.
- Cinnamon also complements mugwort’s woodsy taste.
- For added richness, consider adding heavy cream or coconut cream as one of the ingredients.
- Add a pinch of barley sprout powder for an extra layer of earthy, grassy flavor.
- It’s best to sip this latte a few times a week, not daily, especially if you’re new to using this dried herb. It’s potent, so it’s best to use it in moderation.
- Remember not to use mugwort if you’re allergic to ragweed or you’re pregnant/breastfeeding.
- If you’re drinking this latte to induce vivid dreaming, try sipping it 30-60 minutes before sleeping.
Storing Mugwort Tea Latte
It’s best to drink the latte after making it. However, if you’ve leftovers, pour them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within 24 hours.
Reheat the latte on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts. Avoid boiling it to keep the mugwort latte from becoming bitter.
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Mugwort Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried mugwort
- ¾ cup hot water just below boiling
- ½ cup milk of choice dairy or plant-based
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey if not vegan
- pinch ground cardamom approximately 1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
- Place the dried mugwort in a tea strainer or infuser. Pour hot water over and steep for 5–7 minutes. Remove the herbs and discard.
- In a small saucepan or milk frother, gently heat the milk until warm (but not boiling). Froth if you’d like it foamy.
- Pour the mugwort tea into a mug. Stir in the warm milk, sweetener and cardamom.
- Best enjoyed slowly, as a calming ritual. Enjoy!
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