Chamomile syrup is a sweet, herbal liquid made by infusing chamomile flowers in simple syrup. It has a light, floral flavor with subtle hints of apple and honey. Chamomile syrup can be enjoyed on its own, added to tea or cocktails, or used in baking.
What is chamomile syrup?
Chamomile syrup is made by steeping dried chamomile flowers in hot simple syrup, which is just equal parts sugar and water boiled together. The flowers infuse the syrup with their distinctive flavor and aroma.
There are a few key points about chamomile syrup:
Made with chamomile flowers
The main ingredient is dried chamomile flowers, usually from the German chamomile plant. This variety is known for its sweet, apple-like taste. Between 1-2 tablespoons of dried flowers are used per cup of syrup.
Infused in simple syrup
The flowers are steeped in hot simple syrup, made from equal parts sugar and water. The syrup acts as a sweet base that draws out the flavors from the chamomile.
Light, golden color
Good chamomile syrup has a light golden hue from the natural color of the flowers. Dark brown syrup may be overcooked.
Subtle floral flavor
When done right, chamomile syrup has delicate floral notes with hints of honey and apple. The flavor is not overpowering.
Soothing aroma
In addition to its taste, chamomile syrup smells lightly sweet and floral. The aroma is reminiscent of the chamomile tea.
How is chamomile syrup made?
Making chamomile syrup at home is simple. Here is an overview of the basic steps:
Make simple syrup
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
Steep chamomile flowers
Add between 1-2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers per cup of simple syrup. Pour the hot syrup over the flowers and let steep for 30-60 minutes.
Strain out flowers
Pour the chamomile syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the flowers. Press on solids to extract more liquid.
Bottle and store
Transfer the finished syrup to an airtight glass bottle or jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Use and enjoy!
Drizzle over pancakes, add to tea or cocktails, use in baked goods, and more. The options are endless!
What does chamomile syrup taste like?
So what is that delicate, floral flavor of chamomile syrup actually like? Here’s a more in-depth look at the taste:
Sweetness
The simple syrup base gives chamomile syrup a moderately sweet taste. It’s not as sugary as maple syrup, but sweeter than honey. The sweetness balances the subtle floral notes.
Floral notes
The most identifiable flavor is a delicate, perfume-like floral quality. Picture the floral aroma of chamomile tea transformed into taste. It’s subtle and hard to pinpoint.
Apple and honey
Underneath the florals, you might detect faint apple and honey notes. These complement the flower flavors nicely.
Herbal and vegetal
In some recipes, grassy, dried plant flavors emerge, similar to herb tea. It’s a light, earthy undertone.
Mildly bitter
Chamomile contains natural bitter compounds that give it a slight bitterness, like the taste of pressed flowers. But this is barely discernible.
Cooling finish
The finish has a clean, delicate bitterness reminiscent of cucumber or melon rind. This leaves a cooling sensation on the tongue.
How to best describe the taste
Chamomile syrup taste is difficult to describe because it’s so light and complex. Here are some of the best descriptions:
Floral honey
Imagine infusing honey with potpourri – it has those fragrant, flowery notes.
Sweet apple tea
It’s like freshly brewed chamomile tea with a touch of apple juice and honey stirred in.
Sugar-kissed flowers
The flavor evokes images of plunge-diving into a pool of rose petals and lilies with sugar along the edges.
Apple blossom nectar
Close your eyes, and you’re sipping the nectar from apple blossoms in spring. Sweetness with a perfume-like quality.
Lemon chamomile cocktail
There’s a resemblance to a chilled lemon and chamomile iced tea, served as a sweet cocktail.
What dishes pair well with chamomile syrup?
The delicate flavor and aroma of chamomile syrup complements both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of the best pairings:
Porridge and oatmeal
Drizzle over oatmeal, cream of wheat, or rice porridge for a floral morning treat.
Yogurt and fruit bowls
Mix into plain yogurt or use as a topping for fresh fruit and yogurt bowls.
Tea and coffee
Add a spoonful to a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a soothing, caffeinated drink.
Cocktails
Stir into cocktails like lemonade, chamomile gin and tonic, or martinis for a sweetener.
Salads
Whisk into the dressing for fruit, green, chicken, and grain salads.
Fish and chicken
Brush on salmon, chicken, and other proteins for a caramelized, floral glaze.
Pancakes and waffles
Serve atop breakfast pancakes, waffles, crepes, and biscuits for a satisfying sweet kick.
Desserts
Incorporate into panna cotta, puddings, ice cream, fruit crisps and pies for depth of flavor.
Substitutes and alternatives
If you don’t have chamomile syrup, there are a few suitable flavor substitutions:
| Substitute | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Honey | Replace in a 1:1 ratio, adds sweetness |
| Maple syrup | Use about 3/4 the amount, for pancakes |
| Simple syrup | Reduces floral notes, mostly sweetness |
| Flower syrups | Like elderflower, rose, or lavender syrup |
| Extracts | Almond, vanilla, orange, lemon, or mint |
While nothing can truly replicate the exact delicate floral aroma of chamomile, combinations of the above help approximate the right degree of sweetness, fruitiness, and perfume.
Homemade chamomile tea
For a close match, steep 2 chamomile tea bags in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes. Remove tea bags and use the concentrated tea. It won’t be as thick or sweet, but provides authentic floral flavors that you can add honey or sugar to taste.
Nutrition facts of chamomile syrup
The nutrition profile of homemade chamomile syrup is based on the simple syrup, which is its main component. Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 tablespoon serving:
Calories: 52
Nearly all the calories come from the sugar used to make the simple syrup base.
Carbs: 13g
Also mostly derived from the added sugar. There are minimal carbs from the chamomile flowers.
Sugar: 12g
Simple syrup is a 1:1 mix of sugar and water, so chamomile syrup has nearly as much sugar as a comparable serving of plain white sugar.
Added sugars: 12g
The syrup is almost entirely added sugars from the sugar and chamomile infusion process. No naturally occurring sugars.
Sodium: 0mg
There is no sodium added during preparation.
Fat and protein: 0g
Chamomile syrup contains no significant amounts of fat or protein.
So in summary, chamomile syrup is high in sugar and carbs as expected, with no substantial fat, protein or micronutrients. Consume in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Chamomile syrup storage
Properly stored chamomile syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to make batches to have on hand. Follow these tips:
Use sterilized bottles
Pour the finished syrup into sterilized glass bottles or jars while still hot to prevent contamination.
Cool completely
Allow bottles to come to room temperature before tightening lids and storing.
Refrigerate
Keep chamomile syrup refrigerated at all times for preservation.
Use within 2 weeks
Consume the syrup within 10-14 days for best flavor and to prevent mold growth.
Check for off smells/tastes
Discard if syrup smells odd or tastes unpleasant, as it may have spoiled.
No canning needed
The syrup’s high sugar content allows it to keep in the fridge without canning.
Follow those tips, and your homemade chamomile syrup will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks!
Troubleshooting chamomile syrup
Chamomile syrup seems simple to make, but here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
Issue: Syrup is too thin
– Boil the simple syrup longer to reduce to proper thickness. Or add more sugar.
Issue: Syrup is too thick
– Thin out the finished syrup with small amounts of boiling water.
Issue: Not enough floral flavor
– Use more chamomile flowers next time, up to 2 tablespoons per cup of syrup.
Issue: Syrup is too bitter
– Steep the flowers for shorter time, 20-30 minutes only. Or use fewer flowers.
Issue: Syrup ferments or molds
– Ensure bottles are fully sterilized. Refrigerate immediately and use within 2 weeks.
Issue: Syrup crystallizes
– Crystals form if syrup is overheated. Make a new batch using lower heat.
With some adjustments to ingredients and process, you can troubleshoot any issues that arise with chamomile syrup.
Enjoying chamomile syrup
Now that you know all about this floral sweet syrup, it’s time to start enjoying it! Here are 7 delicious ways to use chamomile syrup:
1. Sweeten tea
Give your tea a refreshing floral twist by stirring in a spoonful of chamomile syrup. It pairs particularly nicely with green, white, and rooibos teas.
2. Make syrup sodas
Combine 1 part chamomile syrup with 3-4 parts soda water or seltzer. Add ice and a lemon wedge for a light, homemade Italian soda.
3. Bake it into goods
Incorporate chamomile syrup into cookies, scones, cakes, muffins, and breads for subtle floral sweetness.
4. Whip up chamomile lattes
Heat milk, espresso, and chamomile syrup together, top with foamed milk for a comforting, caffeine-laced floral drink.
5. Create salad dressings
Whisk together chamomile syrup, herbs, mustard, vinegar or citrus to make a unique vinaigrette for leafy, grain, or fruit salads.
6. Grill or roast with it
Brush chamomile syrup on vegetables, fish, chicken or pork before roasting or grilling for caramelized sweetness.
7. Craft chamomile cocktails
Shake or stir chamomile syrup into lemonade, gin and tonics, vodka drinks, margaritas and martinis for an aromatic twist.
The uses for this versatile floral syrup are endless. Get creative with recipes, and enjoy the delicate sweetness of chamomile!
Conclusion
Chamomile syrup is a wonderfully unique ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory foods and drinks. Its light floral taste brings a delicate perfume-like aroma reminiscent of apple blossoms and honey. A touch of bitterness and vegetal notes provide depth and complexity. While tricky to describe, the overall flavor is subtle, cooling, and not overpowering.
Chamomile’s gentle flavors pair well with yogurt, fruit, chicken, salad greens, and can beautifully enhance teas, coffees, cocktails and baked goods. A little goes a long way, and homemade chamomile syrup can be enjoyed in many dishes. With its soothing floral aroma and natural sweetness, this syrup is worth trying for a peaceful, comforting ingredient to add to your routines.