What is Lavender Tea and How to Make it Hot or Cold

Learn all about this amazing herbal lavender tea, what it is and how to make it hot or cold brewed. Find the best tips to make the perfect cup!

What is Lavender?

Lavender is a small shrub containing beautiful purple flowers. It is part of the mint family. Lavender has over 400 hundred varieties with the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) said to be the best for tea, although all lavender is technically edible. A word of caution is to only consume culinary-grade organic lavender. Lavender purchased from a craft supply store or home goods might contain chemicals that are not suited for eating.

One of the most common uses of lavender is to make tea.

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

What is Lavender Tea?

Lavender is an herbal tea that is made by steeping dried or fresh lavender in hot water. The tea solids are then strained out and the liquid left is poured into a cup and enjoyed.

Lavender tea can be made with either tea bags or as loose leaves. I prefer loose leaves as the flavor and quality tend to be higher.

Lavender is not a true tea as only plants coming from the Camellia sinensis plant, but rather a tisane. Tisane encompasses all herbal teas. Lavender tea does not contain caffeine. 

Lavender Tea Benefits

• Lavender is such a versatile plant. It has a wonderful calming aroma as well as many uses.
• Lavender is often used in cooking and baking as it has great flavor. 
• Studies suggest lavender also contains many health benefits.
  1. May promote better sleep
  2. Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
  3. Help relieve nausea.

What Does Lavender Tea Taste Like?

Lavender tea is light and fresh, with strong floral flavors and a light minty undertone.

Lavender has a rather neutral taste that can lend itself well to sweet or savory dishes.

What is Lavender Tea Good For?

Lavender tea is good for drinking. Since lavender tea is caffeine-free it can be enjoyed at any point in the day without fear of being kept awake or getting the jitters. Enjoy a cup in the morning, afternoon, or evening. 

Lavender tea is also delicious when made into milk tea. This lavender milk tea is my favorite recipe and I enjoy a cup almost every day! (If not more.)

Fresh Lavender Tea

Fresh lavender can be used in making tea. One way to be sure your lavender is organic and chemical-free is by growing your own. See here for 7 tips for growing lavender in planters! Also, be sure you are using the optimal variety of lavender for making tea.

Ingredients in Lavender Tea

• Dried Lavender – Use a high-quality organic culinary lavender. 
• Water – Use fresh filtered water. Did you know water quality and temperature play an important role in tea? Freshly drawn water contains more oxygen and that is what helps to draw out the amazing aroma of tea and bring out the best flavor. 

How to Make Lavender Tea

Making lavender tea is fairly simple and follows most of the basic guidelines for preparing herbal tea.

• Boil Water – bring water to a boil either on the stovetop or using an electric kettle. (Set to 212°)
• Prepare Teapot  – add some warm water to your teapot and swish around to warm it up. Discard water.
• Measure Lavender – add lavender directly into the teapot or use a tea infuser, and pour water over the tea.
• Steep – steep tea covered for 5 minutes.
• Strain Out Tea – after straining out tea solids, pour into a tea cup and enjoy!

Cold Brew Lavender Iced Tea

To make cold brew lavender iced tea, 

1. Add 4 cups of water to your pitcher. 
2. Measure in 4 teaspoons of lavender tea.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
4. Strain out tea solids.
5. Enjoy! 

Tip: Make tea using a tea ball infuser or in a French press to make straining out tea solids easier!

Recipe Notes

• Sweeten the tea with a bit of honey or lavender simple syrup.
• When making hot tea use the correct temperature for herbal tea which is 212°. For more tips see: how to make loose leaf tea.
• Using too much lavender will make your tea bitter. If you would like a stronger tea, allow the tea to steep longer. (this is not usually a good practice for tea, but with this one, it is OK to steep longer than the recommended time.)
• Try making your own tea blend. Lavender and chamomile are a classic combination as well as lavender and mint.
• Use good water! Great water makes great tea!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Lavender Tea caffeine-free? Yes, it is an herbal tea and is caffeine-free.
• Is lavender safe to ingest? In general, it is safe to drink.
• Can I use fresh lavender tea? Yes, see heading for fresh lavender tea.
• Is lavender tea good for you? There are several studies that suggest many health benefits for lavender tea. See more here.
• What teas pair with lavender? Chamomile lavender tea is a classic herbal tea combination as well as lavender and mint.
• Lavender Milk Tea – Adding milk and sweetener to lavender is another way to enjoy this tea. Try my lavender milk tea recipe.

More Herbal Tea Recipes

• Rosehip Tea
• Mint Tea
• Turmeric Tea
• Lemon Tea
• Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
• Bay Leaf Tea

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below!