Name: Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pack Root + Spring Baby Chrysanthemum & Ginseng Herbal Tea Mix; OR; 2 cups dried baby chrysanthemum Ju Hua; 1/4 cup loosely packed goji berries Gou Ji Zi; 1/4 cup loosely packed licorice root Gan Cao; 2 tablespoons loosely packed American ginseng Xi Yang Shen; Optional 3 to 4 tablespoons rock sugar (or 1 pack Root + Spring yellow rock sugar)

Jump to Recipe

Welcome to a fragrant, calming escape in a teacup: this Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) is an ancient Chinese brew beloved for centuries, and for a very good reason. Delicate golden blooms, hints of ginseng and the gentle sweetness of goji berries swirl together for a soothing, nourishing cup that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to sip. If you’re craving a healthy, comforting beverage ritual that’s both effortless and elegant, you’re going to love making—and sharing—Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶).

Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) is how a small handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients can combine into something truly special. Each element brings its own flavor, fragrance, or wellness boost, and together, they transform simple water into a golden elixir.

Dried baby chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua): The star of the show, these lend the tea its signature floral aroma and lovely golden hue.
Goji berries (Gou Ji Zi): These tiny red gems add natural sweetness and a gentle tartness, plus a pop of color.
Licorice root (Gan Cao): It supplies subtle earthy depth and a mellow, lingering sweetness without being at all sugary.
American ginseng (Xi Yang Shen): This precious root introduces a cooling, bittersweet finish that’s restorative and balancing.
Rock sugar (optional): If you like a touch of sweetness, this classic ingredient melts right in for gentle, rounded flavor.
Water: Don’t underestimate the importance of using fresh, filtered water—it allows all the delicate nuances to shine.
Root + Spring Baby Chrysanthemum & Ginseng Herbal Tea Mix (optional): This convenient blend is perfect if you want a ready-made combination with beautiful balance.

How to Make Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶)

Step 1: Rinse Your Herbs

Start by giving all your herbs a gentle rinse under running water. Pop them in a colander and swish around lightly to remove any dust or tiny particles. This quick step ensures your Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) will taste fresh and pure, with nothing to compete with the lovely botanicals.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Transfer your rinsed herbs into a medium-size pot. Pour in ten cups of water, making sure everything is submerged. If you like a sweeter tea, now’s the time to add your rock sugar—just sprinkle it over the top before turning on the heat.

Step 3: Bring to a Simmer

Place your pot over medium-high heat so the water is brought up to a gentle simmer. As soon as those first soft bubbles appear, lower the heat to the smallest flame, cover with a lid, and let it stew undisturbed for a full hour. This slow, low simmer is key—it teases out all those mild, soothing flavors without boiling them away.

Step 4: Stir and Dissolve

When the hour is up, uncover your pot and give the tea a gentle stir. This helps the rock sugar (if you’ve used it) dissolve completely, ensuring every sip of your Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) is evenly flavored with just the right touch of sweetness.

Step 5: Strain the Tea

Set a large fine mesh strainer over a big heatproof bowl or another pot. Carefully pour your hot herbal brew through the strainer, catching and discarding all the solids. What you’re left with is a gorgeous clear tea, golden and aromatic, ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Serve Hot or Cold

Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) is wonderful served piping hot, especially on cool days. Or, let it cool to room temperature, pour over ice, and transform it into a super-refreshing iced tea that’s perfect for summer.

How to Serve Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶)

Garnishes

Garnishing adds an extra bit of magic to your tea. Try floating a few extra chrysanthemum petals or a couple of whole goji berries in each cup; not only does it look enchanting, but those final bits infuse even more fragrance as you sip.

Side Dishes

Pairing snacks with Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) elevates tea time into a cozy, nourishing ritual. Light, barely sweet tea cakes, toasted nuts, or simple steamed buns all complement the floral, gentle warmth of the tea without overpowering its flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is where you can really make your tea moment shine! Try serving in glass teacups so the golden color glows, or offer a “tea flight” with iced and hot versions side by side. A pretty tray with delicate Asian sweets or fruit turns everyday tea into something memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you have extra Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶), simply let it cool and transfer to an airtight glass jar or pitcher. It keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to a week, so you can always have some ready to refresh yourself throughout the day.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a big batch to enjoy later, freezing is a neat trick! Pour fully cooled tea into ice cube trays—herbal tea cubes are fantastic for chilling future glasses without watering them down, or for blending into smoothies. Just note that delicate floral flavors are freshest when enjoyed soon after brewing.

Reheating

To reheat Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶), gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat until just hot—avoid boiling, as it can dull those subtle herbal notes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave (covered) does the trick too; just stir well before enjoying.

FAQs

Is Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) caffeine free?

Yes! One of the delights of this tea is that it’s naturally caffeine free, so you can sip it any time of day—morning, afternoon, or even just before bed.

Can I use just chrysanthemum flowers, or do I need all the other herbs?

Absolutely, you can brew a simpler version with just chrysanthemum flowers and hot water for a pure floral tea. But for the full wellness effect and layered flavor, adding goji berries, licorice root, and ginseng is traditional and highly recommended.

What type of chrysanthemum is best for this tea?

Baby chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua) are delicate and subtly sweet, making them a top choice for Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶). Look for whole, bright blossoms—your local Asian market or specialty tea shop will often have beautiful selections.

How sweet is the tea supposed to be?

Sweetness is completely up to you! Traditional recipes use rock sugar for a gentle sweet edge, but you can skip it entirely for a more pure herbal taste, or add more if you like your drinks on the dessert-y side.

Is it safe for kids and people sensitive to herbs?

Generally, this tea is very gentle, but as with any herbal beverage, it’s wise to start with a small cup if you’re new to it or have allergies. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have medical concerns, check with your doctor before introducing new herbs.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) into your kitchen is like inviting a bit of tranquility into your busy day. Whether you want a restorative break or a beautiful drink to share with friends, this timeless tea is sure to delight. Give it a try—I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every soothing sip!

Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the refreshing taste of Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea, a traditional Chinese beverage infused with a blend of aromatic herbs. This recipe yields a flavorful and soothing tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pack Root + Spring Baby Chrysanthemum & Ginseng Herbal Tea Mix
OR
2 cups dried baby chrysanthemum Ju Hua
1/4 cup loosely packed goji berries Gou Ji Zi
1/4 cup loosely packed licorice root Gan Cao
2 tablespoons loosely packed American ginseng Xi Yang Shen
Optional 3 to 4 tablespoons rock sugar (or 1 pack Root + Spring yellow rock sugar)

Instructions

Rinse Herbs: Place all the herbs in a colander and rinse under running water.
Add Water: Transfer the rinsed herbs to a medium-size pot and add 10 cups of water.
Add Sweetener (Optional): If desired, add the rock sugar for sweetness.
Simmer: Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the water simmers. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for an hour without uncovering.
Finish Tea: After simmering, stir to dissolve any rock sugar.
Strain: Place a strainer over a bowl, strain the tea, and discard solids.
Serve: Enjoy the tea hot or cold with ice cubes.
Store: Store any leftover tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.