This Chamomile Lemon Soda recipe is inspired by my favorite sipper at a Cambridge, Massachusetts cafe. I drink it down on the regular and wanted to find a method to make it at home, especially as the weather finally blips above freezing in these parts.

And gosh, I love chamomile so very hard. It was my mother’s favorite tea, something she drank to sleep most nights. I picked the habit up and just haven’t stopped; the easy flavor calms my nerves throughout the day. (It especially helped during my busy, crowded days in New York City recently.)

In fact, since I gave up caffeine for good, I drink anything-chamomile, including this Chamomile Lemon Soda, any time of day.  It’s been said to ease anxiety, relieve stress, soothe an upset stomach, and reduce acne and aging. I’m not quite sure about all of that, but it has most definitely helped reduce my stress levels. I even drink it in the morning, to zen me out as I start the day.

My Chamomile Lemon Soda is both soothing and energizing. All that lemon zings it up considerably! Just steep the tea and chill it. Then, add lemon juice, maple syrup, and bubbly water, and there you go.

I drink less and less booze these days but as the weather warms, I may add a drop of light rum to this Chamomile Lemon Soda for a cocktail hour refresher. If you do give this soda a try, I’d love to know what you think. Cheers!