Can I Put Milk in Mugwort Tea? Exploring Mugwort Lattes

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Mugwort has been a cherished herb in traditional medicine for centuries, known for its distinct earthy and slightly bitter flavor. While often enjoyed as a pure herbal infusion, many people wonder: can I put milk in mugwort tea to create a smoother, more palatable drink? The answer is a resounding yes, and incorporating milk or a dairy-free alternative is a common practice, especially in Korean cuisine where it is used to create a soothing latte.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to prepare a mugwort latte using fresh or powdered mugwort and various types of milk. It details how adding milk mellows the herb's signature bitterness while adding a creamy texture. Essential tips for brewing and customizing this cozy, caffeine-free beverage are also included.

Key Points

Yes, you can add milk: Incorporating milk into mugwort tea is a common practice, particularly in Korean-inspired latte recipes.
It mellows the flavor: Adding milk softens the characteristically earthy and slightly bitter taste of plain mugwort tea.
Variety of milks work: Both dairy and plant-based milks, such as oat, soy, and almond, are suitable and create different flavor profiles.
Use mugwort leaves or powder: The preparation method varies depending on whether you are using traditional mugwort leaves or a finely milled powder for a latte.
Customization is key: Sweeteners like honey or agave, and warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, can further enhance the taste.
Can be served hot or iced: A mugwort latte is delicious served warm for a cozy drink or poured over ice for a refreshing cold beverage.

Why Add Milk to Mugwort Tea?

Adding milk to mugwort tea transforms the drinking experience by tempering the herb's natural earthy and slightly bitter profile, creating a comforting and rich herbal latte. Mugwort, known as Artemisia vulgaris, is revered in many cultures for its potential health benefits, which include digestive support and relaxation. By turning it into a latte, you make these benefits more accessible to those who might not appreciate the taste of the plain brew.

Flavor Profile: Mugwort Tea vs. Mugwort Latte

The flavor of plain mugwort tea is often described as herbaceous, earthy, and mildly bitter, with subtle notes reminiscent of sage. When milk is introduced, the flavor profile changes dramatically. The creamy texture of the milk envelops and softens the bitter notes, resulting in a more balanced and soothing beverage. Depending on the type of milk used, you can add different flavor undertones. For instance, oat milk can add a natural sweetness, while dairy milk provides a richer, more familiar creaminess.

Brewing Methods for a Mugwort Latte

There are two primary methods for incorporating milk into mugwort tea: using fresh or dried leaves or using mugwort powder.

Method 1: Using Mugwort Leaves

Brew the base: Start by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried mugwort leaves in one cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. This creates a strong, concentrated tea base.
Strain the leaves: Use a fine-mesh strainer or tea infuser to remove the leaves, leaving you with a potent herbal infusion.
Heat and froth the milk: In a separate saucepan, gently warm your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based) until it's steaming, but not boiling. For an extra-special treat, use a milk frother or whisk to create a light foam.
Combine and sweeten: Pour the warmed milk into your mugwort tea base. Add your favorite sweetener, such as honey, agave, or maple syrup, to taste.

Method 2: Using Mugwort Powder

Create a paste: In a mug, combine 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of mugwort powder with a splash of hot water and a sweetener of your choice. Stir until you have a smooth, dark green paste.
Add warm milk: Slowly pour warm, frothed milk over the mugwort paste while stirring to combine thoroughly. This method produces a vibrant, uniform green color, similar to a matcha latte.
Serve immediately: Enjoy your creamy mugwort latte while it's still warm.

Comparison of Milks for Mugwort Tea


Milk Type	Flavor Profile	Texture	Best For	Notes
Dairy Milk (Cow's)	Rich and creamy; complements the earthy notes	Smooth and full-bodied	A classic, comforting latte	A familiar and universally liked option.
Oat Milk	Adds a natural sweetness; pairs well with herbal flavors	Thick and creamy, great for frothing	Vegan lattes, enhancing sweetness	One of the best plant-based options for lattes.
Soy Milk	Slightly beany or nutty flavor; good for a savory profile	Smooth and reliable for frothing	Vegan options, adding protein	A traditional option in many Asian cultures.
Almond Milk	Mildly nutty; doesn't overpower the mugwort	Lighter and more watery than oat	Those who prefer a less rich latte	Works well in iced versions, may not froth as well.
Coconut Milk	Pronounced coconut flavor; can be strong	Very creamy and rich	Tropical twist or heavily sweetened drinks	Can mask the delicate mugwort flavor if not balanced well.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

Mugwort is traditionally celebrated for its calming and digestive properties, with research validating its antioxidant effects. Adding milk doesn't diminish these benefits. However, it's important to remember that herbal medicine is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

Creative Variations for Your Mugwort Latte

To further customize your mugwort latte, consider these additions:

Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of ginger can add a warming complexity to the drink.
Sweeteners: Beyond honey or maple syrup, consider using a touch of agave nectar or even a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel for a dessert-like treat.
Iced Version: For a refreshing summer drink, follow the powder method and pour the mixture over ice instead of using warm milk.
Herbal Blends: Mix mugwort with other complementary herbs, like a touch of mint or lemon balm, before brewing for a layered flavor profile.

Conclusion

Yes, you absolutely can put milk in mugwort tea to create a flavorful, soothing, and creamy beverage. The resulting mugwort latte is an excellent way to enjoy this ancient herb, whether you use dairy or a plant-based alternative. By softening the tea's natural bitterness and adding a rich texture, milk transforms it into a comforting drink that is both delicious and calming. Experiment with different brewing methods, milks, and sweeteners to find your perfect combination and enjoy this unique twist on a traditional herbal remedy.

Brewing Your Own Mugwort Latte

Gather your ingredients: You will need mugwort (leaves or powder), milk of your choice, a sweetener, and optionally, extra spices or flavorings.
Prepare the mugwort base: Steep leaves in hot water or mix powder with a small amount of water to create a concentrate.
Heat the milk: Warm your milk gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and froth it if desired.
Combine and enjoy: Pour the milk into the mugwort base, stir well, and add sweetener to taste.
Garnish: A sprinkle of mugwort powder or cinnamon can add a nice finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

A mugwort latte has a smooth, creamy texture with earthy and herbal notes. The milk reduces the natural bitterness of the mugwort, resulting in a more balanced and palatable flavor, which can be enhanced with sweeteners like honey.

Oat milk is an excellent choice for a mugwort latte due to its creamy texture and natural sweetness, which complements the herbal flavor well. However, dairy milk, soy milk, and almond milk can also be used depending on your flavor and dietary preferences.

Yes, you can make an iced mugwort latte by whisking mugwort powder with a little water and sweetener to create a base, then pouring cold milk over it and stirring.

Adding milk does not negate the potential antioxidant and calming properties of mugwort. While some compounds may be affected, the overall health benefits associated with the herb remain intact.

While generally safe for many people, it's wise to consume any herbal tea in moderation. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making it a regular part of your routine, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are pregnant.

To reduce the bitterness of a mugwort latte, add a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Using a creamy milk like oat milk or dairy milk also helps to balance and mellow the herbal flavors.

You can use either mugwort leaves or powder. Leaves require steeping to create a strong tea base, while powder can be whisked directly into a paste with hot water for a faster preparation.