This soothing and lightly floral Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Tea (枸杞菊花茶) is a classic Chinese herbal drink that's not only refreshing but also known for its calming properties. It's naturally caffeine-free and simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea in two glass jars.

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What is goji berry chrysanthemum tea?

Goji Berry Chrysanthemum Tea is a traditional Chinese herbal tea made from dried chrysanthemum flowers and red goji berries (also known as wolfberries).

It's commonly enjoyed for its delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness from the goji berries.

This tea is often sipped to help cool and soothe the body, especially during warm weather or when you're feeling overheated.

What are goji berries?

Goji berries are small red berries that add a gentle sweetness, a boost of antioxidants and vitamin C.

They're also known as wolfberries, or "gei jee" in Cantonese.

You can find them fresh or dried.

What is chrysanthemum flower?

Chrysanthemum flowers are dried small yellow flowers impart a light, floral fragrance and are a staple in Chinese herbal tea blends.

Pink Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea in glass bottle.

Why you'll love this tea

Naturally sweet: this tea is light, floral, and naturally sweet, with the addition of dried longan and Chinese red dates (jujubes).

Caffeine-free: it's perfect for anytime of day and is gentle on the stomach.

Simple to brew: uses a few Asian pantry ingredients for a tea that is easy to brew.

Beautiful hue: adding the pink freeze-dried dragonfruit and rose petals elevates the color and flavor of the tea.

Ingredients you'll need

dried chrysanthemum flowers: have a delicate, light, floral flavor; used for cooling
goji berries: also known as wolfberries; are small and red; have a sweet and tangy tart flavor; can be fresh or dried
Chinese red jujube dates: are small, sweet fruits with a pit; can be fresh or dried; also used in making jujube candy and claypot chicken rice
dried longan: dehydrated longan fruit; has a sweet caramel-like flavor
rose petals: optional
pink freeze-dried dragonfruit: optional, for coloring the tea pink naturally
hot boiled water: for steeping the tea
yellow rock sugar or honey: optional; to sweeten, if desired

Where to find?

You can find these ingredients which are common in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Chinese herbal stores or Asian supermarkets.

Note: the color from the pink dragonfruit (pitaya) is very concentrated so a little bit goes a long way.

Ingredients for Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea on a white plate.

How to make the goji berry tea

Rinse: Rinse the dried ingredients under cool water to remove any dust or debris.

Steep: Add the rinsed ingredients to a teapot infuser or heatproof container.

Pour in 3 cups of hot boiled water (around 190°F/88°C).

Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea ingredients in a tea strainer.

Brew: Let the tea steep for about 5-10 minutes, or until the tea turns a light pink hue and the ingredients plump up a little.

Serve: Pour the tea into serving cups and enjoy as is, or sweeten with a little honey or yellow rock sugar, to your taste.

Expert tips

For a stronger flavor, you can increase the steeping time or add more chrysanthemum flowers or goji berries.

Enjoy warm or chilled over ice for a refreshing summer drink.

For an even more refreshing and energizing drink, use a 1:1 ratio of sparkling or carbonated water to tea.

You can re-steep the tea ingredients 1-2 more times. Note: on second steep, the color of the tea will change slightly.

Other tea recipes you may like

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Pink Chrysanthemum and goji berry sparkling tea in a glass.

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