5 Herbs You Can Grow at Home to Take Your Coffee to the Next Level
If you want to add some spice to your coffee or tea ritual, infusing herbs into your brews might just become your new favorite thing. Beyond tasting incredible, herbs can enhance your mood, bring balance to your body, and connect you more closely with what’s growing whether it’s in your garden, windowsill, or balcony pot. Here are five herbs that are easy to grow, surprisingly versatile, and perfect for sipping.
1. Lavender
Lavender has a dreamy, floral scent that’s perfect for winding down and relaxing. Used in tea blends and coffee syrups, it can bring a gentle sweetness to your morning or evening brews.
How to use: Add a pinch of dried lavender to loose-leaf teas, or steep it into a homemade simple syrup to drizzle into lattes or iced coffees. Lavender pairs especially well with vanilla, honey, or oat milk.
How to grow it:
Where: Lavender loves full sun (at least 6 hours a day).
How: Plant in well-draining soil, ideally in a terra cotta pot or raised bed. Indoors, place near a south-facing window. Water sparingly; lavender prefers dry roots.
2. Cardamom
Cardamom is rich, aromatic, and instantly transports your coffee to a new level. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern and South Asian brews, often used in small doses for its bold, sweet heat.
How to use: Crack open a few pods and brew them with your coffee grounds, or toss a pinch of ground cardamom into your espresso puck before pulling a shot.
How to grow it:
Where: Cardamom thrives in warm, humid environments—perfect for greenhouses or tropical zones.
How: Plant rhizomes in rich, moist soil. It prefers dappled light and protection from wind. It’s slow-growing, so many plant lovers grow it for its lush, fragrant leaves.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary can bring a savory depth to your drinks & especially coffee. It sounds weird until you try it, but rosemary coffee with a dash of sea salt or caramel is unforgettable.
How to use: Steep fresh rosemary sprigs in your hot water before adding coffee or tea. You can also infuse it in milk or syrup for a subtle herbal undertone.
How to grow it:
Where: Rosemary likes warmth and sun but hates wet feet.
How: Grow it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Indoors, place it near a bright window. Let the soil dry completely between waterings. Snip often to keep it bushy.
4. Mint
Mint adds a refreshing edge to both tea and coffee, especially in the summer. It’s cooling, energizing, and easy to grow even if your thumb is far from green.
How to use: Toss a few leaves in your cold brew, muddle them into iced tea, or steep into a light mint syrup. Pairs well with chocolatey roasts and black teas.
How to grow it:
Where: Indoors or outdoors, but always in a container—it spreads like wildfire.
How: Mint loves partial shade to full sun and moist soil. Water often, especially in summer. Pinch back stems regularly to encourage lush growth.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a classic for good reason. It’s warming, comforting, and packed with antioxidants. It blends seamlessly with tea or coffee for a familiar kick.
How to use: Simmer cinnamon sticks with coffee grounds or steep them in tea. You can also infuse cinnamon into syrups or sprinkle ground cinnamon over frothed milk.
How to grow it:
Where: True cinnamon comes from the Cinnamomum verum tree, which needs tropical or greenhouse conditions.
How: Best grown in pots in warm, humid climates with well-draining soil. Not ideal for most home gardeners, but the leaves are aromatic too and can be used like bay leaves in tea.
Recipes
Lavender Honey Latte (Hot)
Ingredients:
1–2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
¾ cup milk of choice
1–2 tsp lavender honey syrup (recipe below)
Dried lavender (optional, for garnish)
Lavender Honey Syrup (makes a small batch):
½ cup water
½ cup honey
1 tbsp dried lavender
Combine water, honey, and lavender in a small saucepan.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat. Don’t boil.
Strain and store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Assemble Your Latte:
Brew espresso or coffee into your mug.
Steam or warm milk and froth it (a handheld frother or mason jar shake works).
Stir in lavender honey syrup to taste.
Pour in milk, top with foam, and sprinkle with dried lavender if desired.
Iced Rosemary Maple Cold Brew
Ingredients:
½ cup strong cold brew coffee
½ cup cold water or milk of choice (oat milk works beautifully)
1 tbsp rosemary maple syrup (recipe below)
Ice
Rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
Rosemary Maple Syrup:
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup water
2 small rosemary sprigs
Combine all syrup ingredients in a small saucepan.
Simmer for 5 minutes, then let steep for another 5.
Strain and store in the fridge.
Assemble Your Latte:
Fill a glass with ice.
Add cold brew, milk or water, and rosemary syrup.
Stir well and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig if you’re feeling fancy.
Herbs aren’t just for garnishing dishes, but are full of personality, tradition, and flavor. Whether you’re steeping a calming tea or crafting an herb-infused latte, growing your own adds a whole new layer of meaning to your brew. Start small, experiment freely, and sip slowly.
