Sage Herbal Tea Recipe

An image of sage tea in a pitcher and fresh sage leaves
Lindsey Goodwin
  • 35 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins,
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Ratings (27)

By Lindsey Goodwin

Updated 11/08/17

A basic sage tea (technically an herbal tea or tisane) is easy to make. Simply pour about 1 cup boiling water over about 1 tablespoon of sage leaves and steep to the desired strength before straining out the leaves.

However, you also can make a more refined (and surprisingly delightful) version of sage tea with the recipe below. It combines fresh sage leaves with lemon and a bit of sugar.

A naturally caffeine-free drink, sage tea can be enjoyed hot or iced anytime day or night without causing the wakefulness caffeine drinks can induce.

Another delicious and caffeine-free herbal tea is this recipe for mint tea which can be served hot or iced.

What You'll Need

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 ounce fresh sage leaves (roughly 45 leaves)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (1 ounce)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make It

  1. Bring the water to a boil.
  2. Keep water at a simmer and add the sage leaves, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well.
  3. Allow to steep for 20 to 30 minutes, or to taste, stirring occasionally.
  4. Strain out the sage leaves and lemon zest and serve hot, or chill and then serve iced.

Sage Varieties

This recipe works well with any of the popular culinary sages including garden sage, dwarf garden sage, pineapple sage, Greek sage, golden garden sage, tricolor garden sage, window box sage, grape sage, and Spanish sage.

The best herbal teas are those made with herbs that are homegrown and have not been subjected to insecticides or fertilizers. Otherwise, use organic herbs from reputable growers.  

Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 98
Total Fat 3 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Unsaturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 21 mg
Sodium 21 mg
Carbohydrates 10 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Protein 9 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)