sip on mint tea and it may almost feel like a cool and refreshing breeze on a warm summer evening – and we’re not exaggerating. that’s the magic of its amazing aroma and a wonderfully cooling taste.
we invite you to try it once, and we're positive that you'll find yourself craving it very often. we certainly crave it! it's probably one of the easiest cravings to have, as learning how to make mint tea at home is easy, and making it is even easier. we're here to share our passion and an easy mint tea recipe to get you started.
what is mint tea
when mint is steeped in hot water, it results in an herbal drink commonly referred to as mint tisane or tea. but the story of this drink goes far beyond this simple process. this beverage finds its place in various cultures globally.
for instance, the indigenous people in ancient north america used it for relief from upset stomachs. other ancient civilizations, including the greeks and egyptians, recognised the medicinal properties of peppermint and used it for various ailments.
but it was not just in the past, even today this tea is enjoyed globally. in fact, in morocco, this tea stands as a symbol of hospitality – crafted by steeping mint and green tea leaves together with a touch of sugar. it's a cherished drink enjoyed at different times throughout the day.
now you can have this globally enjoyed beverage at home, whenever you want. our fresh mint tea recipe is so easy that you would grasp its steps in one go.
how to make a mint tea
we mentioned earlier that mint is steeped in hot water to get this herbal infusion. what we didn’t mention was the versatility of this infusion – mint tisane can be made with either of the two – peppermint or spearmint. each offers a unique profile.
peppermint has a high menthol content (about 33% to 60%), so it delivers a bold and mentholated punch that’s perfect for revitalising mornings or soothing after-dinner sips. however, spearmint has a very low menthol content, so it provides a milder and slightly sweeter taste.
while peppermint and spearmint are traditional favourites, other mint variations are also used to make tea. stay with us as we share how to make mint tea and delve into the secrets of crafting the perfect drink.
Total Servings:-
2
Preparation Time:-
2 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
5 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
32 calories, 0g fat, 9g carbs, 0g protein
Recipe Category:-
Drink
Cuisine:-
Global
equipment
- kettle or saucepan
ingredients
- 10 (approximately) fresh mint leaves or 2 teapigs tea bags
- 2 cups of fresh water
- 2 tbsp of honey
- lemon (optional)
ingredient notes
lemon: if you want a zesty flavour, have a lemon on hand. you'll need just a few slices for garnish and an extra layer of flavour.
mint: depending on your choice and availability, you can use fresh leaves or tea bags from teapigs (they contain pure peppermint leaves). by the way, the mint family includes 25 different plants, all with their distinct scents and flavours. while we've already discussed two of them, a few more are mentioned here to spark your curiosity. feel free to experiment with them separately or mix them up to create your own variant of the classic fresh mint tea recipe.
- field mint (or wild mint) shares similarities with peppermint due to its relatively high menthol content. however, it is not as widely recognised for its use in making tea compared to peppermint, which is more renowned for its strong and distinctive minty flavour.
- water mint has a flavour that is gentler in intensity compared to peppermint.
- banana mint has a delightful banana aroma and flavour.
instructions
prepare the mint leaves: begin by gently washing the fresh mint leaves under cool, running water to remove any dust or impurities. if you’re using tea bags, just keep them handy.
bruise the mint: using your fingers or a pestle, gently bruise the mint leaves. this releases the essential oils and intensifies the minty flavour. don't crush them; a light bruising is enough.
boil the water: in a kettle or a pot, bring 2 cups of fresh water to a boil.
infuse the mint: get the kettle off the heat and drop the bruised mint leaves or tea bags in it. let them steep for about 5-7 minutes. keep the lid on to trap the aroma.
add honey: after the mint has steeped, add 2 tablespoons of honey (modify this quantity to suit your taste). stir until the honey dissolves completely.
strain and serve: using a fine mesh strainer or a tea infuser, strain the drink into cups. discard the bruised mint leaves.
garnish (optional): for a zesty twist, add a few slices of fresh lemon and some fresh mint leaves to your cup. the citrusy notes of lemon complement the minty freshness wonderfully.
enjoy: sit back, relax and enjoy.
variations of mint tea
exploring the interesting variations of the classic recipe is the natural next step as you continue to enjoy this amazing drink.
moroccan tea or green mint tea: this blend combines green tea with peppermint and sugar. you can easily prepare the drink using separate teapigs tea bags for mint tea and green tea. the combination of the two flavours makes it a refreshing and aromatic delight – an essential part of moroccan culture.
mint & liquorice tea: this is a unique blend that combines the sweetness of liquorice with the cool and refreshing mint. you can make this popular herbal infusion either from loose ingredients or by using teapigs tea bags for liquorice and mint.
mint & chocolate tea: it’s a delightful drink that can be effortlessly prepared with a few ingredients. you have the option to use regular mint leaves along with chocolate extract or choose the convenience of teapigs tea bags for chocolate & mint.
serving your mint tea
serving this tea can be as simple as presenting it in a glass cup or as detailed as the moroccan tradition. in morocco, this drink is a symbol of hospitality and tradition, so it's usually served in a distinctive tea set with intricate teapot and glasses. even the pouring process is very distinct and enhances the art of serving fresh mint tea. the tea is poured from a height to enhance the tea's flavour and froth.
in contrast, many of us opt for a more casual approach, enjoying this tea without the elaborate rituals. it might be served directly in a cup or in a glass kettle adorned with interesting garnishes.
we say, just serve the way you like, and try different styles when you wish to indulge in the experience. now, go ahead and savour your mint tisane and relish this refreshing herbal tisane.
conclusion
in conclusion, making the perfect mint tisane is both simple and rewarding. to make it, all you need to do is choose the mint variety you wish to try and go through a few simple steps. that’s it! you’ll have a refreshing and soothing homemade beverage. and if you’re in mood for a traditional tea experience, try the moroccan style of serving it.
now that you know how to make mint tea and its serving styles, you can elevate your tea game further by experimenting with different mint types for your own unique variation. let the creativity flow and benefit as much as you can from this amazing gift of nature.
faqs on mint tea recipe
q. can i use other mint varieties for mint tea?
a. certainly, you can explore several types of mint for your tea, such as peppermint, spearmint or even exotic options like chocolate mint. each variety gives a unique twist to the classic mint tisane. you can even combine different types of mint and make a variant of your choice.
q. what are the best sweeteners for mint tea?
a. the best sweeteners for mint tisane are honey or sugar. however, you can also experiment with a bit of fruit juices for a unique twist or use agave syrup for a milder version. if you prefer a sugar-free drink, you can go for stevia or completely skip adding sweetener.
q. how do i make iced mint tea?
a. to make iced tea with mint, brew a strong infusion of your favourite mint variety. let it cool and add sweetener if desired, then refrigerate. serve over ice with a sprig of fresh mint for a crisp and refreshing treat. you can experiment with citrus slices or berries for extra zest.
q. does mint tea contain caffeine?
a. mint tisane or tea is naturally caffeine-free. it's crafted from fresh mint leaves, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a soothing and caffeine-free beverage. this makes it an ideal option for relaxation, evening sips or for individuals who prefer to limit their caffeine intake.
