Nothing says Morocco like their famous mint tea! This tea is served so often throughout Morocco, it has officially become the unofficial national drink.
If you’re missing your time in Morocco, or want to get ready for your next trip to Morocco, making a pot of Moroccan mint tea at home is just the ticket.
Of course, having made hundreds of cups at home, I can say it still doesn’t taste like the real thing, kind of how Coke from a can just isn’t the same as Coke from a bottle in Mexico. There’s something about the experience of seeing Moroccan mint tea being poured in Morocco that makes it all the more sweet and special. But we can’t always be traveling, and I can’t live my life without this tea!
I blame Morocco for fueling this addiction. But I’m very thankful for it, as I have switched off of coffee and into tea for this very reason! Plus, mint is very easy to grow – even if you live in an apartment like me.
Here’s how to make Moroccan mint tea at home, and how to serve it like the locals do.
What is Moroccan Mint Tea?
Moroccan mint tea is a type of green tea that is infused with mint leaves. It’s a very popular drink in Morocco and is often served after meals as a digestive aid.
The mint leaves used in Moroccan mint tea are typically spearmint or peppermint, which gives the tea its refreshing flavor.
How to Make Moroccan Mint Tea
Making Moroccan mint tea is actually very simple, and requires only a few ingredients. All you need is green tea, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and water.
Ingredients
-1 tablespoon gunpowder green tea (or any green tea)
-1 teaspoon mint leaves
-1 cup boiling water
-Honey (optional)
Instructions:
You can make Moroccan tea a couple of ways: in the cup, or in the kettle, depending on how much you’re making.
In the cup:
- Place the green tea and mint leaves in a glass or cup.
- Pour boiling water over the tea and mint leaves, and let steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Add sugar or honey to taste, if desired, and enjoy!
In the kettle:
- Start by boiling water in a teapot or kettle.
- While the water is boiling, add a few mint leaves to each cup or teapot.
- Once the water has reached a boiling point, remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will help to release the flavor of the green tea without making it bitter.
- Add sugar to taste.
Moroccan mint tea is typically served with a lot of sugar, so feel free to add as much or as little as you like.
Finally, pour the tea into each cup and enjoy!
Serving Moroccan Mint Tea – Like a Local
Moroccan mint tea is typically served to a group in many small glasses or cups, generally arranged on a serving tray. It’s a delightful thing to wake up to, (as seen in the photo above, when we woke to this gorgeous setting in the Sahara Desert). If you’re serving for guests, we strongly suggest picking up a serving set on your next visit to Morocco!
When serving the tea, be sure to pour it from a height of about 12 inches (or 5 feet, if you’re skilled) so that the tea is nicely aerated. Moroccan tea is often accompanied by small pastries.
And there you have it!
A simple recipe for making Moroccan mint tea at home. Now you can enjoy this refreshing drink anytime, anywhere. Salud!