How to Make Moroccan Mint Tea: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Moroccan mint tea is sweet, fragrant and surprisingly easy to make. With just three ingredients and a few minutes of patience, you can bring the flavor of a Moroccan living room to your own kitchen. This guide walks you through the classic method step by step. If you would like to know more about the tradition behind it, read our article on Moroccan tea culture.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon gunpowder green tea
• 4 cups (about 1 liter) water
• 1 large handful fresh spearmint, about 1 cup loosely packed
• 3 to 5 tablespoons sugar, or to taste

Makes: about 4 to 6 small glasses.

Equipment

• A teapot, ideally a metal Moroccan teapot you can place on the stove, or any heatproof teapot
• Small tea glasses
• A kettle or pot for boiling water

Looking for a teapot and glasses for your tea table? Browse our handmade Moroccan teapots, trays and home decor.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Rinse the tea. Put the gunpowder tea in the teapot and add about a quarter cup of boiling water. Swirl for about 30 seconds, then pour the liquid out, keeping the leaves in the pot. This quick rinse softens the tea and removes some of the bitterness.
2. Add water and brew. Pour the rest of the boiling water over the rinsed leaves. Place the teapot over low to medium heat until it just comes to a boil, or let it steep off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the mint and sugar. Press the mint down into the teapot and stir in the sugar. Add the sugar gradually if you are not sure how sweet you like it.
4. Steep. Let the tea sit for 3 to 5 minutes so the mint flavor develops. Avoid boiling the mint hard, which can make it taste bitter.
5. Mix. Pour a glass of tea and pour it back into the pot. Repeat two or three times. This blends the sugar, mint and tea evenly.
6. Serve from a height. Hold the teapot high above the glass and pour in a thin stream, filling the small glasses. This gives the tea its signature light foam on top.

Tips for the best Moroccan mint tea

• Use fresh mint. Spearmint is the classic choice. Dried mint will not give the same bright flavor.
• Taste before serving. Pour a small glass, taste it and add more sugar or a little more water if needed.
• Adjust the strength. Use a little more tea for a stronger brew, or steep for a shorter time for a lighter one.
• Practice the pour. Start with a short distance and raise the teapot a little higher each time.
• Try variations. In cooler weather, many Moroccan households add other herbs such as sage or lemon verbena.

How to serve Moroccan mint tea

Serve it hot in small glasses on a tray, with the teapot in the center. Offer at least a second glass, since the flavor deepens as the tea steeps. Moroccan tea is often enjoyed with almond pastries, dates, or a simple plate of cookies.

Frequently asked questions

What tea do you use for Moroccan mint tea?

Gunpowder green tea is the traditional choice. It is a rolled green tea that opens up as it brews and pairs well with fresh mint and sugar.

Can I make Moroccan mint tea without sugar?

Yes. Traditional Moroccan tea is sweet, but you can use less sugar, or leave it out completely and let the mint provide the flavor.

Why do you rinse the tea leaves first?

A quick rinse with a little boiling water softens the leaves and removes some of the bitterness, so the final tea tastes smoother.

Do I need a Moroccan teapot?

No. Any heatproof teapot or small pot will work. A traditional metal teapot with a long spout does make it easier to pour from a height and create the foam.

Can I drink Moroccan mint tea cold?

Yes. Let the tea cool, then pour it over ice. Many people enjoy it as a refreshing iced tea in warm weather.

How long does it keep?

It is best fresh and hot. Leftover tea can be refrigerated in a covered container and enjoyed cold the next day.