Mint Tea

The essential ingredients for an authentic mint tea

Choosing the right tea: the case for Gunpowder green tea

Originally from China, Gunpowder green tea is prized for its tightly rolled leaves, which lock in depth of flavour. Its robustness makes it the ideal base for a traditional Moroccan mint tea.

Selecting quality fresh mint

To capture the true character of this tea, reach for peppermint, spearmint or nana mint. Moroccan mint brings an especially vibrant, heady fragrance. A generous bunch of fresh mint, or organic mint, will deliver the most rounded flavour.

How to prepare Moroccan-style green mint tea

To make a beautiful green mint tea in the Moroccan tradition, begin by rinsing the Gunpowder green tea with hot water to mellow any bitterness. Add the tea leaves along with a generous bunch of fresh mint, ideally nana mint or Moroccan mint. Pour over gently steaming water and leave to infuse for a few minutes. Sweeten to taste with raw cane sugar or honey, then serve piping hot in traditional glasses. The heart of a truly good Moroccan mint tea lies in patience, and a little love.

One extra tip for a perfect cup: pour boiling water directly over the fresh mint leaves. This releases the full depth of the mint's aroma, giving your tea a vivid, layered flavour. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how intense you like it: the longer you leave it, the more pronounced the mint will be. Remember to pour the tea from a height to create a light froth on the surface, the classic hallmark of a well-made mint tea. Serve hot in clear glasses to appreciate that beautiful golden colour, and enjoy a cup that is equally at home on a warm summer afternoon or shared around the table on a cosy evening with friends and family.

Our selection of mint teas and herbal infusions

Five creations, five takes on mint. Here is how to find yours.

Peppermint Green Tea: the classic

Green Sencha and European peppermint for a clean, refreshing, no-frills cup. A versatile infusion, perfect for exploring the green tea and mint pairing without any added sweetness.

Spearmint Green Tea: the gentle one

Pure spearmint and delicate Sencha: this blend is all about smoothness. Spearmint is softer, more coolly mentholated than peppermint, making it ideal for those who find peppermint a little too bracing.

Marrakech Mint Green Tea: the Moroccan spirit

Our take on the traditional mint tea: a rolled Gunpowder that stands up beautifully to sugar, paired with nana mint. Best enjoyed piping hot in a glass, the Moroccan way.

Peppermint Herbal Infusion: caffeine-free

Pure peppermint leaves, no tea base. The ideal after-dinner infusion: digestive, refreshing, and completely non-stimulating. Perfect for children and evenings when a good night's sleep matters.

Mint Detox Herbal Infusion: the morning ritual

A blend of mint, ginger and draining botanicals. Our freshest detox infusion, best sipped at sunrise to gently wake the digestive system.

Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, personally selects every mint leaf from partner producers in France and Morocco.

Browse our selection of mint teas and herbal infusions below and find the creation that will bring a little pause to your day.

What are the benefits of mint tea?

A well-recognised digestive aid

Peppermint is one of the most thoroughly documented plants in digestive herbal medicine. Its essential oil, rich in menthol, acts on the digestive tract by encouraging the smooth muscles of the gut to relax.

The EMA (European Medicines Agency) recognises the traditional use of peppermint leaf for the symptomatic relief of minor digestive complaints. It is the natural companion after a hearty meal.

A freshness that awakens without overstimulating

Menthol delivers that immediate cooling sensation, refreshing the breath and gently stimulating the senses, with no caffeine when you choose our herbal infusion versions (pure Peppermint, Mint Detox). Perfect for the evening.

Antioxidants and well-being

According to the ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety), green tea provides polyphenols (catechins) that help protect cells against oxidative stress. Paired with mint in our Peppermint, Spearmint and Marrakech Mint blends, they make for a cup that is as pleasurable as it is beneficial.

How to brew mint tea: getting it right

Temperature and steeping time

For a green mint tea, use water at 70–80°C, never boiling: water that is too hot destroys the catechins and brings out bitterness. Steep for 2 to 4 minutes depending on how strong you like it.

The traditional Moroccan method

Moroccan mint tea is the exception: pour simmering water over the Gunpowder, discard the first infusion (to remove any bitterness), then steep again with nanah mint and sugar. Pour from a height to create a froth, and serve piping hot in glasses.

Enjoy our T&T mint teas every day

Whether you prefer yours in the morning (Mint Detox Herbal Infusion), after a meal (Peppermint Green Tea) or as a shared ritual (Marrakech Mint), our selection fits every moment of your day.

Frequently asked questions

Which mint should I use for traditional Moroccan mint tea?
Nanah mint is the traditional choice in Morocco: a mild, highly aromatic spearmint. If you cannot find it, regular spearmint works beautifully. Peppermint is stronger and more mentholated, better suited to modern blends.

Does mint tea contain caffeine?
It depends on the base. Our Peppermint, Spearmint and Marrakech Mint varieties are made with green tea and therefore contain caffeine. Our herbal infusions (Peppermint Herbal Infusion, Mint Detox Herbal Infusion) are caffeine-free and can be enjoyed in the evening.

Can I drink mint tea during pregnancy?
Mint leaves in a light infusion are generally well tolerated, but peppermint essential oil is not recommended during pregnancy. If in doubt, speak to your doctor or midwife before drinking it regularly.

How many cups of mint tea can I drink a day?
Two to three cups a day is suitable for most healthy adults. Beyond that, it is worth alternating with other infusions to avoid excess caffeine if you are drinking the green tea versions.

Should mint tea be sweetened?
That comes down to tradition and personal taste. In the Moroccan style, sugar is an integral part of the ritual and balances the robustness of the Gunpowder. In a modern version with Sencha or an herbal infusion, you can skip it entirely, or add a touch of honey to let the aromas shine through.

How to Make Mint Tea: A Simple Moroccan Tea Recipe

Here is an easy recipe for preparing an authentic Moroccan mint tea:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of Gunpowder green tea
• 1 large bunch of fresh mint (about 30 g), washed and leaves removed
• 1 litre of water
• 4 to 6 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a kettle.
2. Add the green tea to the teapot and pour in a little boiling water. Swirl gently and let it steep for 30 seconds. Pour off this first infusion and discard it.
3. Pour in the remaining boiling water and let it steep for 2 minutes.
4. Add the sugar and half the mint bunch. Steep for another 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Pour the tea into the glasses, then pour it back into the teapot. Repeat this two or three times to blend the flavours and create a beautiful froth on the surface.
6. Add the remaining mint leaves to the teapot or directly into the glasses for an elegant presentation.
7. Serve the mint tea hot and enjoy!

This simple recipe lets you savour a delicious mint green tea just as they make it in Morocco. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and mint to suit your own taste. Enjoy the journey!

What to serve with your Moroccan tea?

In Morocco, mint tea is enjoyed at any time of day, from breakfast through to the evening. It pairs beautifully with Moroccan pastries such as gazelle horns, ghoriba, or briouats. For a more indulgent treat, serve your Moroccan tea alongside honey and almond crepes, or dates stuffed with walnuts. Purists will love their mint green tea on its own, savouring the subtle complexity of its unique aroma. Experiment and find your favourite pairing for this iconic Moroccan drink!

Other ways to enjoy mint tea

Beyond the classic Moroccan ritual, there are several variations that bring new flavours and uses to this tea throughout the year.

Iced mint tea for summer

Served cold, mint tea becomes an wonderfully refreshing drink. Brew your infusion as usual (green tea or herbal infusion), let it cool slightly, then pour over ice. Add a few fresh mint leaves, a slice of lemon, and a dash of mint syrup if you prefer it sweeter. A perfect alternative to commercial soft drinks on hot summer days.

Orange blossom: a traditional Moroccan variation

In some regions of the Maghreb, a few drops of orange blossom water are added to the mint tea served on special occasions. This floral touch deepens the flavour without masking the freshness of the mint. Best saved for festive moments or afternoon gatherings.

Which tea service to use?

The Moroccan ritual traditionally calls for a silver-toned metal tea service with a long-spouted teapot and decorated glasses. This allows the tea to be poured from a height, a technique that creates a frothy surface and aerates the brew. For a more modern approach, a simple glass teapot and fine porcelain cups work beautifully to show off the golden colour of the infusion.

Sugar: lumps or powdered?

Authentic Moroccan tea uses raw sugar lumps (broken from a sugar loaf), added directly to the teapot at the start of steeping. The amount varies by region and preference: from 4 tablespoons per litre in milder versions, up to 8 in sweeter ones. For a lighter approach, swap the sugar for orange blossom honey, or enjoy it unsweetened.

Health notes: mint and matcha

If you want the benefits of green tea while using fewer loose leaves, some brands offer powdered matcha-mint blends. This contemporary approach combines the antioxidants of matcha with the brightness of peppermint. An interesting option for those looking to vary their sources of catechins.

Whatever variation you choose, the goal remains the same: a perfect balance between the depth of the tea, the freshness of the mint, and the gentle sweetness of the sugar.