The Art of Moroccan Mint Tea Preparation (Recipe Included)
The traditional Moroccan Mint tea recipe is probably the most requested recipe on moroccanzest, and I get it! This sweet, extra-fragrant tea is a hug to the soul. The good news is that the steps to make this delicious mint tea are easy and the ingredients are very simple. You will be amazed at the deliciousness you will be able to create.
Growing up in Morocco, Moroccan mint tea was part of my everyday life, like the majority of Moroccans. It’s the symbol of family and friend gatherings and the first thing prepared to welcome guests. The smell of this sweet aromatic tea announces happy moments with dear ones.
Making delicious Moroccan mint tea comes down to using specific tea leaves and mint leaves, and a specific type of teapot. It might seem complicated but it’s really not. I will go over everything you need to know in this article.
Once you make a hot cup of Moroccan mint tea for your family and friends, I can assure you that they will long for your invitations as your mint tea will taste like being on vacation in Morocco!
A typical Moroccan gathering where Moroccan mint tea and pastries are served to welcome guests (picture taken in 1983, Fez, Morocco) | Credits: Bruno Barbey
Moroccan Mint Tea Ceremony
In old Morocco – and still today in traditional Moroccan families -, the family head male was the person in charge of making Moroccan mint tea. He would prepare it with great care following a definite ceremony.
The ceremony starts with bringing the equipment and ingredients to the living room in a large artisanal silver tray. The tea is prepared while chatting and entertaining the guests, At least three glasses will be served, each one stronger than the previous one as tea continues infusing. According to a Moroccan saying the first glass of Moroccan mint tea is as soft as life, the second as strong as love, and the last as bitter as death.
The Art of Pouring Moroccan Mint Tea
If you already had mint tea in Morocco or in a traditional Moroccan restaurant, you probably noticed the tea is poured from a height.
Pouring Moroccan mint tea from a height is an important part of the Moroccan tea ceremony. The higher the tea is poured, the more foam you will get on top of your drink adding more texture and flavor to your tea.
What is Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea Made of?
To make Moroccan mint tea, the only ingredients you will need are gunpowder loose tea, a generous amount of fresh mint leaves, a few aromatics (optional), and sugar.
Traditional Moroccan mint tea is very very sweet. If you are on a special diet, I would recommend using a less-sweet version – it will still be super tasty and fragrant!- and leaving the sweet traditional version when your diet allows you to, or when you are having guests over. The recipe I will share below is the traditional recipe, so it will have the traditional sweetness. So please feel free to adjust sugar quantities to your diet and preference.
What Teapot to Use for Moroccan Mint Tea?
To make traditional Moroccan mint tea, you will need a traditional Moroccan teapot. This teapot is a must as it is heat resistant, which is essential given the fact that Moroccan mint tea is prepared by active infusion (the tea leaves infuse in boiling water for a few minutes).
I recommend looking for a high-quality Moroccan teapot that was handmade in Morocco. It will be of the highest quality and it will age beautifully, The patina will look better, day after day. You can use it to make Moroccan mint tea but also any other teas or infusions. This beautiful Moroccan tea set has been made artisanally in Morocco and is of high quality. The reviews speak by themselves!
What Kind of Tea is Used for Moroccan Mint Tea?
The tea used to make authentic Moroccan mint tea is the Chinese green gunpowder loose tea. It’s what gives mint tea the best results.
What Kind of Mint is Used for Moroccan Tea?
The mint used in traditional Moroccan mint tea is spearmint, also called Nana Mint. This mint variety brings a strong flavor and delicate sweetness. If you can’t find spearmint in your local store, no worries, you can use other mint varieties and your Moroccan mint tea will still be delicious! Don’t forget to wash the brunches thoroughly before use.
Moroccan people use a generous quantity of mint and sometimes, they have to bend the branches and squeeze them to make them enter the teapot. Be generous with your mint, that’s how you’ll get the strong minty flavor of Moroccan mint tea.
How to Flavor Moroccan Mint Tea?
Moroccans love to flavor their Moroccan mint tea. While the basic Moroccan mint tea is a go-to drink for every day, Moroccans like to add herbs, spices, and aromatics on special occasions or to get some health benefits.
As an example, during the cold season, Moroccans tend to add herbs known for their warming properties, like a variety of Pennyroyal mint and absinthe.
On special occasions like engagement parties and marriages, the most used herbs and spices are rosebuds, verbena, and/or cinnamon. They are known for enhancing the mood, and encouraging a more relaxed and joyful gathering.
Moroccan Mint Tea Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 branches Fresh mint
- 2 tbsp White sugar adjust to taste and diet
- 3 cups Water
Tea Leaves (Option 1)
Tea Leaves (Option 2)
Instructions
- Put the green tea leaves in your teapot.
- Boil water in a separate kettle.
- Once water is boiling, pour 1 cup of water in your teapot and swish it around a few times to clean the tea leaves. This helps get rid of tea's strong and sour flavors.
- Pour that water in the sink through the teapot spout.
- Now that your tea leaves are clean and the flavors milder, pour the remaining boiling water in the teapot. Don't fill the teapot to the brim keeping one inch space. Add the sugar.
- Position the teapot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium and let boil for 1 to 3 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea. Also, the more you boil your tea the more caffeine content you will get.
- Add mint (fresh or dried) and make sure it is all covered with water, otherwise, it may leave your tea with a bitter taste. If you are using fresh mint branches and they don't fit in the teapot, you can bend them.
- Let everything boil for another 1 to 2 minutes, until liquid starts foaming slightly.
- Turn the heat off. Be careful as your teapot can get extremely hot, so make sure you wrap the handle with a cotton cloth.
- Add the orange blossom water or other aromatics.
- Serve hot with some cookies, pastries or biscuits.
Nutrition
thinking about Morocco
I’ve been thinking about my last trip to Morocco and remembered the delicious mint tea. Just ordered the teapot and Berber tea mix you recommended. Can’t wait to receive them, they’ll be perfect for this fall
Question regarding mint
Sorry if I missed it, but is there a specific type of mint that works best for the tea? I’m thinking of adding mint to the garden, and would want to use some for a tea like this. Your advice (and recipe) is appreciated!
Response from Moroccanzest
Hi Nicki, Traditional Moroccan mint tea is made with spearmint (or nana mint). I grow spearmint too and it is very handy. Just keep in mind that you will need a large bunch for each Moroccan mint tea you make, so have a couple of plants or more to never run out. I just updated the article with more details and the link to the seeds I use – xx
delicious tea recipe!
the best cup to warm the heart
So good and fragrant
Thank you Safa for this amazing recipe and the amazing product recommendations. I used the tea set and berber wedding mix to make tea for my fall dinner party. Everyone asked for the product links and I gladly shared them.
Response from Moroccanzest
Ohh thank you so much, Jameela for sharing the love!!! -xxx
Everyone loved it
Thank you, Safa for this amazing recipe and the amazing product recommendations. I used the tea set and berber wedding mix to make tea for my fall dinner party. Everyone asked for the product links and I gladly shared them.
Response from Moroccanzest
Hi Jameela! Glad everyone loved your Moroccan tea set and drink. And thank you so much for sharing the love, it means a lot!! -xx
When is the tea set going to be back in stock?
I tried to order Little Moroccan Things beautiful tea set but it’s out of stock. I re-checked this morning and still not available. Do you know when it’s going to be in stock again? Many thanks for all the tips!
Response from Moroccanzest
Hi Bekky, the tea set is back in stock!! I hope you see this message before it’s gone! -xx
Question about sugar
Many thks for the great recipe!! IS the ratio 1 (tea)/2 (sugar) the traditional for moroccan tea or the one representing when you cut sugar by half? Just wondering… Thanks
Response from Moroccanzest
Hi JM, the ingredients are for a traditional Moroccan tea with a sweetness that probably will satisfy more taste buds. You can still go for more sweetness or less depending on your liking. -xxx
Moroccan-American approved!
As the daughter of an immigrant, I’ve had Moroccan tea all my life made by my father, aunts, and grandma. The first sip is always so joyful and nostalgic for me. I decided to try making it myself with this recipe and it turned out so well! A million times better than any tea bag or other “authentic” recipes online. Now I just need to buy a tea pot and watch my family perfect it even more!
Response from Moroccanzest
Oh, how I feel you, Jamila! There is nothing like the first sip! Hope you found a teapot you like. If not yet, check ”Little Moroccan Things” website, they often have some exceptional quality teapots -xx
excellent recipe
I found your recipe through Good morning Americas website, I ordered the teapot and made your tea last weekend. everyone loved it! thank you
Response from Moroccanzest
aww glad to hear that! thank you!
my absolute favorite moroccan tea
tastes like tea in morocco. thank you!
From design and decor to food and travel, moroccanzest is the space where I share what I loved growing up in Morocco, and more. It’s your destination for everything beautiful, artistic, and made the Moroccan way with love.
Learn more about me here.