Restaurants›Ambassadors Clubhouse New York›Malawi Spearmint - Shire Highlands, Malawi Recipe

Malawi Spearmint - Shire Highlands, Malawi Recipe

Inspired by Ambassadors Clubhouse New York
Time8m
Serves1

Most elegant of mints with a gentle softness & intense with layers of flavor

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Ingredients

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Tea & Water

Optional additions

Method

Tea & Water

1

Measure tea

Place 2 level teaspoons of Malawi spearmint whole leaves into a small teapot or an infuser (roughly 1 teaspoon per 4 fl oz / 120 ml). Using whole leaves preserves the delicate, layered aroma.

2

Heat water

Bring filtered water to a gentle simmer — approximately 175–185°F (80–85°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a near boil and let it rest 1–2 minutes to cool slightly. Using cooler-than-boiling water prevents bitterness and preserves the spearmint's gentle softness.

3

Infuse

Pour 8 fl oz (about 240 ml) of the heated water over the measured spearmint leaves. Cover the teapot or cup to retain aromatic oils and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. For a brighter, more intense mint character, steep closer to 4 minutes; for a lighter, more floral cup, steep 3 minutes.

4

Strain

After steeping, strain the leaves out by removing the infuser or pouring the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a cup. Gently press the leaves with the back of a spoon only if you want a slightly stronger extraction — avoid over-pressing to keep the cup from becoming grassy.

Optional additions & serving

5

Sweeten (optional)

If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or sugar while the tea is warm so it dissolves evenly. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste — the Malawi spearmint is naturally aromatic and usually needs little or no sweetener.

6

Garnish & serve

Garnish with a thin slice of lemon or a fresh sprig of mint if available. Serve immediately in pre-warmed cups to preserve aroma. The tea can also be chilled: allow to cool, then refrigerate and serve over ice for a refreshing iced mint infusion.