Lavender Mint Tea Recipe

Bring water to a boil

Pour the gallon of water into a large pot or kettle and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

Bloom dried lavender

Remove the pot from heat. Add the dried culinary lavender buds to the hot water and stir gently to submerge. Let steep off the heat for 10 minutes to release aromatic oils (do not steep much longer or the lavender can become slightly bitter).

Add tea (optional)

If using black or green tea for a caffeinated version, add the loose tea to the pot after the lavender has steeped 5–7 minutes, then steep both together for the remaining 3–5 minutes total. Use a fine mesh strainer or infuser for easier removal.

Strain lavender (and tea)

Strain the hot infusion through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large heatproof container or pitcher to remove the lavender buds (and tea leaves). Discard solids.

Bruise the mint

Lightly bruise the fresh mint leaves by clapping them between your hands or gently crushing with a rolling pin to release their oils.

Combine mint with hot infusion

Add the bruised mint leaves to the hot, strained lavender infusion. Let steep for 5–8 minutes off the heat, tasting near the end to ensure the mint flavor is bright but not overpowering.

Sweeten

While the infusion is still warm, stir in the honey or sugar until fully dissolved. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste. If using honey, warm infusion helps it dissolve more easily.

Add lemon (optional)

Stir in the lemon juice now if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.

Remove and discard the mint leaves after steeping to avoid over-extraction (or leave a small portion if you prefer stronger mint). Allow the tea to cool slightly at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

Transfer the infusion to a gallon pitcher or beverage dispenser. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours, if serving cold.

To serve cold, add ice to glasses and pour the chilled lavender mint tea over ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon slice. If serving hot, reheat gently and serve in mugs with garnish.

Final taste and adjust: before serving, taste one last time and add more sweetener or lemon if needed.