Herbal Tea - Green, Peppermint Recipe

Boil water

Bring 4 cups of fresh cold water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan.

Cool slightly

Remove the water from heat and let it cool for about 1 minute so temperature drops to ~175–185°F (80–85°C). This prevents green tea from becoming bitter.

Steep green tea

Add 2 tsp loose green tea (or 2 tea bags) to a heatproof teapot or infuser. Pour the slightly cooled water over the tea. Steep for 2 to 3 minutes for a bright, mild cup. Do not steep longer than 3 minutes to avoid bitterness.

Prepare peppermint

While the green tea is steeping, gently bruise 12 fresh peppermint leaves by rolling them between your fingers or clapping them in your palms to release essential oils.

Combine and steep together

After the green tea has steeped 2–3 minutes, add the bruised peppermint leaves directly to the teapot or place them in the infuser with the tea. Add 2 lemon slices. Let the peppermint and lemon steep with the green tea for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how pronounced you want the mint flavor. For a lighter mint note, steep 2–3 minutes; for stronger, steep up to 5 minutes.

Sweeten (optional)

If desired, stir in 1–2 tsp honey or agave while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily. Taste and adjust sweetener to preference.

Strain the tea into two teacups or a heatproof pitcher to remove leaves and lemon slices.

Garnish each cup with a fresh mint sprig and a thin lemon wheel if desired. Serve hot immediately.

For iced variation: allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature, transfer to the refrigerator until cold, then pour over ice and serve with extra mint and lemon. Adjust sweetness after chilling.