Mint Tea Recipe

Tea

1. 1

   Prepare mint

   Rinse the fresh mint leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and grit. Gently shake off excess water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. For stronger flavor, bruise the leaves lightly by folding them in half and rubbing between your palms or crushing gently with the back of a spoon.

2. 2

   Boil water

   Bring 4 cups (about 960 ml) of fresh, cold water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan over high heat.

3. 3

   Steep

   Place the rinsed mint leaves in a heatproof teapot or heatproof pitcher. If using loose tea leaves or tea bags, add them with the mint. Pour the boiling water over the mint (and tea) to fully submerge the leaves. Cover and let steep for 5 to 8 minutes for a bright, fresh flavor; steep up to 10 minutes for a stronger, more herbal brew.

4. 4

   Sweeten

   If you prefer sweetened tea, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of granulated sugar or honey while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely. Start with 1 tablespoon, taste, and add up to 2 tablespoons to reach your desired sweetness.

5. 5

   Strain

   After steeping, strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving pitcher or individual cups to remove the mint leaves and any tea leaves. Press the leaves gently with the back of a spoon to extract additional flavor, if desired.

6. 6

   Serve hot

   To serve hot, pour the strained tea into warmed cups. Garnish each cup with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon slice, if using. Serve immediately.

7. 7

   Serve iced (optional)

   To serve iced, allow the strained tea to cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for another 30 minutes, or pour over a glass filled with ice. Add ice as desired (about 1 cup for 4 cups of tea). Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon slice if desired.