Light, refreshing, and naturally detoxifying, Green Tea with Mint is a soothing beverage perfect for any time of day. Combining the earthy notes of green tea with the cool, aromatic freshness of mint leaves, this drink is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Whether served hot as a calming ritual or iced for a cooling refreshment, this tea blend is a simple yet powerful choice for wellness and relaxation.
Ingredients
| Chinese Green Tea (Gunpowder style) | 2 tablespoons (approx. 10-15g) |
|---|---|
| Fresh Mint Leaves | 1 large bunch (about 1 cup, packed) |
| Granulated Sugar | ¼ - ½ cup (50-100g) |
| Boiling Water | 4 cups (960 ml) |
Cooking Steps
Step 1: "Washing" the Tea Leaves (First Steep)
- Place the green tea leaves into your teapot.
- Pour about ½ cup of boiling water over the tea leaves. Swirl the teapot gently for about 10-15 seconds.
- Carefully discard this first "wash" water. This step removes any bitterness or impurities from the tea leaves, preparing them for a smoother brew. (Some prefer to keep this first infusion for strength, but discarding it is common for the traditional method).
Step 2: Infuse the Mint and Sugar
- Add the fresh mint leaves to the teapot, on top of the "washed" tea leaves. You can gently bruise some of the mint leaves with your fingers to release more aroma.
- Add the granulated sugar to the teapot. Start with ¼ cup, you can add more later if needed.
- Carefully pour the remaining 3.5 cups of boiling water over the mint and sugar into the teapot.
Step 3: Brew and Stir
- Place the teapot over very low heat for 2-3 minutes, or simply let it steep for 5-7 minutes off the heat. This allows the tea to brew and the flavors to meld. Do not boil it vigorously.
- After brewing, gently stir the tea to dissolve the sugar.
Step 4: The Traditional Pouring (Aeration for Froth)
- This step is traditional for aeration and creating a slight froth, enhancing the aroma and blending flavors.
- Pour a small amount of tea from the teapot into one of your serving glasses.
- Pour this tea back into the teapot. Repeat this process 2-3 times with the same glass. This helps mix the tea, mint, and sugar thoroughly and begins to create a foam on top.
Step 5: Serve
- From a height (if comfortable, to create more foam), pour the tea into individual serving glasses, filling them about two-thirds full. The foam is desirable!
- Serve immediately. Guests are often offered multiple rounds of tea, each freshly prepared or from the same pot.
Extra Tips for Perfect Green Tea with Mint
- Tea Choice: Gunpowder green tea (often called "pearl tea" due to its rolled appearance) is traditional because it unfurls beautifully and releases its flavor slowly. Other strong Chinese green teas can work.
- Mint Type: Spearmint (known as na'na in Arabic) is crucial for the authentic flavor. Peppermint can be too strong or medicinal.
- Sweetness: Traditionally, this tea is quite sweet. Adjust the sugar to your personal preference, but don't be afraid to try it with a bit more sugar than you might normally use for tea to appreciate the traditional balance.
- Re-steeping: You can often get 2-3 good batches of tea from the same leaves and mint. Just add more boiling water to the teapot, let it steep, and repeat the pouring ritual. You might need to add a little more sugar for subsequent rounds.
- No Boiling: Once the mint and sugar are added, avoid vigorously boiling the tea, as this can make the green tea bitter. Gentle simmering or just steeping off-heat is best.
- Garnish: A fresh mint sprig in each glass makes for a lovely presentation.
Nutritional Value
(per serving, based on 4 servings, with 1/4 cup sugar)
| Calories | 50-70 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ Boosts Metabolism: Green tea contains catechins and caffeine that support fat-burning and energy levels.
- ✅ Aids Digestion: Mint soothes the stomach and supports digestive comfort after meals.
- ✅ Rich in Antioxidants: Green tea is loaded with EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- ✅ Freshens Breath Naturally: Mint leaves add a clean, refreshing flavor while promoting oral hygiene.
- ✅ Supports Mental Clarity: The light caffeine in green tea, combined with the calming effects of mint, helps enhance focus without jitters.
Green Tea with Mint is a calming, health-boosting drink that delivers more than just great flavor. Whether you're looking to kick-start your morning, soothe your stomach after a meal, or unwind in the afternoon, this easy-to-make tea is the perfect blend of wellness and simplicity.
Explore more herbal tea recipes, detox drinks, and natural health beverages on our site. Be sure to save your favorite variations and enjoy the rejuvenating power of green tea and mint every day!