I make this easy spearmint tea when I want a simple, refreshing drink with a naturally gentle mint flavor. With just water and dried spearmint leaves, I can prepare a warm cup in only a few minutes.
What I like about this spearmint tea recipe is how uncomplicated it is. I do not need special equipment beyond a saucepan or teapot and a way to strain the leaves. I usually enjoy it warm, but I can also chill it and serve it over ice when I want something cool.
Why I Love This Spearmint Tea
- I need only two simple ingredients.
- I can prepare a fresh cup quickly.
- I enjoy spearmint’s naturally sweet, mild mint flavor.
- The recipe is naturally caffeine-free when I use only spearmint leaves.
- I can serve it warm or turn it into iced mint tea.
What Does Spearmint Tea Taste Like?
I find spearmint tea pleasantly minty with a softer, slightly sweeter character than peppermint tea. When I want a milder cup, I keep the steeping time close to the recipe’s five-minute mark. I can also use peppermint instead, but I expect a stronger and more intense mint flavor.
Spearmint Tea Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 cup |
| Dried spearmint or peppermint leaves | 1 teaspoon |
I use dried spearmint leaves for the recipe as written. If I substitute dried peppermint, I know the finished tea will have a more pronounced mint taste.
How I Make Spearmint Tea
Step 1: Steep the Spearmint Leaves
I bring the water to a boil in a saucepan or teapot. I remove it from the heat, add the spearmint leaves, and let the leaves steep for five minutes.
My tip: Before I add the leaves, I gently rub them between my fingers to release some of their aromatic oils and help bring out their minty flavor.
Step 2: Strain and Enjoy
I strain the tea into my favorite teacup or mug and serve it warm.
My Favorite Spearmint Tea Variations
- Add citrus: I add a slice or two of lemon while the spearmint leaves steep when I want a brighter flavor.
- Add ginger: I add a few slices of fresh gingerroot or a ginger teabag when I want a warm, spicy note alongside the mint.
- Serve it iced: I brew the tea as directed, let it cool, and pour it over ice for a refreshing cold drink.
- Make spearmint green tea: I brew the spearmint with green tea when I want to combine the mint flavor with green tea.
How I Store Spearmint Tea
I enjoy spearmint tea soon after brewing, but when I make extra, I remove the plant material and pour the tea into a covered container. I keep it refrigerated and use it within 24 to 48 hours for the best flavor.
Can I Reheat Spearmint Tea?
Yes. I pour the refrigerated tea into a saucepan and warm it gently, or I use a microwave-safe mug and heat it in the microwave until it reaches the temperature I want. I can also pour the chilled tea over ice instead.
My Best Spearmint Tea Tips
- I use fresh, fragrant dried mint leaves for the best flavor.
- I steep the leaves for five minutes as directed so the flavor stays balanced.
- I strain out the leaves after steeping so the tea does not become overly strong.
- I serve the tea immediately when I want its freshest aroma.
- I chill extra tea promptly when I plan to enjoy it later.
Can I Use Fresh Mint for Tea?
Yes. When I have fresh mint available, I can use it to make a flavorful mint infusion. I gently muddle or rub the leaves first to help release their aroma, then steep them in water that has just been removed from the heat.
Can I Dry Fresh Mint for Tea?
Yes. I can air-dry fresh mint by gathering the stems into a small bunch or laying the leaves flat on a drying screen until they are thoroughly dry. This gives me dried mint that I can store and use for tea later.
I can also dry mint in a low oven. I preheat the oven to 120°F or its lowest setting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the leaves out, and dry them for one to two hours. I check and turn the leaves frequently until they are curled and dry.
Spearmint Tea Recipe FAQs
Is spearmint tea naturally caffeine-free?
Yes. I get a naturally caffeine-free drink when I make this recipe with only spearmint leaves and water. If I add green tea, the drink will contain caffeine from the green tea.
Can I use peppermint instead of spearmint?
Yes. The original recipe allows dried spearmint or peppermint leaves. I use spearmint when I want a softer, sweeter mint profile and peppermint when I want a stronger mint flavor.
How long should I steep spearmint tea?
I steep the dried leaves for five minutes, following the recipe. After that, I strain the tea into a cup or mug and serve it.
Can I drink spearmint tea cold?
Yes. I let the brewed tea cool, then pour it over ice. I especially like this option on warm days when I want a refreshing mint drink.
How long can I keep brewed spearmint tea?
I refrigerate leftover tea in a covered container and aim to drink it within 24 to 48 hours for the best flavor. I remove the mint leaves rather than leaving plant material in the tea.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per 1-cup serving, prepared with water and dried spearmint leaves only. Actual values can vary slightly depending on the amount and brand of dried mint used.
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 2 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ≈ 0.5 g |
| Protein | ≈ 0.1 g |
| Fat | ≈ 0 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 0.3 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 0 g |
| Sodium | ≈ 2 mg |
Finally, Conclusion
I love this spearmint tea recipe because it gives me a simple, refreshing drink without a complicated ingredient list. I can enjoy it warm right after steeping, chill it for iced tea, or add lemon or ginger when I want a little variation. For me, it is an easy recipe to keep in my regular drink rotation.
