Fresh Mint Tea Recipe (Hot or Iced)

If you’re seeking a refreshing beverage that embodies the essence of relaxation and rejuvenation, look no…

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

1 fine mesh strainer

Ingredients

1/2 cupfresh mint leaves from a good handful, about 1 ounce, lightly packed into the measuring cup; plus more mint for garnish
4 cupswater

Instructions

Rinse the mint leaves, strip them from the stems, and lightly pack them into a 1/2 cup measuring cup (about 1 ounce). Set the measured mint aside, reserving extra leaves if you want to garnish.
Pour 4 cups water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the measured mint leaves to the hot water and stir to submerge them.
Cover the pan and let the mint steep for 5–10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea.
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer. For hot tea, strain directly into mugs and serve; for iced tea, strain into a heatproof pitcher.
If making iced tea, let the strained tea cool slightly, then chill in the refrigerator until cold or pour over ice in glasses. Garnish with additional fresh mint and serve.

Notes

Notes
Stir in a little honey, sugar, or agave nectar if you prefer a sweeter tea.
Some people like to gently crush or tear the mint leaves to release the oils. I find that the process of stripping the leaves off of their stems and pressing them into the measuring cup is enough to release the oils.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve leftovers over ice or heat back up on the stove or in the microwave.