Ingredients
Basic Peppermint Tea:
- ¼ cup loosely packed fresh peppermint leaves (10-12 leaves) OR 1-2 teaspoons dried peppermint leaves
- 8 ounces (240ml) filtered water, heated to 200-208°F
Optional Additions:
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or 1 lemon slice
- ½-inch piece fresh ginger root, sliced (for digestive support)
- ½ teaspoon dried chamomile flowers (for relaxation)
- 1 small cinnamon stick (for warming spice)
Instructions
- Prepare Leaves: If using fresh peppermint, rinse leaves and gently tear or bruise them with your fingers to release oils. If using dried, lightly crush between fingers.
- Heat Water: Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool for 30-60 seconds to reach 200-208°F. Do not use boiling water directly.
- Add Leaves to Vessel: Place peppermint leaves in a teapot, French press, or directly in your mug. Add any optional ingredients now.
- Pour and Cover: Pour the heated water over the leaves. Immediately cover with a lid or small plate to trap essential oils.
- Steep: Let steep for exactly 5-7 minutes. Set a timer for precision. Fresh leaves can go up to 8 minutes; dried should not exceed 7 minutes.
- Strain: Remove leaves or strain tea through a fine-mesh strainer into your cup.
- Add Honey/Lemon: If desired, add honey and lemon after tea has cooled slightly (below 140°F to preserve honey’s benefits).
- Enjoy: Inhale the aroma deeply, then sip slowly while hot. Ideal drinking temperature is 130-160°F.
Notes
- Always cover while steeping to preserve essential oils
- Fresh peppermint provides brighter flavor; dried offers more concentrated mint
- Can be enjoyed hot or cold-brewed (6-8 hours in refrigerator)
- Tea is best consumed immediately; quality deteriorates rapidly once brewed
- Use 1 tablespoon fresh leaves per 8 oz for stronger tea
- Safe for daily consumption for most people; consult doctor if pregnant or have GERD
- Leaves can sometimes be resteeped once, though flavor will be weaker
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes (steeping time)
- Category: Breakfasts
- Method: Steeping/Infusion
- Cuisine: International, Herbal
- Diet: Vegan