One of the most soothing and aromatic drinks that is bound to become your favourite is spearmint tea. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, boost your digestion, or simply enjoy a refreshing herbal beverage, spearmint tea has you covered. With minimal ingredients and easy recipe, spearmint tea offers a natural, cooling taste that’s both calming and revitalising. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of making spearmint tea, plus explore some of its health benefits and tips to enhance the flavour.

Let’s get to the fun part — making the tea! There are several ways you can brew spearmint tea, but we’ll cover the two most popular methods: using fresh spearmint leaves and using dried spearmint leaves.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 fresh sprigs of spearmint leaves (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup of hot water

• Optional: honey, lemon, or a dash of cinnamon (for flavour)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spearmint Leaves : If you’re using fresh spearmint, start by rinsing the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Gently bruise or crush the leaves with your fingers or a muddler to release their oils. This helps enhance the flavour of the tea.

2. Boil Water : Heat 1 cup of water in a kettle or on the stove until it reaches a near-boil. You want the water to be hot, but not fully boiling.

3. Steep the Leaves : Place the bruised spearmint leaves into a tea infuser, tea ball, or directly into the cup. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let them steep for 5-7 minutes. If you like a stronger flavour, let it steep a little longer.

4. Strain and Serve : After the tea has steeped to your desired strength, remove the leaves using a strainer or infuser. Taste the tea, and if you prefer, you can add a little honey, a slice of lemon, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavour.

5. Enjoy! Sip the tea slowly and savour its soothing, refreshing taste.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves

• 1 cup of hot water

• Optional: sweetener or lemon

Instructions:

1. Boil Water : Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a kettle or on the stove.

2. Add Dried Spearmint : Place 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves into a tea infuser, strainer, or directly into your teacup.

3. Steep the Tea : Pour the hot water over the dried spearmint leaves. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Dried spearmint tends to have a more concentrated flavour than fresh leaves, so a shorter steep time may suffice.

4. Strain and Serve : After steeping, remove the leaves using a strainer or infuser. Add sweetener or lemon if desired.

5. Enjoy! You now have a lovely cup of dried spearmint tea to enjoy.

Experiment with different flavour combinations and make your already fantastic spearmint tea more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas to do that-

• Spearmint and Lemon : Add a slice of lemon or a splash of lemon juice to your tea for a zesty, citrusy twist.

• Spearmint and Ginger : Add a few slices of fresh ginger to your steeping water for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the minty flavour.

• Spearmint and Chamomile : Blend spearmint with chamomile flowers for a relaxing, sleep-promoting herbal tea.

• Spearmint Iced Tea : For a refreshing cold beverage, brew your spearmint tea as usual, then chill it in the fridge. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge.

• Fresh vs. Dried : Fresh spearmint leaves tend to have a lighter, fresher taste, while dried leaves have a more concentrated flavour. Experiment with both to see which you prefer.

• Adjust Strength : You can control the strength of your tea by adjusting the amount of leaves you use and the steeping time. Start with less and add more if you prefer a stronger flavour.

• Avoid Over-Steeping : While mint can hold up well during longer steeping times, over-steeping can result in a bitter taste. Stick to 5-7 minutes for optimal flavour.

Spearmint tea is not just a flavorful and refreshing beverage — it’s also packed with health benefits that can help improve digestion, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Whether you choose to brew it with fresh or dried leaves, it’s a simple, customizable drink that anyone can enjoy. So, the next time you're in need of a soothing cup of tea, reach for some spearmint — your mind and body will thank you!