How long should you steep peppermint tea?

5 to 7 minutes, covered, in water at a full boil. You can steep it longer for a stronger cup; it rarely turns bitter.

Does peppermint tea have caffeine?

No. Peppermint tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the peppermint plant, so it's naturally caffeine-free.

Can I use fresh mint for tea?

Yes. Use about 8–10 fresh leaves per cup, bruise them gently, and steep in boiling water for 5–7 minutes. Fresh mint makes a brighter, sweeter cup than dried.

What's the difference between peppermint and spearmint tea?

Peppermint has more menthol, which makes it stronger and more cooling. Spearmint is sweeter and milder, and it's the mint used in Moroccan mint tea.

Should you cover peppermint tea while it steeps?

Yes. The menthol and other oils that give peppermint its flavor escape with the steam. A saucer over the mug keeps them in.

Can you drink peppermint tea cold?

Yes. Brew it double strength and pour over ice, or cold brew it in the fridge for 8–12 hours. It's one of the most refreshing iced herbal teas.

How to Brew Peppermint

Steep time: 5m – 7m
Water temperature: 95°C – 100°C

About Peppermint

Peppermint tea is an infusion of dried peppermint leaves (Mentha × piperita), a natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Its cooling taste comes from menthol, which peppermint has much more of than spearmint. It is naturally caffeine-free and has long been a popular after-dinner drink.

What it tastes like

Cool, sweet, and clean, with a strong menthol aroma. Whole or coarsely cut leaves taste brighter and less harsh than the dusty mint in many tea bags.

Step by step

Measure your tea Use about one teaspoon of Peppermint leaves per 8 oz cup.
Heat the water Bring fresh water to 95°C – 100°C. Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves.
Steep Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 5m – 7m. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go.
Strain and serve Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter.

Brewing tips

Blend it with green tea or chamomile for a softer cup.
A pot of mint on a windowsill gives you fresh leaves. Use a small handful per mug for a brighter, sweeter cup than dried.
Peppermint goes well with chocolate desserts, and it's a classic after a heavy meal.

Timer

Peppermint steeps for 5m – 7m — start the clock as you pour.

Peppermint

Timing every cup? The app has this timer for every tea. Get the app →

Enjoy your tea. Next time, the app remembers the time and temperature for you. Get the app →

Other ways to brew Peppermint

With dried peppermint

Use one to two teaspoons (1–2 g) of dried peppermint leaf per 8 oz (240 ml) cup, pour water at a full boil, cover, and steep 5–7 minutes. Covering the cup keeps the menthol from escaping with the steam.

With fresh mint

Use a small handful, about 8–10 leaves or a couple of sprigs, per cup. Bruise them lightly between your fingers to release the oils, pour boiling water over them, and steep 5–7 minutes. Fresh peppermint is brighter and sweeter than dried.

Iced peppermint tea

Brew double strength, two to three teaspoons of dried leaf or a big handful of fresh per 8 oz of boiling water, steep 7 minutes, then pour over ice. Add a slice of lemon or lime, or mix it half and half with iced green tea.

Cold brew

Put two to three teaspoons of dried peppermint or a large handful of fresh leaves in 8 oz (240 ml) of cold water and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. Cold-brewed peppermint is clean and cooling, without the sharpness hot water can bring.

Can you re-steep Peppermint?

Peppermint gives a decent second cup if it's whole leaf. Use fresh boiling water and steep the full 7 minutes. Crushed peppermint in tea bags gives most of its flavor the first time.

If your Peppermint doesn't taste right

Weak? Use more leaf, water at a full boil, and cover the cup while it steeps so the menthol stays in. Peppermint can go to 10 minutes without turning bitter.
Bitter or grassy? Very long steeps, especially with crushed tea-bag mint, can turn slightly bitter. Whole leaves and a 5–7 minute steep give a cleaner cup.
No minty smell? The leaves have gone stale; the menthol fades with time. Keep peppermint airtight and use it within a year.

Ways to drink Peppermint

Moroccan mint tea

Brew gunpowder green tea with a big handful of fresh spearmint and plenty of sugar. It's poured from a height to create a little foam. Spearmint is sweeter and milder than peppermint.

Peppermint and chamomile

Equal parts of each make a soft, cooling after-dinner blend. Steep 5–7 minutes, covered.

Peppermint with honey and lemon

Add a spoonful of honey and a slice of lemon once the tea has cooled slightly.