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How to Brew Peppermint Tea for a Perfect Cup
Peppermint tea is brewed from dried peppermint leaves in freshly boiled water, and the two things that decide how it turns out are steeping time and whether you keep the cup covered. Steep it 5 to 7 minutes under a lid for a full, rounded cup.
What you need
- Freshly boiled water
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose peppermint tea, or one tea bag
- A cup with a lid or saucer to keep the steam in
How to brew it
- Pour freshly boiled water straight over the tea. Peppermint releases its oils best at a full boil, unlike more delicate green teas.
- Cover the cup while it steeps. Peppermint’s flavour comes from volatile oils that escape as steam, so covering the cup keeps more of that flavour in the cup rather than in the air.
- Steep for 5 to 7 minutes for a full, rounded cup. A shorter steep of 2 to 3 minutes gives a lighter, more delicate flavour if you prefer that.
- Strain and serve. It’s naturally caffeine-free and needs no milk or sugar, though a slice of lemon works well if you want something sharper.
Hot, iced, or both
Peppermint tea makes an excellent iced drink in warmer months. Brew it double strength, let it cool, then pour over ice with a few fresh mint leaves. Because it has no caffeine, it also works well as an evening drink when you want something warm without disturbing sleep.
Why peppermint tastes stronger than spearmint
Peppermint has a higher concentration of menthol than spearmint, which is what gives it that sharper, cooling sensation on the tongue. Spearmint is milder and slightly sweeter, which is why the two are often used differently: spearmint in food and drinks meant to be gentle, peppermint where you want a clear, cooling hit.
Where peppermint comes from
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint, and it has been used in teas and infusions across Europe and the Middle East for centuries. You can read more about its background on Wikipedia’s peppermint entry.
Try it for yourself
Our Strong Pure Peppermint Tea is a good place to start if you want a properly robust cup rather than a faint one. If you’d rather try something blended, our Camomile and Lemongrass Tea is a gentler option for the evening.
Storing peppermint tea
Keep loose peppermint tea in an airtight container, away from direct light and heat, and it should hold its flavour well for up to a year. Ground or crushed leaves lose their aroma faster than whole leaves, so a container that blocks light will keep it fresher for longer than one left on an open shelf near a window.
Frequently asked questions
How much peppermint tea should I use per cup?
One to two teaspoons of loose leaf, or one tea bag, is a good starting point for a standard mug. Adjust up or down depending on how strong you like it.
Can I re-steep peppermint tea leaves?
Loose peppermint leaves can usually be steeped a second time, though the flavour will be noticeably lighter than the first cup.
Does peppermint tea contain caffeine?
No. Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, which is part of why it’s a popular evening drink.
What’s the difference between peppermint tea and mint tea?
“Mint tea” is a broader term that can mean peppermint, spearmint, or a blend of the two. Peppermint tea specifically refers to tea made from Mentha × piperita, which has a stronger, more cooling flavour than spearmint on its own.
Should I use fresh or dried peppermint leaves?
Both work well. Dried leaves keep for longer and are easier to measure consistently, while fresh leaves give a brighter, slightly greener flavour if you have them to hand.