Moroccan Mint Tea

Moroccan Mint Tea, or 'Atay', is more than just a drink; it's a cornerstone of Maghrebi culture and a profound symbol of hospitality. This traditional beverage is based on Chinese gunpowder green tea, which is brewed and then sweetened with a generous amount of sugar. The defining characteristic is the infusion of a large bunch of fresh spearmint leaves, which imparts a powerfully refreshing aroma and flavor. It is traditionally served hot in small glasses, poured from a height to create a desirable frothy head.
Moroccan Mint Tea

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Moroccan Mint Tea is fundamentally a traditional tea drink, deeply rooted in cultural practices rather than modern mixology. It stands as a significant cultural beverage, distinct from cocktails or mocktails. Its category is best described as a classic, hot, non-alcoholic tea preparation.

Serving

Moroccan Mint Tea is served hot in small, ornate glasses, with a serving size of about 4-5 oz. This alcohol-free drink is traditionally poured from a height to aerate the tea and create a frothy crown.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml (4-5 oz) per glass
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Traditional Moroccan tea glass (Beldi)
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The tradition of mint tea in Morocco began around the 18th century when green tea was introduced to the region by British merchants. Moroccans adapted it to their palate by adding local spearmint and sugar, creating a unique and beloved beverage. The intricate preparation and serving ceremony, often performed by the male head of the household, evolved into a central ritual of social life and hospitality.
Origin
Maghreb region (North Africa), particularly Morocco. The tradition emerged in the 18th century.

Moroccan Mint Tea

Known natively as 'Atay' or 'Atai', this beverage is also widely recognized as Maghrebi Mint Tea, reflecting its origins in the Maghreb region of North Africa. The name 'Touareg Tea' is also used, linking it to the nomadic Touareg people who have a rich tea culture. These names all refer to the same beloved, traditional preparation.
Original name
Atay
Alternative names
  • Maghrebi Mint Tea
  • Touareg Tea
  • Atai

Characteristics overview

It boasts a sweet and intensely minty flavor profile, balanced by the subtle earthiness of gunpowder green tea. The aroma is dominated by fresh spearmint, while the texture is smooth and light on the palate.
Flavor
Sweet, minty, refreshing, slightly earthy, vegetal
Aroma
Strong spearmint, sweet, grassy
Taste balance
Sweet, fresh, hint of bitterness
Aftertaste
Clean, sweet, lingering mint
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Golden-amber, clear, frothy head
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink has a high level of sweetness and a prominent fresh mint flavor, with very low bitterness and no alcohol. It is a still beverage with a bold, refreshing character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires only four simple ingredients: gunpowder green tea for the base, a generous bunch of fresh spearmint leaves, sugar, and boiling water. The quality of the mint is key to achieving the authentic, refreshing flavor.
  • Gunpowder green tea2 tablespoons
    Provides the robust, slightly smoky base for the drink.
  • Fresh spearmint1 large bunch (about 30-40 sprigs)
    Use fresh, vibrant spearmint for the most authentic flavor. Do not substitute with peppermint.
  • Sugar5 tablespoons (or to taste)
    Traditionally served very sweet. White sugar or sugar cubes are common.
  • Boiling water1 litre (about 34 oz)
    Freshly boiled water is essential for proper brewing.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A traditional Moroccan teapot, known as a 'berrad', is ideal for both brewing and serving. Small, decorative heat-proof glasses are essential for the authentic serving experience.
  • Teapot (preferably a Moroccan 'berrad') for brewing and serving.
  • Small, heat-proof tea glasses for serving.

Instructions

The process involves washing the tea leaves to reduce bitterness, steeping them with fresh mint and sugar, and then mixing by pouring between the pot and a glass. The final step is the signature high pour into serving glasses.
1. Place the gunpowder green tea into a clean teapot.
2. Pour about a cup of boiling water into the pot, swirl for 30 seconds to "wash" the tea leaves, and then carefully pour out and discard only the water, keeping the leaves in the pot. This step reduces bitterness.
3. Add the large bunch of fresh spearmint (stems and all) and the sugar into the teapot on top of the tea leaves.
4. Fill the teapot with the remaining boiling water.
5. Place the teapot over low heat for a minute or two until it is very hot, or simply let it steep off the heat for 5-6 minutes. Do not let it boil.
6. To mix the tea and melt the sugar without stirring, pour the tea into a single glass and then pour it back into the teapot. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
7. Serve the tea by pouring from a significant height (12 inches or more) into the small tea glasses. This aerates the tea and creates a nice foam on top, which is highly desired.

Garnishing

Typically, the tea is served without a garnish, but a small, fresh sprig of mint can be placed in each glass for visual appeal. The frothy head created by the high pour is considered the primary "garnish".
  • Fresh mint sprig (optional) placed in each glass.

Dietary Information

This beverage is vegan, vegetarian, and free from dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. However, it contains caffeine from the green tea and is typically high in sugar.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

Due to the high sugar content, this tea is caloric for a beverage, with significant amounts of carbohydrates, almost all of which are sugars. The tea and mint themselves contribute negligible calories.
Calories
Averagely 60-80 kcal / 251-335 kJ per serving
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 grams per serving
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 grams per serving
Sugar level

Occasions

This tea is perfect for almost any social occasion, from casual get-togethers with friends to formal events. It is the quintessential drink for welcoming guests into one's home and serves as a relaxing daily ritual.
  • Social Gathering
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Relaxation
  • Welcoming Guests

Pairing suggestions

Moroccan Mint Tea pairs wonderfully with a variety of sweet and savory foods. It's a classic accompaniment to Moroccan pastries, dates, and nuts. It also serves as a great palate cleanser alongside rich, savory dishes like tagine or couscous.
  • Moroccan pastries (Kaab el ghzal, Ghriba)
  • Dates and nuts
  • Biscotti or shortbread cookies
  • Savory tagines and couscous dishes

The Heart of Moroccan Hospitality: Moroccan Mint Tea

Moroccan Mint Tea is a cherished traditional beverage from North Africa, celebrated for its sweet, refreshing mint flavor and its role as a symbol of hospitality. Made with gunpowder green tea, fresh spearmint, and sugar, its preparation is a ritual in itself, culminating in a dramatic high pour that creates a signature frothy top. This non-alcoholic, caffeinated drink is a central part of social life and is enjoyed throughout the day, offering a warm welcome and a moment of shared pleasure. It perfectly balances sweetness with the coolness of mint, making it a timeless classic.