Refreshing peppermint leaf infusion

I discovered peppermint tea on an ordinary afternoon when my garden had exploded with mint—more than I knew what to do with. A friend mentioned steeping the leaves in hot water, and I was skeptical it could be that simple. That first cup taught me that sometimes the best remedies are hiding in your own backyard, waiting for the moment you finally pay attention.

I made this for my neighbor during a particularly warm evening, and watching her face light up as she took that first sip reminded me why simple things often matter most. She came back the next day asking for dried leaves to keep on hand.

Ingredients

• Dried peppermint leaves: Two tablespoons is your sweet spot for a balanced flavor—any less feels thin, any more can turn slightly bitter if you're not careful with timing.
• Filtered water: Use filtered if you can; it lets the delicate mint flavor shine without competing against chlorine or other tastes.
• Honey or agave syrup: A teaspoon or two adds just enough sweetness to round out the sharpness, though the tea is lovely on its own.
• Lemon slices: These are optional but they brighten everything—a thin slice does more than you'd expect.

Instructions

Heat your water until it's rolling:

Bring filtered water to a full boil in a kettle or small saucepan. You'll hear it shifting from quiet to insistent, which is your cue that it's ready.

Settle the leaves into their vessel:

Place dried peppermint leaves into a teapot or heatproof container. If using fresh leaves, use about half a cup loosely packed and give them a gentle crush to wake up their oils.

Pour with intention:

Pour the boiling water over the leaves slowly, watching the green deepen as the water soaks through. The aroma that rises is worth pausing for.

Let time do the work:

Cover the pot or container and let it steep for exactly five minutes. Any longer and bitterness creeps in; any shorter and the flavor stays too timid.

Catch the leaves on their way out:

Strain through a fine mesh strainer into cups, catching every leaf. This is when you notice how the liquid has transformed from clear to a pale, minty gold.

Finish as you wish:

Stir in honey or nestle a lemon slice into the cup if that's calling to you. Serve while it's still steaming.

Save

This tea became part of my evening routine without my planning it that way. There's something about the ritual of brewing—the warmth in your hands, the smell that fills a quiet kitchen—that makes even an ordinary night feel like a small celebration.

Fresh Versus Dried: What Actually Changes

Fresh mint leaves from the garden carry a brightness that dried leaves can't quite match, but dried leaves have concentrated their flavor in a way that makes them reliable and forgiving. I keep both on hand because they each have their moment. Fresh feels celebratory; dried is dependable.

The Temperature Question

Hot tea soothes you in a way that iced tea never can, but there's also something to be said for pouring a batch over ice on a day when the sun won't quit. Let your cooled infusion chill completely, then pour it over a glass full of ice cubes. The flavor actually deepens as it gets cold.

Making This Your Own

Once you've mastered the basics, the door opens to experimentation. A whisper of green tea leaves adds a gentle caffeine lift without overwhelming the mint. A thin slice of ginger wakes everything up. Some people swear by a tiny pinch of fresh lime zest.

• Blend your mint with chamomile leaves if you're brewing this before bed and want an extra push toward sleep.
• Try mixing in a teaspoon of dried lavender for a floral note that catches people off guard in the best way.
• Store dried peppermint in an airtight jar away from direct light, and it will stay vibrant for months.

Save

This is the kind of tea that costs almost nothing to make but feels like a kindness you're giving yourself. Once you taste how good it is, you'll wonder why you ever bought it anywhere else.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should peppermint leaves steep?

Steep peppermint leaves for about 5 minutes to extract a balanced, refreshing flavor without bitterness.

→ Can I use fresh peppermint leaves instead of dried?

Yes, fresh peppermint leaves can be used; typically, use about 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh leaves in place of dried ones.

→ What are optional additions to enhance flavor?

Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or agave syrup and thin lemon slices to complement the natural minty notes.

→ Is this infusion suitable for caffeine sensitivity?

Yes, peppermint leaf infusion is naturally caffeine-free, making it a gentle choice for those avoiding caffeine.

→ Can this be enjoyed iced?

Allow the infusion to cool and pour over ice for a refreshing iced peppermint drink.