A friend of mine cursed blessed us with a mint plant when we moved into our house 8 years ago.
Naïve being that I was, I planted it right into the ground…no pot, no borders, nothing. I thought “oooh… lots of fresh mint”.
Yeah. I have since learned that was a mistake. Mint, or yardus interruptus will take over anywhere it can! And, it can be a pain to keep up with.
Already this year, I have several gallons of dried and crushed leaves for tea. So, now that one plant has nearly overtaken my entire yard and I have had to come up with new and exciting ways to use it.
I’ve made mint extract and drank hot tea by the gallon.
And since it is warm right now, I really wanted to find a way to use that mint up in a refreshing iced tea. so, here’s how to make iced tea with mint leaves.
Below, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make iced tea with mint leaves – and a few other recipes you can try if you find yourself inundated with fresh mint.
What Kind of Mint Should I Use for Mint Iced Tea?
When it comes to choosing the type of mint to use, there are three main varieties that are commonly used in cooking and cocktails: spearmint, peppermint, and ginger mint.
Here’s a brief overview of each type of mint and how they differ in taste:
- Spearmint: Spearmint has a light, refreshing flavor that is perfect for making iced tea. It is also the most versatile type of mint, so it can be used in a wide variety of dishes and drinks.
- Peppermint: Peppermint has a strong, mentholated flavor that can be overpowering if not used judiciously. It’s best used in small amounts to add a hint of flavor to iced tea.
- Ginger Mint: Ginger mint has a unique flavor that is both spicy and sweet. It’s perfect for adding depth of flavor to iced tea without being too overwhelming.
There are other types of mint you can use, too, depending on the flavor you’d like to get (such as chocolate mint). Feel free to experiment – or should I say, experi-mint.
The Benefits of Mint Iced Tea
Mint iced tea is not only delicious, but it can also help improve your digestion, relieve stress, and even give your immune system a boost.
If you suffer from indigestion or bloating, drinking mint iced tea can help to ease those symptoms. The mint leaves in the tea help to relax the muscles in your digestive tract, which allows gas and bloating to pass through more easily.
Mint iced tea is also a great way to get some relief from an upset stomach. The cooling effect of the mint can help to soothe your stomach and reduce nausea.
In addition to its digestive benefits, mint iced tea can also help to relieve stress and tension. The menthol in mint leaves has a calming effect on the body, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, try sipping on some mint iced tea throughout the day. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel!
Mint iced tea is also packed with antioxidants, which are essential for a healthy immune system.
Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and lead to illness.
How Do You Make Mint Iced Tea?
Mint iced tea is a refreshing summertime beverage that is easy to make at home. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Mint iced tea is a refreshing summer beverage that is easy to make at home. All you need are mint leaves, sugar, and water.
And the sugar is optional!
Collect the Leaves
Duh, right? I find that by getting them as early in the morning as possible, they seem to have more flavor.
I cut the plant about 2 inches from the bottom and then shake gently to remove any residents.
Then, I carefully remove the leaves and place them in a bowl. Rinse off with cold water and shake to dry.
Bring Water to a Boil
To get started, bring water to a boil.
Add Sugar and Dissolve
While the water is heating up, add sugar to a heat-safe container and stir until it dissolves.
Add the Mint Leaves
Once the water reaches a boiling point, pour it over the sugar and add mint leaves.
Let it Steep
Allow the mixture to steep for 5-10 minutes, then use a fine mesh strainer to pour off the liquid.
Serve!
Serve over ice and enjoy!
How Long Will Iced Tea With Mint Last?
Iced tea with mint will last for 3-5 days in the fridge. To extend its shelf life, make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Iced tea with mint is best enjoyed within a week of being made. After that, the flavor will start to degrade.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few other ideas to try when you’re making your own mint iced tea at home.
Try Using Actual Tea
There are a few other different ways to make iced tea with mint. One popular alternative is to brew a pot of black tea, add fresh mint leaves, and then let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
Once the tea has steeped, remove the mint leaves and add sweetener to taste. Then, pour the tea over ice and enjoy!
Another method is to brew a pot of herbal tea, such as chamomile or lavender. Add fresh mint leaves and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove the mint leaves and add sweetener to taste. Pour the tea over ice and enjoy!
Skip the Sugar or Substitute with Stevia
While sugar may seem like the natural choice for sweetening iced tea, for some people, it’s actually best to skip the sugar or substitute with stevia. This will reduce the calories in your drink and also help with one other issue – discoloration.
Sugar can cause the mint leaves to turn brown, making your iced tea look less than appetizing.
Stevia is a natural sweetener that won’t cause the leaves to brown, and it will also add a hint of sweetness without making your iced tea overly sweet.
Add Vanilla
Mint iced tea is a refreshing summertime drink, and adding vanilla gives it a delicious twist.
The sweetness of the vanilla complements the cooling effect of the mint, making for a refreshing and delicious beverage. Best of all, it’s easy to make.
Simply steep mint leaves in boiling water, then add vanilla extract (or a vanilla bean) to taste. Let the mixture cool, then pour over ice and enjoy.
Add Some Lemon
If you’re looking for a new twist on iced tea, try adding some lemon. The tartness of the lemon complements the minty flavor of the tea, and the result is a truly refreshing drink.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even add a sprig of mint to the lemon slice for garnish.
Try Honey Instead of Sugar
One way to make a more balanced beverage is to use honey instead of sugar. Honey can add a touch of sweetness without making the tea too sugary.
In addition, honey has some health benefits that sugar does not have. For example, honey has been shown to help with coughs and sore throats.
You Can Serve it Hot, Too!
Fresh mint iced tea is a refreshing summertime treat. And while many people think of it as a cold beverage, you can actually serve it hot, too! When making hot mint tea, start by steeping mint leaves in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
Then, remove the leaves and add your desired sweetener.
For a traditional mint tea, honey is a great choice. Finally, pour the tea into a cup and enjoy. The minty flavor will help to wake you up in the morning, and the sweetness will give you a boost of energy throughout the day.
Iced Tea with Mint Leaves Recipe
Iced Tea with Mint Leaves Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups mint leaves loosely packed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 gallon water
Instructions
- Bring one gallon of water to a boil.
- Add the sugar, and dissolve in the boiling water.
- Turn off heat.
- Place the mint leaves in the water.
- Allow to steep for 15 minutes.
- Pour off the liquid and store in the fridge. Serve over ice, and add a fresh mint leaf for garnish.
Conclusion
Iced tea with mint is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. What’s not to love? So next time you’re looking for something cool and refreshing, give iced tea with mint a try!
FAQ
While it is true that mint leaves will become more muted if they are boiled for an extended period of time, this does not mean that they will lose all of their flavor. When used judiciously, boiled mint leaves can still provide a delicious and refreshing taste. Furthermore, boiling mint leaves can actually help to release more of their flavor by breaking down the cell walls.
Yes. Mint tea can be brewed in cold water – in some cases, it can help bring out the flavor of the mint without making the tea bitter.
The best way to cut mint leaves for tea is to use a sharp knife or herb scissors. First, wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, place the mint leaves on a cutting board and gently roll them up. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts perpendicular to the roll.
Finally, unroll the leaves and add them to your tea. The key is to make sure that the cuts are shallow enough that the leaves remain intact. If the cuts are too deep, the mint leaves will be torn and release their oils, which can make tea taste bitter.
Heather’s homesteading journey started in 2006, with baby steps: first, she got a few raised beds, some chickens, and rabbits. Over the years, she amassed a wealth of homesteading knowledge, knowledge that you can find in the articles of this blog.
Learn more about Heather and the rest of the writers on this page.
I bought mint last week and was too brain fried to even think of iced tea! Will do after next farmer’s market.
What a great recipe. I love growing mint, but as you found out, it must be contained! Thanks for sharing!
Here, I will make you feel better: I am a Master Gardener and I fell for that one too! I put mine in a 4×4 raised bed and have managed to keep it there but I spend half my life pulling mint. Fresh Eggs Daily has several ideas for using mint as part of a recipe for fly repellents but I honestly just throw the whole plant in the nesting boxes and the coop. The hens don’t care, the flies go away, and the whole place smells better.
that is a REALLY great idea! thanks!!
I’m growing mint (in a pot) for the first time. I wanted it specifically for tea and I am glad to learn that I can make iced tea with the fresh leaves instead of drying first. Thanks for sharing at Green Thumb Thursday!
I love making fresh ice tea this time of year
I also learned the hard way with mint taking over my herb garden. It strangled everything. The only thing that I found that was more aggressive was lemon balm. I’ve abandoned my old herb garden to the lemon balm and have started new….with pots! Thanks for the recipe for mint tea. I look forward to trying it.
it’s crazy, isn’t it? My husband refers to it as the “Yankee Kudzu”, since he’s from the South
I like flavored water, I put a couple of mint leaves in some water put it in the fridge to let it chill and then drink. Good and refreshing on a HOT day in the south.
Do you make candles with soy and if so where do you get the soy?
Thanks for this – I needed to know how much fresh mint for a gallon of tea, gonna make mine this evening!
My mint used to live in pots, but never did very well at all. Now that I have my own land, I finally have them in the ground and I LOVE that they’re taking over! Best part is, they’re absolutely thriving in a location where nothing else will grow (soggy, shady, hard clay)! 😀