Algerian Mint Green Tea - Refreshing & Easy

Welcome to the heart of North African hospitality, where every sip of Algerian mint green tea tells a story! Forget complicated rituals or bitter disappointments; this guide is your passport to mastering the art of a truly refreshing and traditional mint tea. We’re diving deep into the secrets of creating an authentic brew that balances the robust notes of green tea with the vibrant freshness of mint and the perfect touch of sweetness, all while sidestepping any common pitfalls.
Algerian mint tea, a beloved staple across the Maghreb region (including Morocco and Tunisia), is more than just a drink; it's a symbol of welcoming guests and everyday connection. While often compared to its Moroccan cousin, Algerian mint tea holds its own unique charm, typically featuring a strong green tea base, generous fresh mint, and a distinctive sweetness, sometimes enhanced by a hint of orange blossom water. This isn't your average herbal infusion; it's a full-bodied experience! You'll learn how it differs from Moroccan Atay and even Egyptian/Arabic black tea with mint, ensuring you appreciate its specific character. By the end of this, you’ll be able to make café-style Algerian mint tea at home without the bitterness, ready to share with friends or savor in quiet moments.
Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making this recipe:
It’s ready in about 10–15 minutes, perfect for an impromptu treat.
You’ll achieve that classic Algerian flavor with green tea, mint, and an optional hint of orange blossom.
Our simple method ensures a smooth, non-bitter brew every time.
It's incredibly easy to scale up when you have guests!

Ingredients

• Green Tea (Gunpowder or Substitute):
• 2 tablespoons (about 10-15g) gunpowder green tea
• Why it's traditional: Gunpowder green tea, with its tightly rolled pellets resembling gunpowder, is the traditional choice. It yields a strong, slightly smoky, and full-bodied brew that stands up beautifully to mint and sugar.
• Choosing it: Look for fresh, vibrant-looking pellets. If you can't find gunpowder, a neutral green tea like Chun Mee can work, but avoid very grassy or delicate Japanese green teas which might get lost or turn bitter with this method.
• Fresh Mint:
• 1 large handful (about 1 cup, loosely packed) fresh spearmint leaves
• Why spearmint: Spearmint is preferred for its sweet, less pungent flavor compared to peppermint. Look for bright green leaves with no black spots or wilting.
• Sugar:
• 2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar (or 4-8 sugar cubes), to taste
• How sweet is traditional: Traditionally, Algerian mint tea is quite sweet! Feel free to adjust to your preference.
• Optional Orange Blossom Water:
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
• How it perfumes: Just a small amount adds a delicate, fragrant note without overpowering the mint.
• Water:
• 3 cups filtered water, plus extra for rinsing
• Filtered vs. tap: Filtered water can make a noticeable difference in the tea's clarity and taste, preventing any off-flavors from tap water.
• Pinch of Salt (Optional):
• A tiny pinch of salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon)
• Enhances flavor: A pinch of salt can subtly enhance the tea's sweetness and overall flavor.
• Simple Ratio Guide:
• For 2 small glasses: 1.5 cups water, 1 tbsp tea, 1/2 handful mint, sugar to taste.
• For 4 small glasses: 3 cups water, 2 tbsp tea, 1 large handful mint, sugar to taste.
• For 6 small glasses: 4.5 cups water, 3 tbsp tea, 1.5 large handfuls mint, sugar to taste.

Directions

1. Prep the Mint and Teapot:
   1. Gently strip the fresh mint leaves from their stems. Rinse them under cold water if needed and pat dry. Set aside.
   2. Warm your teapot by pouring a splash of boiling water into it, swirling it around, then discarding the water. This helps maintain the tea's temperature.
2. Rinse the Tea Leaves:
   1. Add the gunpowder green tea leaves to your warmed teapot (or a small saucepan if your teapot isn't stovetop safe).
   2. Pour in just enough boiling water (about 1/4 cup) to cover the tea leaves. Swirl it around for about 10-15 seconds, then carefully discard this water. This quick rinse removes dust and reduces any potential bitterness from the green tea.
3. Brew the Base Tea:
   1. To the rinsed tea leaves in the teapot, add 3 cups of fresh boiling water.
   2. If using a stovetop-safe teapot, you can briefly simmer it for about 1-2 minutes over low heat. Otherwise, let it steep off the heat for 3-5 minutes. The liquid should develop a rich, amber color.
4. Add Mint and Orange Blossom:
   1. Turn off the heat (if simmering).
   2. Add the prepared large handful of fresh mint leaves to the teapot. If using, add 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water.
   3. Cover the teapot and let it steep for another 5-7 minutes. The tea's color will deepen further, and the aroma of mint will become prominent.
5. Sweeten:
   1. Add the granulated sugar (or sugar cubes) directly to the pot.
   2. To dissolve the sugar and create the traditional frothy top, you can gently stir, or for a more authentic method, pour a small amount of tea into a glass, then back into the pot, repeating a few times. This helps mix the sugar thoroughly.
6. Strain and Pour with Foam:
   1. Place a fine mesh strainer over your small tea glasses or clear cups.
   2. Pour the tea from the teapot, through the strainer, into the glasses. This is crucial to catch any stray mint leaves or tea pellets.
   3. For that signature foamy top, pour the tea from a slight height (about 6-12 inches above the glass). This aerates the tea and creates a lovely head of foam. Serve immediately and enjoy!