Refreshing Mint Tea Recipe – Indian Style Herbal Infusion

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Refreshing Mint Tea Recipe – Indian Style Herbal Infusion

Hey everyone! There’s something so comforting about a warm cup of tea, isn’t there? Especially when it’s infused with the bright, refreshing flavor of mint. This Indian-style mint tea (often called Pudina Chai) is a simple little recipe that’s become a total staple in my home. I first made it when I was feeling a bit under the weather, and honestly, it worked wonders! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly soothing. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average mint tea. It’s a little hug in a mug, packed with flavor and a touch of Indian warmth. It’s perfect for a cozy morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even to soothe a sore throat. Plus, it comes together in just a few minutes – seriously, less than 5! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of fresh mint and a gentle caffeine boost.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make two lovely cups of mint tea:

• 2 cups fresh water (about 480ml)
• ½ tsp tea powder (around 2.5g)
• 1 sprig mint leaves (about 8-10 leaves)
• Sweetener as needed (honey, sugar, jaggery, or tulsi honey)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Tea Powder: Traditionally, in India, we often use CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea powder for a stronger brew. Assam tea is also a popular choice for its robust flavor. You can adjust the amount to your liking, of course!
• Mint Leaves: Spearmint is the most commonly used mint for this tea, offering a sweet, refreshing flavor. But feel free to experiment! I’ve used peppermint before when spearmint wasn’t available, and it adds a lovely zing. You can even mix varieties!
• Sweetener: This is where you can really personalize things. White sugar is classic, but I love using a spoonful of jaggery for a more caramel-like sweetness. Or, for an extra health boost, try tulsi honey – it adds a beautiful floral note.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some tea! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. Pour the water into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. You don’t want a rolling boil, just nice little bubbles forming around the edges.
2. Once boiling, add the tea powder and the fresh mint leaves.
3. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The mint and tea will start to infuse the water with their flavors.
4. Turn off the heat and let the mint infuse for another 2-3 minutes. This really helps to extract all that lovely minty goodness.
5. Strain the tea into your favorite cups.
6. Add your sweetener of choice to taste and serve warm. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overboil the tea! Overboiling can make it bitter.
• Gently crush the mint leaves before adding them to the water to release more flavor.
• If you’re using a whole leaf tea instead of powder, you might need to steep it for a little longer.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, always adds a tiny sliver of ginger or a pinch of cardamom to her mint tea. It adds a lovely warmth, especially during the colder months.
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali or Holi, my family loves to serve this tea with a sprinkle of rose petals on top – it’s so festive and fragrant!
• Health Benefits: In Ayurveda, mint is known for its cooling properties and aids digestion. Adding a little ginger can balance this out and make it even more beneficial.

Serving Suggestions

This mint tea is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a light snack. I love it with a couple of biscotti or a small plate of namak pare (savory Indian crackers). It’s also lovely alongside a simple breakfast of poha or upma.

Storage Instructions

This tea is best enjoyed fresh! However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently before serving. The flavor might not be quite as vibrant, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this tea best served hot or cold? Traditionally, it’s served hot, but it’s also incredibly refreshing iced! Just let it cool completely, add some ice, and enjoy.
• Can I use dried mint instead of fresh? You can, but the flavor won’t be as bright and fresh. If you’re using dried mint, use about 1 teaspoon per sprig of fresh mint.
• What type of tea powder is recommended for the best flavor? CTC or Assam tea powder are great choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Can this tea be made ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can brew the tea concentrate ahead of time and dilute it with hot water when you’re ready to serve.