How to Best Drink Spearmint Tea for Maximum Flavor and Benefit

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies indicate that consistent daily consumption of spearmint tea can help balance hormones and reduce hirsutism in women. Mastering how to best drink spearmint tea involves more than just steeping leaves; it's about optimizing preparation and pairings to unlock its full potential for flavor and wellness.

Quick Summary

This guide details the best brewing methods for spearmint tea, covering optimal water temperature, steeping times, and ingredient ratios for both hot and iced versions. Explore flavor-enhancing additions like lemon and honey, discover creative tea blends, and learn how to incorporate this herbal infusion into your daily routine for health and enjoyment.

Key Points

Optimal Brewing Temperature: Use water just off the boil (around 200°F) for both fresh and dried spearmint to avoid bitterness.
Steep Time: A steeping time of 5-7 minutes is standard, but you can steep for up to 10 minutes for a stronger brew.
Flavor Enhancements: Enhance flavor with natural additions like a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of honey, or slices of fresh ginger.
Hot or Iced: Spearmint tea is delicious and beneficial served either hot for relaxation or iced for a refreshing, hydrating beverage.
Best for Hormonal Balance: Drinking 2-3 cups daily is commonly cited in research for its potential anti-androgen effects, which can aid in conditions like PCOS.

Mastering the Classic Hot Brew

Creating the perfect cup of hot spearmint tea is a simple yet rewarding process. The key is to respect the delicate nature of the leaves to avoid bitterness and maximize the release of its naturally sweet, aromatic flavor. For the best results, use high-quality, fresh, or dried spearmint leaves.

Step-by-step hot brewing process

Heat water properly: Bring fresh, filtered water to a near-boil, around 200°F (93°C). Boiling water can damage the leaves, resulting in a less vibrant flavor.
Measure leaves: Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves or a handful of fresh, gently bruised leaves per 8 ounces of water. Bruising fresh leaves helps release their essential oils.
Steep correctly: Place the leaves in a tea infuser, teapot, or directly in your mug. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let steep for 5-7 minutes. For a stronger brew, steep for up to 10 minutes.
Strain and serve: Strain the leaves and pour the tea into your cup. Enjoy it plain or with an optional sweetener and a slice of lemon.

Optional enhancements for hot tea

Add a touch of honey: A drizzle of honey complements spearmint's natural sweetness and offers additional health benefits.
Mix with green tea: For a boost of antioxidants and a touch of caffeine, combine spearmint with green tea leaves, as is done in traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Incorporate citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the minty flavor.
Add ginger: For a warming, digestive aid, steep with a few slices of fresh ginger root.

The Ultimate Guide to Iced Spearmint Tea

Iced spearmint tea is the perfect refreshing and hydrating beverage for warmer weather. It can be prepared in a few different ways, depending on your desired strength and preparation time.

Quick-brew method for iced tea

Brew a strong concentrate: Double the amount of dried spearmint leaves (or fresh leaves) and steep them in hot water for 7-10 minutes.
Cool it down: Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for several hours, or overnight, for a deeper flavor.
Serve over ice: Pour the chilled tea over a glass filled with ice cubes.
Garnish and flavor: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon or cucumber for a spa-like twist.

Cold-brew method for a smooth finish

Cold brewing offers a different flavor profile, often smoother and less bitter than hot-brewed tea. Steep 1 tablespoon of loose spearmint tea leaves per 12 ounces of cold, filtered water. Refrigerate for 6-12 hours, then strain and serve over ice.

Comparison Table: Hot Brew vs. Cold Brew


Feature	Hot Brew Method	Cold Brew Method
Flavor Profile	Intense, aromatic, and potentially more bitter if over-steeped.	Smooth, mellow, and naturally sweeter.
Preparation Time	Fast, usually under 15 minutes.	Slow, requires overnight steeping for best results.
Antioxidants	Extracts a high level, though some may degrade with heat.	Preserves more antioxidants due to lower temperatures.
Caffeine (if mixed)	Higher caffeine extraction if combined with caffeinated teas like green or black tea.	Lower caffeine extraction if combined with caffeinated teas, resulting in a milder beverage.
Best For	Warming, digestive aid, and stress relief.	Refreshing, hydrating, and ideal for sensitive palates.

Creative Spearmint Tea Blends

Beyond the basic brew, spearmint tea can be a versatile base for many creative infusions. Here are a few ideas to expand your repertoire:

Spearmint & Chamomile: Combine spearmint leaves with dried chamomile flowers for a deeply relaxing and calming beverage, perfect for a bedtime ritual.
Spearmint & Ginger: A simple addition of fresh ginger root slices adds a spicy kick that warms the body and aids digestion.
Spearmint & Hibiscus: Blend with hibiscus for a tart, antioxidant-rich tea that can support heart health.
Moroccan Mint Tea: A classic and delicious combination of spearmint leaves, green tea, and a touch of honey for a traditional experience.

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Brew

From a simple, hot mug to a sophisticated, cold-brewed blend, there are countless ways to enjoy and reap the benefits of spearmint tea. Whether you are seeking hormonal balance, digestive relief, or simply a delicious, caffeine-free refreshment, the best way to drink spearmint tea is the one that best fits your palate and lifestyle. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brewing times, temperatures, and pairings to discover your perfect cup. Consistency is key when seeking therapeutic benefits, so enjoy it regularly and savor the subtle sweetness and calming aroma this versatile herb offers.

Best Spearmint Tea Practices

Harvesting: For the freshest flavor, harvest spearmint leaves in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun is at its peak.
Sourcing: Choose organic, loose-leaf spearmint whenever possible for the highest quality and potency.
Steeping Fresh Leaves: Gently bruise or tear fresh leaves before steeping to help release their natural oils and aroma.
Steeping Dried Leaves: Use a tea infuser or a fine-mesh strainer to contain dried loose leaves and prevent bits from ending up in your cup.
Flavoring: Avoid processed sugars. Instead, use natural sweeteners like honey or monk fruit, or fresh additions like lemon or ginger.
Daily Consistency: For best health benefits, aim to drink two to three cups of spearmint tea daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most people, drinking spearmint tea daily is safe and can be beneficial. Many studies suggesting positive health effects, such as hormonal balance, involve daily consumption of two to three cups.

Spearmint tea can be enjoyed at any time. A cup in the morning offers a refreshing start, while an evening cup is excellent for relaxation due to its calming properties.

Spearmint tea has a milder, sweeter flavor profile due to its low menthol content. Peppermint contains much higher menthol, giving it a stronger, more pungent taste and cooling sensation.

To make a stronger tea, increase the amount of spearmint leaves and/or extend the steeping time to 7-10 minutes. Bruising fresh leaves can also help release more flavor.

Some studies suggest that spearmint tea's anti-androgenic properties may help lower testosterone levels in women, which can reduce hormonal acne over time. Consistency is key, with some seeing results after a few months of daily consumption.

Common additions include a slice of lemon for a citrus twist, a spoonful of honey for sweetness, or a few slices of fresh ginger for warmth and digestive benefits.

Spearmint tea is generally safe, but excessive amounts can cause digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea in some individuals. Pregnant women, people with GERD, or those with kidney/liver issues should consult a doctor before use.