How to Make Peppermint Tea (Fresh or Dried Leaves)

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Peppermint tea is one of the easiest herbal teas to make at home. You can make it using fresh peppermint leaves from your garden (or the store), or you can use dried peppermint for a stronger, more classic flavor.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make peppermint tea step-by-step, including the best steeping time, tips for better flavor, and the simple tools that make herbal tea easier.

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Peppermint tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made by steeping peppermint leaves in hot water. It has a refreshing, minty flavor and can be enjoyed hot or iced.

You can make peppermint tea using:

  • Fresh peppermint leaves (lighter, brighter taste)
  • Dried peppermint leaves (stronger and more concentrated)

Both options are delicious — it really depends on what you have available.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make peppermint tea, you only need a few simple ingredients.

Basic ingredients:

  • Fresh peppermint leaves or dried peppermint leaves
  • Hot water

Optional add-ins (for extra flavor):

  • Honey
  • Lemon
  • Fresh ginger slices
  • Cinnamon stick

Tools You’ll Need (Optional but Helpful)

You can make peppermint tea with items you already have, but a few simple tools make it easier (especially if you plan to drink herbal tea often).

Helpful tools include:

  • A tea infuser basket (great for loose herbs)
  • A mug with an infuser
  • A fine mesh strainer
  • An electric kettle (fast and convenient)

(I’ll share my recommended tools near the end of this post.)

How to Make Peppermint Tea With Fresh Leaves (Step-by-Step)

Making peppermint tea with fresh leaves is simple and tastes especially fresh and bright.

Step 1: Rinse the peppermint leaves

Rinse a small handful of peppermint leaves under cool water to remove dirt or debris.

Step 2: Lightly crush the leaves

Gently rub or crush the leaves between your fingers. This helps release the natural oils and gives your tea more flavor.

Step 3: Add leaves to your mug or teapot

Add the leaves directly to your mug, or place them inside a tea infuser.

Step 4: Pour hot water over the leaves

Pour hot water over the peppermint leaves.

Tip: You don’t need boiling water. Very hot water works best (especially if you want a smoother flavor).

Step 5: Steep the tea

Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 6: Strain and enjoy

Remove the infuser or strain out the leaves, then enjoy your peppermint tea hot.

How to Make Peppermint Tea With Dried Leaves

Dried peppermint makes a stronger cup of tea and is great when you don’t have fresh mint available.

How much dried peppermint to use

  • Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves per 8 oz mug of water.

Step-by-step

  1. Add dried peppermint to a tea infuser or teapot
  2. Pour hot water over the herbs
  3. Steep for 5 to 8 minutes
  4. Remove the herbs and enjoy

If the tea tastes too strong, use less peppermint or steep for less time.

How Long to Steep Peppermint Tea (Best Flavor Tips)

Steeping time makes a big difference in how your tea tastes.

Here’s a simple guide:

  • 3–4 minutes: mild flavor
  • 5–7 minutes: balanced flavor (best for most people)
  • 8+ minutes: very strong (can taste bitter for some)

If you’re new to peppermint tea, start with 5 minutes and adjust from there.

How to Make Peppermint Tea Taste Better

If you want to make your peppermint tea taste even better, try one of these simple add-ins:

  • A squeeze of lemon
  • A spoonful of honey
  • A few slices of fresh ginger
  • A cinnamon stick
  • A pinch of dried chamomile (for a softer taste)

You can also blend peppermint with other herbs you enjoy.

How to Store Fresh Mint + Dried Mint

How to store fresh peppermint

Fresh mint stays best when it’s kept slightly moist.

Easy method:

  • Wrap mint stems in a damp paper towel
  • Place in a bag or container
  • Store in the fridge

How to store dried peppermint

Store dried peppermint leaves in:

  • an airtight jar
  • away from heat and sunlight

This helps preserve flavor and freshness.

FAQs About Peppermint Tea

Is peppermint tea caffeine-free?

Yes. Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free.

Can I use spearmint instead of peppermint?

Yes. Spearmint has a sweeter, softer flavor than peppermint, but it works well as tea.

Can I make peppermint tea iced?

Yes. Make the tea as usual, let it cool, then pour it over ice. You can also chill it in the fridge.

Can I reuse peppermint leaves?

You can sometimes steep fresh leaves a second time, but the flavor will be weaker.

Can peppermint tea go bad?

Peppermint tea itself is best enjoyed fresh. Dried peppermint leaves can lose flavor over time, especially if they aren’t stored in an airtight container.

Recommended Tools for Making Herbal Tea

If you plan to make herbal tea often, these are the tools that make it easier:

  • A roomy tea infuser basket (best for loose herbs)
  • A mug with an infuser (easy for beginners)
  • A reliable electric kettle
  • Airtight jars for storing dried herbs

👉 Next, check out my guide to the best tea infusers for herbal tea (coming soon).