Peppermint Tea: Flavor, History, and How to Brew It Hot or Iced
Peppermint is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world, and one sip explains why. It's cool, clean, and intensely aromatic, with a sweet finish that lingers. It's also naturally caffeine free, so you can enjoy a cup any time of day.
What is peppermint?
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a natural hybrid of spearmint and watermint. Its leaves are rich in aromatic oils, especially menthol, which gives peppermint its signature cooling taste. Peppermint tea is simply the dried leaves steeped in hot water.
A little history
Peppermint has a long history as a cultivated herb. In England, the village of Mitcham in Surrey was famous for growing it commercially from around 1750. Mitcham peppermint plants later crossed the Atlantic, reaching Michigan by the 1880s, and in the early 20th century peppermint farming spread to Oregon and Washington. The Pacific Northwest is still one of the great mint-growing regions today.
A classic after-dinner cup
Peppermint tea is a traditional after-meal drink, and many people find a warm cup soothing after a big dinner. Researchers have studied peppermint oil, mostly in coated capsules, for digestive complaints like irritable bowel syndrome, with encouraging results. A cup of tea holds far less oil than those capsules, though, so think of peppermint tea as a comforting ritual rather than a treatment. Peppermint can make heartburn worse for some people, so if you have reflux, check with your doctor.
Tasting notes and pairings
Bright and bold, with a cooling, sweet finish. Peppermint pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, brownies, and fresh fruit, and a pinch blended with green tea makes a refreshing combination.
Cool, clean and intensely aromatic, our Peppermint is a classic herbal infusion, naturally caffeine free and refreshing hot or iced.
History & Heritage
Peppermint has a rich history as a cultivated herb. In England, the village of Mitcham in Surrey was famous for commercial peppermint from around 1750, and by the end of the 18th century its fields covered about 100 acres. Mitcham peppermint plants later crossed the Atlantic, and in the early 20th century peppermint farming spread to Oregon and Washington, which became major mint-growing regions. Oregon's commercial mint growing began near Eugene around 1908, and Washington's expanded after 1917, especially in the Yakima area.
Interesting Facts
The best peppermint comes from the northwestern United States.
The pure, moist mountain air of the spring and early summer growing season gives this peppermint some of the highest volatile oil counts of any member of the mint family.
Black Mitcham peppermint plants reached Michigan by the 1880s.
Tasting Notes & Pairings
Bright and bold, with a cooling, sweet finish that lingers. Peppermint is traditionally enjoyed after meals, and it is equally delicious iced on a summer day. It pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, brownies, and fresh fruit, and a sprig of it blends nicely with green tea. An interesting and tingling idea: a handful of peppermint leaves in a warm bath makes a refreshing, aromatic soak after a hot summer's day.
Brewing tips (general guideline): use 1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz of freshly boiled water (212°F), steeped 5–7 minutes. For iced peppermint, brew it double strength and pour over ice.
Like everything at Beantown Tea & Spices, Peppermint is a quality blend offered at an affordable price, with sample and larger sizes so you can find your favorite. Explore more in our Herbal & Fruit Tea collection, or pair it with our tea accessories.
How to brew peppermint tea
Hot: As a general guideline from our product page, use 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of freshly boiled water (212°F) and steep 5 to 7 minutes. A longer steep gives a stronger, mintier cup. Peppermint is usually enjoyed plain, without milk.
Iced: Brew it double strength and pour it over plenty of ice. To make about a quart, steep 6 teaspoons in 1¼ cups of freshly boiled water for 5 minutes. Strain it into a pitcher that's a quarter full of cold water, add ice, and top it up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Sizes
Our Peppermint comes in a sample size (makes about 5 cups), 4 oz (about 50 cups), 8 oz (about 100 cups) and 1 lb (about 200 cups). Find it on our Peppermint page, or explore more caffeine-free options in our Herbal & Fruit Tea collection.
