Atay Bi Nana Moroccan Mint Tea

By
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih is a freelance writer and cooking class instructor with a background in Moroccan cuisine.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/6/22
Tested by
Diana Andrews
Diana Andrews
Tested by Diana Andrews
Diana has served as head recipe developer and editor for the Emmy-nominated PBS series Moveable Feast, food editor and test kitchen manager at Fine Cooking Magazine, and recipe developer and product tester at Food Network. 
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Atay Bi Nana Moroccan Mint Tea

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 2 to 4 servings
Yield: 1 pot of tea
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
55 Calories
0g Fat
14g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 55
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 14mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 13g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 2mg 9%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 65mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you've never had Moroccan mint tea, this beverage is made by steeping green tea with a generous handful of spearmint leaves—sometimes also made with other types of mint or herbs—and traditionally served in small glass cups.

Refreshing and sweet, mint teas are popular across northern Africa, where you might find them referred to as nana tea or Algerian tea, depending on where you are. Although there is no agreement regarding when tea was introduced to Morocco, a day won't likely pass in which you wouldn't drink, be offered, or offer a cup of this wonderful warming, sweet, and calming beverage. Many families serve tea more than once a day and Moroccan hospitality dictates that one must always offer mint tea to both drop-ins and expected guests. Although usually enjoyed on its own, Moroccan mint tea can be accompanied by a plate of patisseries and sweets.

Moroccan teapots vary in size, but a small pot typically holds about six small tea glasses, while a larger pot holds approximately 12 small glasses. The ratios below are for a small pot of tea and are approximate, as tea leaves vary in quality and strength. Look for Chinese gunpowder tea—the leaves are rolled into little pellets that resemble gunpowder and the flavor is best to make a classic Moroccan mint tea. This type of tea is traditionally poured from a forearm's height over the glass; this allows for the creation of a desirable foamy "head" on the top of the tea.

1:04

Click Play to See This Syrupy Sweet Moroccan Mint Tea Come Together

"Comforting and refreshing, Moroccan Mint Tea is easy to make and is ready in minutes. Serve the tea in traditional small Moroccan glasses for the ultimate tea drinking experience." —Diana Andrews

Atay Bi Nana Moroccan Mint Tea Tester Image
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Ingredients

  • 4 cups water

  • 1 tablespoon gunpowder green tea leaves

  • 1 large handful fresh spearmint leaves

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Atay Bi Nana Moroccan Mint Tea ingredients

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  2. In a medium-size pot, bring the water to a full boil.

    Water in a pot

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Swirl a little of the boiling water, about 1/4 cup, in your teapot to rinse it. Discard the water.

    Two hands holding a glass teapot with hands

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Add the gunpowder green tea to the teapot, then pour a few tablespoons of boiling water over the leaves. Allow the leaves to soak briefly, then swirl the pot to rinse the leaves and discard the water.

    Add the gunpowder green tea to the teapot

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  5. Add the mint leaves and sugar and fill the pot with about 2 cups boiling water. Leave the tea to steep for at least five minutes.

    Mint leaves and sugar added to the tea in the pot

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  6. Gently stir the tea and serve.

    Atay Bi Nana Moroccan Mint Tea in a tea pot and glass mug

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Tips

Here are a few suggestions for a perfect cup of Moroccan mint tea:

  • Moroccan teapots have built-in strainers, but if using another type of teapot, you'll need to use a small strainer when pouring the tea.
  • If your teapot is stove safe, steep the tea over medium-low heat just until it reaches a simmer. Watch carefully. If the tea reaches a full boil, it can foam excessively and spill over.
  • A small sprig of mint can be added to each glass for a more intense flavor; some Moroccans prefer to add the mint leaves after the tea has steeped.
  • Instead of stirring, the sugar may be mixed into the tea by pouring tea into a glass and then returning the tea to the pot, repeating this process several times.

Recipe Variations

  • Adjust sugar to your personal taste. The recipe reflects the fact that most Moroccans like their tea exceptionally sweet. This is changing a bit; it is becoming more common to serve two teapots on a serving tray—one traditionally sweet, the other lightly sweetened or not at all. Guests choose from either pot or request a glass comprising a mix of the two.   
  • Although fresh mint leaves are preferred in Morocco, you can substitute dried spearmint leaves (about a tablespoon) when fresh mint is unavailable.
  • The recipe's directions simplify the steeping process, but there is a more traditional way to make this tea.
  • You can turn this into iced tea by creating and chilling a double-strength concentrate (2 tablespoons tea) of the tea and a mint-infused simple syrup or honey, which will distribute better in cold water than sugar crystals. Chill, add ice as desired, and serve with a sprig of fresh mint.