Spearmint tea is made from the leaves of Mentha spicata, a mint with a rounder, sweeter taste than the sharp peppermint most people know from toothpaste and chewing gum. If you have been curious about it, this page sticks to what you will actually notice in the cup: how it tastes, how to brew it so it does not turn grassy, and what to drink it with.
What does spearmint tea taste like?
Mild, green and a little sweet. Think of the fresh mint you tear into a raita, but softer and without the burn. Spearmint carries a compound called carvone, which is what gives it that gentle, almost candy-like sweetness. Peppermint is high in menthol, which is why it feels icy on the tongue.
That difference matters when you are choosing. If a peppermint cup feels like too much, spearmint is the one to try. It is easy to drink on its own, nothing to add, and it does not leave a sharp aftertaste.
| Spearmint | Peppermint | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Soft, sweet, green | Sharp, icy, strong |
| Leaf shape | Pointed, crinkled | Darker, smoother |
| Best for | Easy daily sipping, iced tea | A strong, cooling finish |
| Caffeine | None | None |
How to brew spearmint tea
Makes 1 cup.
- Boil water, then wait a moment. Take it off the heat and let it settle for about 30 seconds. You want roughly 95°C.
- Measure. Use 1 teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves, or one spearmint tea bag, for about 200 ml of water.
- Pour and cover. Put a saucer over the cup. This keeps the aroma in the cup and out of the room.
- Steep for 5 minutes. Dried herbs need longer than green tea. Less than 4 minutes tastes thin.
- Strain or lift out the bag. Sip it plain first, then decide if it needs anything.
If you are using fresh leaves, double the quantity: a loose handful, lightly bruised between your palms so the oils come out, steeped for 5 to 7 minutes.
Brewing mistakes that change the taste
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Weak, watery cup | Steeped under 4 minutes | Steep a full 5 minutes, cover the cup. |
| Grassy or bitter edge | Boiling water, or steeped past 8 minutes | Let the water settle first and set a timer. |
| No aroma | Old, open pack | Store the leaves in an airtight tin away from light. |
| Flat when iced | Brewed at normal strength | Use double the leaves, then pour over ice. |
Ways to enjoy spearmint tea
It is more flexible than it looks.
- Plain and hot. The best way to learn what it tastes like. After a spicy meal it is especially pleasant.
- With lemon and honey. A thin lemon slice lifts the mint; a spoon of honey, added once the cup has cooled a little, rounds it out.
- Iced. Brew double strength, let it cool, pour over ice with a few mint leaves and a squeeze of lime. Good for the afternoon.
- With ginger. Two thin slices of fresh ginger in the cup give a warm, peppery edge that works well on cooler evenings.
- With cucumber. Chilled spearmint tea with cucumber slices tastes like a quiet version of a mojito, minus everything but the mint.
- Blended into other teas. A pinch of dried spearmint in green tea softens its edges.
Spearmint tea in Hindi: पुदीने की चाय?
Spearmint is often called pudina in Hindi, and the mint in your kitchen may well be a spearmint-type variety, though types vary by region. Spearmint tea in Hindi is commonly written as स्पियरमिंट टी. Dried spearmint leaves are usually more mellow than fresh pudina, so you will need a bit more of them per cup.
Frequently asked questions
Does spearmint tea have caffeine?
No. It is an herbal tea made from mint leaves, so it contains no caffeine and no tea leaf (Camellia sinensis).
How long should you steep spearmint tea?
Steep dried leaves or a tea bag for about 5 minutes in water just off the boil. Fresh leaves can go for 5 to 7 minutes.
What is the difference between spearmint and peppermint tea?
Spearmint tastes sweeter and softer. Peppermint is sharper and cooler on the palate because of its higher menthol content.
Can you drink spearmint tea cold?
Yes. Brew it at double strength, let it cool, and pour it over ice. A slice of lemon or a few extra mint leaves finishes it.
Can you reuse spearmint leaves?
A second steep works for loose leaves, though the flavour will be lighter. Tea bags are best used once.
When is the best time to drink spearmint tea?
Whenever you like a mint cup. Since it has no caffeine, many people drink it after meals and in the evening.
Try it with TEAME
TEAME Spearmint Infusion is a caffeine-free spearmint cup with that soft, sweet mint taste. Steep it for 5 minutes and drink it plain first.
Browse more caffeine-free options in our Fruit & Flower Infusions collection.
Not sure which spearmint to buy? Read our guide on which spearmint tea to buy in India. If you like mint with green tea, see our green tea with mint, lemon and ginger post.
