How to Make Moroccan Mint Tea – Atay

One of the things I cherish most about my Moroccan heritage is this timeless tea recipe. Moroccan mint tea, or Atay as we call it, is my favorite alternative to coffee. It's soothing, flavorful, and steeped in tradition. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

Sofia

11/20/20241 min read

gray teapot set in tray place on brown table outdoors
gray teapot set in tray place on brown table outdoors

INGREDIENTS

  • 2,5 cups water / 500 ml

  • 1 tablespoon gunpowder green tea leaves

  • 1 large handful fresh spearmint leaves

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar

Step 1

  • Bring water to a full boil

Step 2

  • Add 1 tablespoon gunpowder leaves into your teapot

  • Pour a few tablespoons of the hot water into the teapot

  • Swirl the leaves around for a few seconds, then discard the water

Step 3

  • Add 1 large handful fresh spearmint leaves into the teapot

  • Fill the teapot with boiling water

  • Add Sugar to your taste - I like it sweet so I add 4 tablespoons of sugar

Now let it sit for a few minutes to steep and enjoy !

Check out my TikTok where I show you step-by-step how to make Moroccan mint tea👉 Watch Here

  1. Use Fresh Mint: Fresh spearmint is key to authentic Moroccan mint tea. The fresher the leaves, the more vibrant and aromatic the tea will be.

  2. Rinse the Tea Leaves: Before brewing, rinse your green tea leaves with a splash of boiling water. This step helps remove any bitterness and enhances the flavor.

  3. Sweeten to Your Taste: Traditional Atay is quite sweet, but feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your preference. Experiment to find your perfect balance.

  4. Blend the Tea Well: To ensure even sweetness and flavor, pour the tea back and forth between the teapot and a glass several times before serving. This also creates the signature frothy top.

  5. Serve It Hot: Moroccan mint tea is best enjoyed piping hot. Use heat-resistant glasses for an authentic experience.

  6. Use a Moroccan Teapot (If Possible): A traditional metal teapot not only looks beautiful but also helps maintain the tea’s temperature for longer.

  7. Master the Art of the Pour: Pouring the tea from a height is more than just tradition—it helps aerate the tea, enhancing its flavor and creating the signature frothy layer on top.

Tips & Tricks for your Perfect Atay