what s Brewing

Moroccan Mint Tea

Served in beldi, mint tea (aka Berber whiskey), is a staple in daily Moroccan life. It is typically made with fresh spearmint leaves and Chinese gunpowder tea. It is a ritual that takes place often throughout the day, and is ofered when visiting someone’s home, along with freshly baked bread, with a meal or when haggling over carpets or other goods.

I enjoyed a tisane on my last visit brewed with fresh mint and verveine (lemon verbena). It was lovely. Since I grow both plants in my garden, I make this concoction often and love serving it in the tea service I bought on my last trip to Marrakesh. The Moroccan Msemmen (small square, layered pancakes) are a cozy treat to enjoy with honey and orange marmalade, at tea time.