How to Make Refreshing Peppermint Iced Tea

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Peppermint iced tea is one of my favorite herbal drinks! This herbal infusion is so delicious and easy to make. Peppermint has a bunch of great health benefits (like better digestion and a soothing, cooling effect), is caffeine-free, and is safe to drink every day. This is my go-to daily herbal tea – you’ll always find a quart of it in my fridge!

Benefits of Peppermint Tea

Peppermint leaf is one of the most well-known herbs around and is easily accessible. It is known to have a number of beneficial properties, is safe for kids, and is easy to use. 

Digestive Aid – peppermint is a great digestive aid for upset stomachs, indigestion and general gut health. My favorite time to enjoy a glass of peppermint iced tea is in the evenings after dinner. I find it refreshing and soothing.

Cooling Properties – peppermint tea, especially when you drink it iced, has a wonderful cooling effect. It is great to drink after eating spicy or ‘hot’ food, and is especially refreshing on a warm day. I also love to drink peppermint iced tea after a hot detox bath – it balances the heat in my body.

Balance Mood and Increase Alertness – Peppermint is commonly used to boost awareness and improve mood. Perhaps this is another reason I love it at the end of the day so much….it just feels refreshing and renewing to drink a big glass of peppermint iced tea.

Boost Immune Function – peppermint can be used to help reduce fever since it helps heat to escape from the body. It is a great addition to your immune-boosting tonics, especially during cold and flu season.

Gentle effects – peppermint tea is gentle enough for kids and everyday use. It is an easy, approachable herb that tastes great, and the entire family can enjoy.

What Kind of Peppermint to Use for Tea

I use loose-leaf dried peppermint, which I purchase at my local Natural Grocers store. Their bulk herb section is stocked with lots of loose herbs and teas, and their peppermint leaf is not only organic but also affordable. If you don’t have a local place to buy good-quality herbs, check out this herb store online that I’ve also purchased from.

You can also use bagged peppermint tea if you prefer. I would start with 3 tea bags for a quart of water, if you’re using tea bags for this recipe.

How to Make Peppermint Iced Tea

Let’s get to brewing up this delicious and nutritious concoction.

You’ll need:

• quart-sized jar
• loose-leaf tea strainer
• 3 tablespoons peppermint leaf
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

How-to:

1. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil
2. Place a tea strainer over the top of a quart-sized jar
3. Measure 3 TBS of loose-leaf peppermint into your tea strainer
4. Pour boiling water over peppermint, filling the jar
5. Place a lid on the jar and let it steep for at least 15 minutes. I often let mine sit for several hours while I’m going about my day.
6. Remove the strainer and discard (or compost!) the used peppermint leaves
7. Add honey, if desired, while the tea is still warm and stir (or shake the jar with the lid on).
8. Refrigerate and serve over ice.

Notes:

1. To use peppermint tea bags, use 3 or 4 bags per quart of tea.
2. If you prefer a stronger brew, use an extra tablespoon of peppermint leaf or an extra bag of tea.
3. Drink within 2 days of brewing.

Optional Add-ins:

Sometimes I add other herbs with the peppermint to make a more complex herbal infusion. The peppermint flavor still stands out, but I get the added benefit of additional herbs included. My favorites to mix in with the peppermint and drink iced arstrene:

Lemon balm – great for after dinner or winding down

Moringa – a fabulous immune-boosting herb

Raspberry leaf – a uteran strengthening tonic great for anyone who menstruates

FAQs: Common Questions About Making Peppermint Iced Tea

Can I use fresh peppermint instead of dried or tea bags?
Yes! You’ll need more fresh peppermint than dried when making an herbal infusion with fresh mint. Use about 1 cup of fresh peppermint leaves for 4 cups of water. Muddle the leaves slightly before steeping to release more flavor.

How long does peppermint iced tea last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, peppermint iced tea stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Should I sweeten peppermint iced tea?
This is completely up to you and your personal preference. Peppermint tea has a naturally refreshing flavor and is delicious on its own without a sweetener. I love it with a bit of honey. I use about 1 tablespoon per quart of tea. You can also use simple syrup, agave or an organic sugar, if you prefer.  Add your sweetener of choice while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.

Is peppermint iced tea caffeinated?
Pure peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free. Fun fact – it is actually an herbal infusion because it comes from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha x piperita) and not the tea (Camellia sinensis) plant.

Tell me – do you drink peppermint tea? What are your favorite herbs to mix with peppermint?