Peppermint Tea: Benefits, Brewing and Blending Tips
By The Tea & Spice Shoppe | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to brew organic peppermint tea for digestion, choose the right water temperature, and blend it with other herbs for a caffeine-free cup.
Quick answer
To brew peppermint tea, use 1 heaping teaspoon of loose leaves per 8 ounces of water heated to 200–212°F (93–100°C). Steep for 5–7 minutes, then remove the leaves. Drink it after meals for digestive support, or blend it with rooibos or aged pu-erh for a different flavor. Always check the leaves after 5 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Why water temperature matters for peppermint
Peppermint leaves are delicate. Water that is too cool (under 190°F) under-extracts the oils, leaving a weak cup. Water at a rolling boil can scorch the leaves and bring out a cooked, flat taste. The sweet spot is 200–212°F. If you do not have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 30–60 seconds before pouring. This is especially important for organic peppermint tea, where you want the clean, refreshing flavor to come through without any harshness.
How to blend peppermint with other teas
Peppermint is a natural blender because its menthol aroma lifts heavier or sweeter flavors. For a caffeine-free dessert cup, combine 1 teaspoon of peppermint with 1 teaspoon of Toffee Olé, a rooibos-based blend with cacao kernels, caramel pieces, and hazelnut brittle. The toffee notes soften the mint without hiding it. If you want a digestive blend with more body, try 1 teaspoon of peppermint with 1 teaspoon of Pu-erh, Three-Year Vintage, Organic. The aged, fermented pu-erh adds an earthy depth that balances peppermint’s cool finish. Start with a 50/50 ratio, then adjust: more peppermint for a brighter cup, more pu-erh for a richer one.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The biggest mistake is over-steeping. Peppermint leaves release their best oils in the first 5–7 minutes; after that, tannins and bitter compounds take over. Set a timer. Another mistake is using too little leaf. A heaping teaspoon per cup is a good starting point—if your tea tastes watery, add more leaf rather than steeping longer. Finally, do not store peppermint near strong spices like chili flakes or garlic. The leaves absorb odors quickly, and you will lose the clean mint flavor.
Step-by-step: brewing peppermint tea
- Measure the leaves: Use 1 heaping teaspoon of loose peppermint leaves for every 8 ounces of water. If you prefer a stronger cup, add more leaves rather than steeping longer. Checkpoint: The leaves should fill about a quarter of your infuser basket.
- Heat the water: Bring fresh water to a boil, then let it cool for 30–60 seconds. The target temperature is 200–212°F (93–100°C). Mistake to avoid: Pouring boiling water directly on the leaves can make the tea taste flat and cooked.
- Steep for 5–7 minutes: Pour the water over the leaves and cover the cup to keep the volatile oils in. Set a timer for 5 minutes, then taste. If you want more strength, steep up to 7 minutes. Checkpoint: After 5 minutes, the liquor should be pale green-gold and smell brightly of mint.
- Remove the leaves: Take out the infuser or strain the tea immediately. Do not leave the leaves in the cup, or the tea will turn bitter. Mistake to avoid: Over-steeping is the most common reason peppermint tea tastes harsh.
- Blend if desired: For a digestive blend, mix equal parts brewed peppermint and brewed Pu-erh, Three-Year Vintage, Organic. For a caffeine-free dessert cup, blend with Toffee Olé. Next step: Adjust the ratio to your taste—start with 50/50 and tweak from there.
Product facts
- Peppermint, Organic: Peppermint, Organic is a loose leaf herbal tea known for its refreshing taste and potential digestive benefits. It is traditionally used for digestive support and may help ease discomfort from inflammation or cramps. Available in 50g and 100g sizes. This is the base for the brewing steps below. The 50g size is enough for about 25 cups, so you can try it before committing to a larger bag.
- Pu-erh, Three-Year Vintage, Organic: Pu-erh, Three-Year Vintage, Organic is an aged and fermented tea often taken for indigestion, and it is useful for lowering cholesterol, cutting grease, and breaking down fat in the body. Blending it with peppermint gives you a warm, earthy cup that supports digestion after a heavy meal.
- Toffee Olé: Toffee Olé is a blend of cacao kernels, caramel pieces, hazelnut brittle, and rooibos tea that creates a sweet cup with a dominant toffee flavor. It is caffeine-free like peppermint, so you can blend them for a dessert-like evening tea without worrying about sleep.
