This calming, fragrant fresh orange and mint tea is perfect for relaxing in the afternoon or evening. Let the natural flavour of the mint leaves infuse the water while you chill out!
I didn’t jump on the mint tea band wagon for ages. I’d never found a mint tea in teabag form that I actually liked. They all just tasted like drinking water with toothpaste scent to me, and I’m not down with that. I’d never had fresh mint tea though, and for me, it’s a total game changer.
When the fresh mint leaves hit the hot water, they release all their delicious minty flavour, but it’s somehow not overpowering at all. It also doesn’t leave any sort of bitterness in the tea whatsoever, just a really calming mint flavour. This has become a total favourite of mine when I want to wind down in the evenings. And although this isn’t technically “tea” it’s close enough for me!
I decided to add some cut up fresh orange to the tea to add another dimension to the flavour and it worked like a dream. I’d had this combination before while I was out in a coffee shop in Switzerland and knew straight away I had to try and recreate it.
The orange lends just a hint of citrus flavour which compliments the mint beautifully. Citrus and mint is one of those combinations that just loves being together. The acidity of the orange plus the coolness of the mint create a really nice effect in the hot water, creating a refreshing hot drink that is totally caffeine free!
I definitely couldn’t let blood orange season pass without using some! Last year I went a bit blood orange mad with these salted blood orange toffees and blood orange meringue pies. But I don’t regret it… blood oranges are the best!
I’m excited to experiment with some other combinations to add to the tea, I think many fresh herbs would work wonderfully, and definitely any kind of citrus fruit. Have you ever tried making tea with fresh mint leaves?
Fresh Orange and Mint Tea
Makes 1 Cup
This calming, fragrant fresh orange and mint tea is perfect for relaxing in the afternoon or evening. Let the natural flavour of the mint leaves infuse the water while you chill out!
Ingredients:
4-5 Sprigs Fresh Mint,
1/2 an Orange or Blood Orange,
Boiled Water.
Steps:
1. Put the fresh mint in a cup of your choice and add the orange chopped up into slices. Top with just boiled water.
Notes: The longer you leave the mint leaves and orange in the water, the stronger the flavours will be. I like to just drink the water from the cup with the orange and mint, but if you prefer a weaker tea, brew the water with the mint and orange in a teapot and then strain it after 5 minutes.
About Lauren Caris
Lauren is the author and chef of the vegan food blog, Lauren Caris Cooks. She is passionate about showing people just how awesome vegan food can be with simple, delicious recipes and vegan lifestyle tips.
