Moroccan Mint Tea: History, Ritual & Where to Try It

Ask any Moroccan host what to drink and the answer is almost always the same: mint tea. Known locally as "Moroccan whisky," it's far more than a beverage — it's a ritual of hospitality that shapes daily life, business meetings, and family gatherings across the country.

A Brief History

Green tea arrived in Morocco through trade with China in the 18th and 19th centuries and was quickly combined with fresh spearmint and sugar to create the distinctly Moroccan version now served everywhere from roadside cafes to five-star riads. Over time it became a symbol of welcome — refusing a glass offered by a host is considered impolite.

The Ritual of Pouring

The tea is traditionally poured from a height of 30-40cm above the glass, creating a light foam on top. This isn't just showmanship: the height aerates the tea, balancing the sweetness and releasing the mint aroma. Watching a skilled host pour three cups in a row without spilling a drop is part of the experience.

How It's Made

Gunpowder green tea leaves are steeped briefly, then combined with a generous bunch of fresh spearmint (nana mint) and sugar — traditionally quite a lot of it, though many places now offer a lighter version on request. It's served in small, ornate glasses, often three rounds per sitting, with a Berber saying that the first glass is "as gentle as life," the second "as strong as love," and the third "as bitter as death."

Where to Try It

You'll be offered mint tea almost everywhere — in carpet shops before negotiating a price, in riads at check-in, and in family homes if you're lucky enough to be invited. For a proper sit-down experience, rooftop cafes in the Marrakech medina overlooking Jemaa el-Fna are a classic spot to watch the square while sipping a glass.

Bringing It Home

Moroccan souks sell ornate tea sets, gunpowder green tea, and dried spearmint, making an easy and authentic souvenir. A proper Moroccan teapot (berrad) and a set of tea glasses are among the most popular items travelers bring home from the souks.

Frequently Asked Questions