🍵 How to Make Traditional Moroccan Mint Tea (Atay b’Nana) – Step-by-Step Recipe

 🍵 How to Make Traditional Moroccan Tea (Atay b’Nana, Mint)

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Serving tea with care and elegance—an essential Moroccan custom.
Photo by Hemdem on Pexels

There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of Moroccan mint tea, known locally as Atay b’Nana. Sweet, aromatic, and always served with a smile, this beloved drink is more than a refreshment—it’s a central part of Moroccan hospitality and tradition.

Whether you're sipping it in a bustling souk or a quiet courtyard, Moroccan mint tea brings people together. In this post, you'll learn how to make it the traditional way—just like it's served in homes and cafés across Morocco.

🕌 What Makes Moroccan Tea So Special?

Moroccan tea—known as Atay—is more than a national drink; it's a ritual steeped in centuries of history. Blending Chinese green tea, fresh mint, and generous sugar, this beloved beverage is poured with flair and pride from beautifully crafted silver teapots into small glasses.
Every region in Morocco adds its own touch. In the north, mint is king. In the south, herbs like chiba (wormwood) or za'atar might be added. And in winter, a warming version with bold, earthy notes helps chase away the cold.
Whether enjoyed during a bustling souk visit or a quiet afternoon at home, Moroccan tea is always served with intention and heart. It’s a symbol of welcome, generosity, and social connection—one cup is never enough, and three is just right.

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🌿 The Cultural Significance of Atay b’Nana (Mint Tea)

Mint tea in Morocco is more than a beverage—it’s a symbol of warmth, welcome, and community. Offered to guests at home or during business meetings, it’s a daily ritual and a gesture of respect.

Tea is often prepared by the head of the household, and pouring it from a height into delicate glasses is an art that adds flair to the moment. It’s a tradition that reflects the heart of Moroccan life—gracious, generous, and joyful.

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🫖 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a pot of authentic Moroccan mint tea, gather the following:

• 1 tablespoon Chinese gunpowder green tea

• 1 large handful of fresh spearmint leaves

• 3–5 sugar cubes (or to taste)

• ½ liter of boiling water

Optional:

• A sprig of dried wormwood (chiba) for wintertime

• A few drops of orange blossom water for a floral touch

A traditional Moroccan tea moment—minty, sweet, and served with care
Photo by Zac Chapman on Pexels

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🍯 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Rinse the Tea Leaves

Place the green tea into your teapot and add a small amount of boiling water. Swirl for 5 seconds, then pour it out. This removes bitterness and cleans the leaves.

2. Steep the Tea

Add boiling water again, filling the teapot about halfway. Let it steep on low heat for 5 minutes to draw out the deep green tea flavor.

3. Add Mint and Sugar

Add a generous handful of fresh mint and sugar to the teapot. Traditional Moroccan tea is quite sweet, but you can adjust to taste.

4. Mix and Pour from a Height

Pour the tea into a glass and then back into the teapot once or twice to blend the flavors. When serving, pour from a height to create a foamy “crown”—a signature of proper Moroccan tea.

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📽️ Watch the Traditional Method

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2Wh3yXbX04
Video source: Sahar’s Moroccan Kitchen

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📸 A Taste of Moroccan Hospitality

Serving tea with care and elegance—an essential Moroccan custom.
Alt text: Moroccan mint tea served in silver teapot with mint sprigs

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💬 Final Sip

Preparing Moroccan mint tea is about more than flavor—it’s a moment of peace, pride, and connection. Once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll understand why Moroccans treasure this daily ritual so deeply.

Have you ever tasted Moroccan mint tea? Tried making it at home? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!