Moroccan mint tea recipe: traditional Atay preparation in 5 steps

Reading time: 5 min | Updated: March 2026

The Moroccan mint tea recipe is much more than just preparing a hot beverage. In Morocco, tea — called Atay ↗ — is a true ritual of hospitality and sharing passed down from generation to generation. This traditional Moroccan mint tea recipe relies on three essential ingredients: green tea, fresh mint, and sugar.

Preparing Moroccan tea is not just about mixing ingredients. The preparation of Atay is a precise cultural gesture that reflects the art of welcoming, conviviality, and the codes of Moroccan hospitality.

Today, Moroccan mint tea↗ is one of Morocco's most emblematic beverages. It accompanies discussions, family gatherings, and the welcoming of guests. Each family has its own way of preparing and serving tea, but certain fundamental principles remain common to all Moroccan tea culture.

On this page, discover the traditional Moroccan mint tea recipe, the essential ingredients, the preparation steps, the serving gestures, and the cultural references surrounding this emblematic beverage.

To delve deeper into the history and culture of Moroccan mint tea (Atay), Maison NANA1807 also offers a complete guide dedicated to this major tradition of Moroccan hospitality.

Moroccan Tea Ingredients

The traditional Moroccan tea recipe relies on a few simple yet essential ingredients. Their quality directly influences the aromatic balance of the drink.

Green Tea

The tea used to prepare Moroccan tea is generally Gunpowder green tea. This tea is rolled into small pearls that unfurl during infusion. It has an aromatic structure robust enough to support the presence of sugar and mint.

Fresh Mint

Mint is the element that brings the characteristic freshness to Moroccan tea. Spearmint is the most commonly used, but some regions use different varieties of mint depending on the season.

Sugar

Sugar balances the natural bitterness of green tea and enhances the aromas of mint. The amount of sugar can vary according to personal preferences or family traditions.

Water

Pure, well-heated water is essential for a harmonious infusion. The water should be brought to a simmer to allow for optimal extraction of flavors.

Traditional Moroccan Tea Recipe

Preparing Moroccan tea usually follows a series of precise steps that allow for a harmonious balance between tea, mint, and sugar.

1. Heat water until simmering.
2. Place a spoonful of green tea in the teapot.
3. Pour a little hot water to quickly rinse the tea.
4. Add fresh mint.
5. Add sugar according to your preference.
6. Fill the teapot with hot water.
7. Let it steep for a few minutes.
8. Pour the first glass, then pour it back into the teapot to mix the aromas.
9. Serve the tea by pouring it from a height into the glasses.

Moroccan tea is usually served very hot and can be re-infused several times.

The NANA1807 Method for Successful Moroccan Tea

At Maison NANA1807, the preparation of mint tea is inspired by the traditional gestures of the Moroccan ritual, while valuing the quality of tea leaves and the balance of aromas. This approach, called the NANA1807 Method, ensures a harmonious and fragrant Moroccan tea, faithful to the spirit of Atāy.

The NANA1807 Method is based on three essential principles: choosing a tea suitable for the Moroccan tea ritual, respecting the balance between tea, mint, and sugar, and mastering the art of serving.

1. Choose a tea suitable for the Moroccan tea ritual

The foundation of great Moroccan tea is the quality of the tea. Maison NANA1807's mint teas have been designed to offer an aromatic structure capable of supporting the freshness of mint and the balance of sugar.

Among the House's emblematic references:

• MOUIMA – a tea inspired by family tradition and the transmission of the Moroccan tea gesture.
• GREEN CITY – a modern and fresh interpretation of mint tea.
• CŒURS DU MAROC – an aromatic composition that evokes the landscapes and cultures of Morocco.

These teas can be prepared alone or accompanied by fresh mint to capture the spirit of traditional Moroccan tea.

2. Respect the balance of aromas

The NANA1807 Method invites a subtle balance between the three fundamental elements of Moroccan tea:

• the aromatic depth of the tea
• the freshness of the mint
• the sweetness of the sugar

Depending on the seasons and personal preferences, the amount of mint and sugar can be adjusted to preserve the harmony of the beverage.

3. Master the art of serving

The act of serving is an essential moment in the Moroccan tea ritual. Pouring the tea from a height aerates the drink and creates the characteristic light foam on the surface of Moroccan tea.

In Moroccan tradition, this gesture also symbolizes generosity and attention given to guests.

The Ritual of Serving Moroccan Tea

In Moroccan tradition, serving tea is a true art. The tea master pours the liquid from a height into the glasses to aerate the beverage and create a light foam on the surface.

This gesture helps to reveal the aromas of the tea and also serves as a symbol of hospitality and generosity.

The History of Tea in Morocco

The culture of tea in Morocco is part of a long history of commercial and cultural exchanges between North Africa, Europe, and Asia. Over time, the preparation of mint tea has become a strong symbol of Moroccan hospitality.

Today, offering a glass of tea is a universal gesture in Moroccan society. Tea accompanies convivial moments as well as family gatherings.

Mintealogy® | The Science and Art of Mint Tea

At Maison NANA1807, the tradition of Moroccan mint tea inspires an approach called Mintealogy® ↗, defined as the science and art of mint tea.

Mintealogy combines knowledge of tea's origins, leaf selection, aromatic balance, mastery of preparation techniques, and an understanding of the cultural traditions associated with Atāy.

This approach allows us to study mint tea ↗ not only as a traditional beverage but as a true sensory and cultural experience.

Through this research and transmission work, Maison NANA1807 contributes to promoting Moroccan mint tea as a living heritage, both gastronomic, cultural, and social.

Maison NANA1807, recognized as the best organic mint tea brand in 2025, develops a structured approach to the knowledge and transmission of Moroccan mint tea culture through Mintealogy®.

The Mintealogy experiences offered by Maison NANA1807 thus invite a rediscovery of mint tea as a moment of balance, sharing, and knowledge.