I was recently reminded just how wonderful fresh mint tisane can be when I had occasion to order it at a restaurant. Numb from the cold, and in need of a hot drink without caffeine (it was late in the evening), I was loathe to order a “herbal tea.” I knew that would more than likely mean a sub-standard brand of bagged chamomile, lemon, or some other similarly mundane tisane. But to my surprise I saw “Fresh Mint Tea” listed at the bottom of the drinks menu. I ordered it without hesitation.

When the tisane came, I knew I had made the right decision. With the mint leaves protruding out from the tall glass, it was both aesthetically pleasing and smelled wonderful. Through the glass I watched the water turn a deeper shade of green as the leaves released all of their minty goodness.

Although technically not a tea (it contains no Camellia Sinensis leaf), fresh mint tisane, or herbal infusion, is something I really enjoy. The fresh mint is significantly more flavourful than the crushed and pulverised leaves found in bagged mint tisane. The fresh leaves also make for a really beautiful cup of tea—there is a reason that fresh mint tisane is usually served in glassware!

On top of all that, it is ridiculously easy to make, so there’s no need to hold off trying it until you find a restaurant that serves it. All you need is water and some fresh mint leaves. Just boil the water and pop the leaves in, letting them to steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how flavourful you like your tisane. You don’t even have to pull the leaves off the stem—in fact, if you leave the leaves on, it makes them easy to remove from the tisane, and you don’t have to worry about straining them out.

Easy, and deliciously fresh.

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