Peppermint Delights for a Relaxing Afternoon Tea

Introduction

Peppermint is a type of mint that combines the qualities of watermint and spearmint. With its history and invigorating flavor, this hybrid mint has been cherished for centuries. Originating from Europe and the Middle East, it has been revered for its minty scent and numerous health benefits. In ancient times, peppermint was highly valued for its properties, known to soothe stomach discomfort and freshen breath. Its vibrant and cooling taste along with its allure has made it a beloved herb worldwide. Consequently, it is widely used in teas, culinary arts and even aromatherapy.

1. Traditional Peppermint Tea

Ingredients:

• Fresh or dried peppermint leaves
• boiling water.

Instructions:

• Place 1 tablespoon of peppermint leaves into 1 cup of boiling water.
• Let them steep for 5 minutes.
• Strain the tea before enjoying.

Pair with: Enjoy alongside cucumber sandwiches or lemon scones.

2. Blend of Peppermint and Chamomile Blend

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• chamomile flowers
• boiling water.

Instructions:

• Combine parts of peppermint leaves and chamomile flowers together.
• Steep this blend in boiling water for around 5 minutes before straining it to serving.

Pair with: Complement this tea blend with chamomile honey cakes or vanilla bean shortbread.

3. Invigorating Honey Lemon Peppermint Tea

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• lemon juice
• honey
• boiling water.

Instructions:

• Begin by steeping the peppermint leaves in boiling water until desired strength is reached.
• Add lemon juice and honey to your liking.
• Stir the mixture before serving it.

Pair with: It goes well with either a lemon drizzle cake or a fruit tart glazed with honey.

4. Peppermint Green Tea

Ingredients:

• You'll need tea leaves
• peppermint leaves and boiling water.

Instructions:

• Combine the tea and peppermint leaves then let them steep in boiling water for approximately 3 minutes.
• Strain the mixture and serve it.

Pair with: Enjoy this beverage with cookies or matcha dusted brownies.

5. Spicy Peppermint Chai

Ingredients:

• gather peppermint leaves
• chai spices
• milk
• water and a sweetener of your choice.

Instructions:

• Start by boiling water along with the spices and peppermint leaves.
• Then add milk and sweetener to taste. Let everything simmer for a while before straining it and serving.

Pair with: Treat yourself to cardamom biscuits or cinnamon rolls as an accompaniment.

6. Peppermint Cocoa Tea

Ingredients:

• Gather some peppermint leaves
• cocoa powder
• milk
• sugar and boiling water.

Instructions: Begin by steeping the peppermint in boiling water before adding cocoa powder and sugar to taste. Heat up some milk separately, then combine all ingredients together before serving it warm or hot.

Pair with: Enjoy this drink alongside chocolate chip cookies or marshmallow skewers.

7. Peppermint Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• lemon slices
• ice cubes
• boiling water
• and honey.

Instructions: Steep the peppermint in water first until cooled down. Once cooled down, add honey, lemon slices and ice cubes before serving.

Pair with: Complement this chilled beverage with fruit kabobs or cheese and crackers.

8. Lavender Peppermint Tea

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• lavender buds
• boiling water.

Instructions:

• Combine equal parts of lavender and peppermint in boiling water.
• Let it steep for 5 minutes then strain and serve.

Suggested pairing: Enjoy this tea with lavender macarons or buttery croissants.

9. Peppermint Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• fresh ginger
• boiling water
• honey.

Instructions:

• Boil ginger and peppermint together.
• Let it steep, strain and add honey before serving.

Suggested pairing: Complement the flavors with ginger snap cookies or slices of pear.

10. Berry Peppermint Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• mixed berry juice
• boiling water.

Instructions:

• Steep the peppermint leaves and mix them with berry juice.
• Serve hot or cold as desired.

Suggested pairing: Indulge in this tea alongside berry tartlets or cream cheese stuffed strawberries.

11. Citrus Peppermint Punch Recipe

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• citrus slices (orange, lemon)
• boiling water
• sweetener.

Instructions:

• Steep peppermint along with citrus rinds.
• Add sweetener to taste, chill the punch and serve with slices.

Suggested pairing: Enjoy the flavors with citrus jelly or delightful orange blossom madeleines.

12. Minty Apple Peppermint Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• apple slices
• cinnamon stick
• boiling water.

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in boiling water.
• Let them steep together.
• Strain the tea.
• Serve it warm for an experience.

Pair with: Pair it with either apple cinnamon muffins or caramel apple slices.

13. Peppermint Mocha Tea

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• espresso
• chocolate syrup
• milk
• whipped cream.

Instructions:

• Prepare the tea.
• Mix it with espresso and chocolate.
• Top it off with some whipped cream.

Pair with: Pair it with mocha walnut brownies or chocolate biscotti.

14. Creamy Vanilla Peppermint Tea

Ingredients:

• Peppermint leaves
• vanilla extract
• milk
• sugar
• boiling water.

Instructions:

• Steep the peppermint leaves.
• Then add vanilla extract, milk and sugar.
• Serve it hot.

Pair with: Pair it with vanilla bean cupcakes or enjoy it alongside clotted cream and jam on scones.

15. Peppermint Earl Grey

Ingredients:

• Earl Grey tea
• peppermint leaves
• boiling water
• optional additions include milk or lemon.

Instructions: Steep Earl Grey tea, along with peppermint leaves. Serve as is, or add milk/lemon according to your preference.

Pair with: Pair it with Earl Grey cookies or classic British scones.

In conclusion

Peppermint is more than a flavor; it's an invigorating experience that refreshes the senses. Every sip of peppermint tea brings a wave of comforting exhilarating flavor. The versatility of peppermint allows for blending with ingredients resulting in a delightful range of teas suitable for any occasion. If you're looking for a comforting beverage or a revitalizing chilled brew, peppermint teas offer a fragrant experience that complements a variety of sweet and savory delights. So, when you're organizing an afternoon tea, allow peppermint to shine and elevate your tea time into something extraordinary!