The drinking of mint tea in Morocco is than just consuming a refreshing drink, it is a custom and ritual.

Everywhere you go, you can smell the delicious aroma of mint. As a visitor, you will be offered mint tea everywhere, in shops, the Souks, in cafes and restaurants. At first you will be slightly cautious of accepting (especially if you are a Brit!), but once you realise this is nothing more than a friendly gesture, meant very genuinely, you can relax and enjoy being immersed in this wonderful experience.

Mint tea is as much about the making of it, as it is of drinking it. You will be amazed that every shop owner has everything right at hand to make tea, and will soon have you seated around a pot and glasses, making conversation with you, whilst from nowhere boiling water appears and the ritual of making begins.

Firstly, you need a base. This is generally Green Tea, which is sold in all shops under the brand “Gunpowder”. Several spoonfuls are added to the pot. Then a large bunch of fresh mint is torn up and placed in the pot, along with tons of sugar, then boiling water is added.

The mix is allowed to infuse for about 5 minutes, then a few glasses are poured off, which are poured back in to cool and mix the pot.

Then the real showmen start to pour – they pour the tea from a great height into small glasses, without spilling a drop – they all try to out do one another at this, but full credit to them they never make a mess.

Once the tea is poured, the conversation will flow, talking pretty much about everything and anything. Time stands still and the mad world we live in takes a break.

Deals are done, friendships are made, wrongs are put right – what a great custom and way of life. A far cry from Starbucks – I know which one I prefer!!

How to make Moroccan Mint Tea – a short video: