The Mint Majesty Tea recipe is one of Starbucks’ most beloved herbal blends, known for its refreshing mix of spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena. It is a caffeine-free herbal tea, making it a soothing choice for evenings, a hydrating drink for afternoons, and a calming alternative to coffee or sugary beverages.
When I think back to my childhood in Morocco, I remember my grandmother gathering spearmint from her garden and steeping it gently in a clay pot on her terrace. For her, tea was not only a drink but a ritual of comfort and connection. The first time I tasted Starbucks’ Mint Majesty, its cooling mint and light citrus flavor instantly reminded me of those cherished afternoons.
The best part is that you do not need to visit Starbucks to enjoy it. Preparing a homemade Mint Majesty tea recipe at home is simple, affordable, and allows you to adjust sweetness and ingredients to your taste. In this article, I will guide you step by step through making the perfect cup, share customization ideas, explain health benefits, and provide expert brewing tips.
If you enjoy wellness drinks, you may also love my Carrot Retinol Juice Recipe, another way to turn simple ingredients into daily rituals that nourish both body and spirit.
Table of Contents
Mint Majesty Tea
Equipment
- Teapot, French press, or tea infuser
- Heatproof mug or cup
- Measuring spoons
- Kettle for boiling water
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried spearmint
- 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried lemon verbena or lemon balm
- 12 –16 oz hot water just below boiling
- 2 teaspoons raw honey or adjust to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves or lemon slice
Instructions
Combine herbs:
- Add dried spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena into a tea infuser, French press, or teapot.
Pour hot water:
- Heat water until just below boiling and pour over the herbs. Cover.
Steep:
- Allow to steep for 5–7 minutes depending on desired strength.
Sweeten:
- Remove herbs and stir in raw honey while warm.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh mint or lemon slice. Enjoy hot or pour over ice for a refreshing summer version.
Notes
What is Mint Majesty Tea?
Definition: A Caffeine-Free Herbal Infusion
The Starbucks herbal tea blend known as Mint Majesty is entirely caffeine-free. Unlike black or green teas, which rely on tea leaves from Camellia sinensis, this recipe is based exclusively on herbs. That distinction makes it suitable for individuals sensitive to caffeine, children, or those who wish to enjoy a calming drink in the evening.
Flavor Profile: Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon Verbena
The peppermint and spearmint tea blend delivers a crisp balance between coolness and sweetness. Spearmint contributes a softer, slightly sweet base, while peppermint provides a refreshing, cooling effect on the palate. Lemon verbena, or its substitute lemon balm, completes the profile with a bright, citrusy lift. Together, these herbs create a drink that is clean, smooth, and comforting.
Why It Became a Starbucks Favorite
Starbucks customers often seek beverages that are both flavorful and functional. In this case, Mint Majesty meets several criteria: it is naturally sweet, free from artificial additives, and provides the soothing qualities that many people associate with herbal remedies. Compared with sugary lattes or energy-driven coffees, this caffeine-free tea recipe offers a healthy alternative that feels indulgent while being simple. For these reasons, Mint Majesty quickly became a staple for those wanting both refreshment and relaxation.
Ingredients in Starbucks Mint Majesty Tea
Spearmint: Sweet and Gentle Mint
Spearmint is the heart of the mint tea without caffeine experience. Its sweetness is more subdued than peppermint, which makes it ideal for blending. Historically used across North Africa, spearmint is valued not only for its flavor but also for its digestive properties.
Peppermint: Cooling and Refreshing Balance
Peppermint enhances freshness, providing the “cooling” effect that lingers after each sip. In a copycat Starbucks tea recipe, peppermint is essential because it balances the gentle nature of spearmint with sharper notes.
Lemon Verbena (or Lemon Balm): Citrus Lift
Lemon verbena adds citrus brightness. For those unable to find lemon verbena, lemon balm makes an excellent substitute. This ingredient is often highlighted in a lemon verbena tea recipe for its calming qualities and refreshing flavor.
Optional Sweeteners: Honey, Stevia, Maple Syrup
While Starbucks serves the tea unsweetened by default, many enjoy it with a touch of honey. Others prefer stevia or maple syrup for variation. In preparing a fresh mint tea recipe, one can adapt sweetness according to dietary needs.
Homemade Mint Majesty Tea Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)
- 1 teaspoon dried spearmint
- 1 teaspoon peppermint leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried lemon verbena (or lemon balm)
- 12–16 oz hot water (just below boiling)
- 2 teaspoons honey, or other sweetener to taste
Equipment: Teapot, Infuser, or French Press
A French press allows the herbs to steep fully, while a simple tea infuser is convenient for single cups.
Step 1: Measure and Prepare the Herbs
Combine spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena. For a Starbucks mint majesty copycat recipe, proportions should remain balanced to mimic the original flavor.
Step 2: Proper Steeping Technique (Time & Temperature)
Pour hot water over the herbs and steep for 5–7 minutes. If the water is too hot or the steeping time too long, bitterness may emerge. Learning how to steep mint tea properly ensures consistency.
Step 3: Sweetening and Flavor Adjustments
Stir in honey while warm. Stevia or maple syrup may be added for dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions: Hot vs. Iced Versions
- Hot version: Ideal for evening relaxation.
- Iced mint majesty tea: Perfect for summer afternoons, poured over ice with lemon slices.
This method produces the best mint tea recipe for anyone wishing to bring the Starbucks experience home.
Customizing Your Mint Majesty Tea Recipe
Add Zing with Ginger or Lemon Peel
Fresh ginger slices or dried lemon peel can intensify brightness, turning it into a refreshing summer herbal tea.
Create a Calming Blend with Chamomile or Lavender
Adding chamomile promotes relaxation. Lavender enhances the aroma, making the tea a perfect mint tea for sleep.
Make It Dessert-Like: Add Vanilla or Cocoa Nibs
To create a Starbucks tea copycat drink with a dessert-like twist, add cocoa nibs or a drop of vanilla.
Turning It Into a Wellness Drink
Mixing in turmeric or hibiscus can transform it into a mint tea for relaxation with additional benefits, aligning the tea with holistic wellness trends.
If you love experimenting with herbal teas, you may also enjoy trying my Persimmon Tea Recipe, a soothing seasonal drink that balances sweetness with wellness benefits, much like this Mint Majesty tea can be tailored with citrus or floral notes.
Health Benefits of Mint Majesty Tea
Digestive Support and Gut Comfort
Mint teas are historically known to aid digestion. Both peppermint and spearmint contain menthol, which can support gastrointestinal comfort.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
The soothing scent of mint may encourage relaxation. This makes homemade mint majesty tea an ideal evening beverage.
Hydration Without Caffeine
As a caffeine-free tea recipe, Mint Majesty supports hydration without stimulating the nervous system.
Immune-Supporting Herbal Properties
Lemon verbena and peppermint both provide antioxidants, adding potential support for overall wellness.
For those interested in antioxidant-rich drinks and creative kitchen wellness ideas, I recently shared my Green Tea Butter Cubes Recipe, which, like Mint Majesty tea, highlights how simple ingredients can deliver both flavor and functional benefits.
Important Disclaimer on Health Claims
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Research is ongoing, and while herbs may support wellness, they are not substitutes for medical care.
Cost Comparison & Value
Starbucks Price vs. Homemade Mint Majesty
A cup of Mint Majesty at Starbucks costs several dollars, whereas preparing a copycat Starbucks tea recipe at home costs only cents per serving.
Saving Money by Buying Herbs in Bulk
Purchasing herbs in bulk ensures affordability. Storing them properly allows year-round preparation of the Starbucks herbal tea blend.
Farmhouse vs. Store-Bought Quality
Homegrown herbs deliver freshness and control over farming methods. This enhances both flavor and sustainability compared to store-bought versions.
Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup
How to Avoid Bitterness When Steeping Herbs
Keep steeping time between 5–7 minutes. Excess steeping can compromise the delicate balance of the peppermint and spearmint tea blend.
Choosing Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients
Fresh herbs provide stronger aromas but require double the amount compared to dried. Either can produce the best mint tea recipe when prepared correctly.
Storing Homemade Mint Majesty Blend
Store dried herbs in airtight containers away from light. This preserves the lemon balm mint tea qualities for months.
Final Thoughts: A Comforting Sip Made Simple
Preparing the homemade mint majesty tea is not only about taste but also about slowing down. It allows us to return to simpler traditions.
Whether experimenting with ginger or turning it into an iced mint majesty tea, there is freedom in personalizing recipes. In my experience, the greatest value lies not only in replicating Starbucks but in transforming it into a ritual of wellness and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ – PAA)
What is in the Mint Majesty Tea at Starbucks?
It contains spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena. This trio defines the Starbucks mint majesty ingredients list.
What to Add to Mint Majesty Tea?
Options include honey, ginger, or chamomile. These variations can turn it into a copycat Starbucks tea recipe with unique character.
What are the Benefits of Mint Majesty Tea?
It may support digestion, promote relaxation, and provide hydration. The lemon verbena tea recipe component adds antioxidants.
Is Starbucks Mint Majesty Tea Healthy?
Yes, in moderation. It is a calming herbal tea without caffeine or added sugar, making it a wholesome choice.
Discleamer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
For any health-related questions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.