Tunisian Mint Tea
Tunisia
North Africa's pine nut jewel—mint tea crowned with floating pine nuts and sometimes almonds.
The Story
While Morocco gets the fame, Tunisia has its own magnificent mint tea tradition. The distinguishing touch? Pine nuts floating on top, sometimes joined by almonds. The nuts toast gently in the hot tea, releasing their oils and adding richness. In Tunisian cafés, the tea is served in ornate glasses with the nuts bobbing on the surface—a small luxury that elevates the everyday. Some add orange blossom water for extra perfume.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- Hospitality
- After meals
- Impressing guests
- Café culture
- North African cuisine
Pairs Well With
Make It at Home
4-6 glasses · 12 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons gunpowder green tea
- Large bunch fresh mint
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon blanched almonds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
Steps
- 1Rinse tea with a little boiling water, discard
- 2Add sugar and fresh mint to the pot
- 3Fill with boiling water
- 4Steep for 3-5 minutes
- 5Add orange blossom water if using
- 6Pour into glasses from height for froth
- 7Float pine nuts (and almonds) on top of each glass
- 8Serve immediately—the nuts should float
Variations to Try
- ✦Add rose water instead of orange blossom
- ✦Include blanched almonds with the pine nuts
- ✦Some add a touch of geranium leaves
Related Variants
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
Boiling
(100°C)
Amount
1 tablespoon green tea, fresh mint, pine nuts per pot
Steep Time
3-5 minutes
Resteeps
2-3 times
Recommended Vessel
Traditional teapot, decorated glasses
Brewing Tips
Toast pine nuts lightly before adding for deeper flavor. Float them on top just before serving—they should bob, not sink. Orange blossom water is optional but authentic. Pour from height like Moroccan style.