Spearmint vs Peppermint Tea: Taste, Caffeine, Brewing

In short: peppermint tea is bold, cool and sharp, because peppermint leaves carry a lot of menthol. Spearmint tea is softer, sweeter and more like the mint in chewing gum or a mojito, because its main flavor note is carvone, not menthol. Both are naturally caffeine-free herbal teas, both brew with boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes, and the right one is simply the flavor you prefer.

If you have ever stood in front of a shelf of mint teas and wondered why there are two kinds, this guide is for you. Here is what actually separates the two, how to brew them well, and where blends fit in.

What is the difference between spearmint and peppermint?

Both plants belong to the mint family, and they are close relatives. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is one of the oldest cultivated mints. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a natural cross between spearmint and water mint, and that cross gave it a much higher level of menthol.

That one difference shapes everything you taste in the cup:

• Menthol is the compound behind the cooling, almost icy feeling on your tongue. Peppermint has plenty of it; spearmint has very little.
• Carvone is the sweet, rounded "spearmint gum" note. It is the main aroma in spearmint and only a minor one in peppermint.
• Leaves: peppermint leaves are darker, slightly purple-tinged on the stems and more pointed. Spearmint leaves are brighter green, softer and crinkled, with a spear-like tip that gave the plant its name.

Spearmint vs peppermint tea at a glance

How each one tastes in the cup

Peppermint tea hits first and lingers. The first sip is bright and clean, then a cool wave spreads across your mouth and stays after you swallow. Brewed strong, it has a slight peppery bite, which is where the name comes from. It stands up well to honey and makes a very refreshing iced tea.

Spearmint tea is gentler. It smells sweet and green, with less of the icy finish, so many people find it easier to drink every day or late in the evening. Spearmint is also the classic mint for blending: it is the mint in traditional Moroccan mint tea, where it softens the grassy edge of Chinese gunpowder green tea. If you want to try that, see our Moroccan mint tea recipe.

A good way to find your favorite is to brew both side by side with the same amount of leaf and the same time, then taste them warm and again after they cool a little.

Does mint tea have caffeine?

Pure peppermint and pure spearmint tea are caffeine-free, because neither plant contains caffeine. That makes them an easy pick for an evening cup or for anyone who is cutting back.

Mint blends are a different story. If the mint is mixed with green tea (as in Moroccan Mint) or black tea, the cup will contain some caffeine from the tea leaves, usually less than a cup of coffee. Check the ingredients if you need a fully caffeine-free cup. Mint blended with rooibos, chamomile or other herbs stays caffeine-free.

How to brew peppermint and spearmint tea

Mint leaves are sturdy and forgiving, so you do not need special equipment. A mug with an infuser or a small teapot works well.

1. Measure: use 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf (about 1.5 to 2 g) per 8 oz (240 ml) cup. Use the larger amount for cut, fluffy leaves.
2. Heat the water: bring fresh water to a full boil, 208-212°F (98-100°C). Herbs need hotter water than green or white tea.
3. Cover and steep: steep 5 to 7 minutes with a lid or saucer on top, so the aromatic oils stay in the cup instead of escaping with the steam.
4. Taste and adjust: for a stronger cup add more leaf rather than steeping 15 minutes; very long steeps turn peppermint harsh.
5. Re-steep: a second infusion is usually lighter but still pleasant, especially with spearmint.

Iced mint tea: brew double strength (4 teaspoons per 8 oz), steep 6 minutes, then pour over a glass full of ice. For cold brew, use 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of cold water and leave it in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours.

Which mint tea should you try first?

Pick by how you like your flavors:

• You like bold, clean and cooling: start with pure Peppermint. It is the classic after-dinner cup and the strongest mint flavor you can brew.
• You prefer soft and sweet: go with Moroccan Spearmint, which also makes the best base if you want to add a pinch of green tea.
• You cannot decide: try Pacific Coast Mint, a caffeine-free blend of mints for a fuller, layered mint cup.

Mint teas also blend easily with other herbs. Try a spoon of spearmint with chamomile for a mellow evening cup, or peppermint with a few dried lemon peels for a brighter one. You will find more ideas across our herbal teas, and if you like mint with a little caffeine, our green tea range has several minty blends.

How to store mint tea

Mint aroma fades faster than the flavor of most black teas. Keep the leaves in an airtight, opaque tin away from heat, light and strong smells (mint absorbs odors and also gives its smell to teas stored nearby). Stored well, loose mint keeps its best aroma for about 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

Is spearmint or peppermint tea stronger?

Peppermint tea is stronger in flavor because it contains much more menthol, which gives it a sharp, cooling finish. Spearmint tea is milder and sweeter.

Do peppermint and spearmint tea have caffeine?

No. Both are herbal teas made only from mint leaves, so they are naturally caffeine-free. Mint blends with green or black tea do contain some caffeine.

Can you mix spearmint and peppermint tea?

Yes. Mixing the two gives a rounder cup: spearmint adds sweetness, peppermint adds cool depth. Start with equal parts and adjust to taste.

Which mint is used in Moroccan mint tea?

Traditional Moroccan mint tea uses spearmint with Chinese gunpowder green tea and sugar. Peppermint would make it much sharper.

How long should you steep mint tea?

Steep peppermint or spearmint 5 to 7 minutes in boiling water, covered. Add more leaf for a stronger cup instead of steeping much longer, which can turn the tea harsh.