In Morocco, mint tea is much more than a simple beverage to quench your thirst—it is the ultimate symbol of hospitality, friendship, and tradition. Known affectionately as 'Atay' or sometimes jokingly as 'Berber Whiskey', this sweet, aromatic drink is served at every occasion, from business meetings to family gatherings and welcoming guests into a home.
True Moroccan mint tea is brewed using Chinese gunpowder green tea, an abundance of fresh spearmint leaves, and a generous amount of sugar (traditionally cut from a solid sugar loaf). Depending on the season and region, other herbs like wormwood (sheba) in winter or lemon verbena (louiza) might be added to the pot.
Perhaps the most famous aspect of Moroccan tea culture is the pour. The tea is poured from a height of at least a foot above the glass. This is not just for show! Pouring from a height serves two practical purposes: it cools the hot tea slightly before drinking, and more importantly, it aerates the tea, creating a thick, frothy crown on the surface called the 'turban'. A glass without foam is considered improperly poured.
When you visit Morocco with Live Morocco Travel, expect to be offered mint tea countless times. Always accept it with a smile, use your right hand to drink, and enjoy the beautiful moments of connection it brings.