Moroccan Tea vs American Southern Sweet Tea
Comparing Moroccan Mint Tea and American Southern Sweet Tea
Everyone loves tea. In North Africa, Moroccan mint tea is a daily ritual and symbol of hospitality. In the United States, especially the South, sweet tea is a beloved cultural staple. Both drinks are sweetened teas brewed with tea leaves — but their traditions and preparation are very different.
Making Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea is typically brewed with green tea leaves and spearmint (Nana mint). One of the most distinctive traditions is pouring the tea from a height. This creates a foamy layer on top — a sign of quality and hospitality. The aeration also enhances the flavor and aroma of the tea. This ritual is part of the long history of Moroccan tea culture, where mint tea symbolizes hospitality and friendship.
The pouring ritual is beautiful to watch and shows the skill of the tea maker. If you can’t find spearmint, you can use other mints — the taste will simply vary depending on the variety you choose.
Traditionally, Moroccan mint tea is served in small, clear glasses called atayin. Their ribbed texture helps keep the glass cool enough to hold when hot tea is poured.
Moroccan Mint Tea Recipe
- 5 fresh spearmint sprigs
- 2 teaspoons loose green tea leaves
- 1 cup boiling water
- Sugar or honey to taste
Directions:
In a teapot with a diffuser, add the green tea leaves and pour boiling water over them. Steep to your desired strength — longer for stronger flavor, shorter for lighter. Add rinsed mint sprigs and steep 5 minutes more. Strain, sweeten to taste, and pour from a height into atayin glasses. Serve hot. Pair your tea with sweet pastries from our traditional Moroccan recipes.
Making American Southern Sweet Tea
Southern sweet tea is usually brewed with black tea and lots of sugar. It has deep roots in U.S. Southern culture, where sweet tea is a symbol of hospitality and summertime refreshment.
The tradition began in the 1800s, when black tea became more affordable and ice became widely available. Sweet tea became a refreshing summer staple and a sign of Southern hospitality — served at family gatherings, church socials, and front porches across the region.
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
- 5 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (Lipton or similar)
- 1–2 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices or mint (optional)
Directions:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags; steep 5–7 minutes. Remove bags and stir in sugar until fully dissolved. Pour into a pitcher and add 4 cups cold water. Chill at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with lemon or mint if desired.
Traditionally, sweet tea is served in tall glasses — but any glass will do on a hot summer day!
Tea Culture Around the World
Both Moroccan mint tea and Southern sweet tea are more than just drinks — they’re about culture, hospitality, and tradition. Moroccan tea is poured with showmanship and served in atayin glasses, while sweet tea cools long, hot afternoons across the American South.
Tea can be enjoyed on its own or with food: Moroccan tea is often served with pastries or bread; sweet tea pairs perfectly with fried chicken, biscuits, or classic Southern desserts. Whatever your style, tea connects people across continents in a simple, shared ritual. Learn more about African tea traditions and the history of African coffee and tea.
