Amish Meadow Tea Recipe – Simple, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

Meadow Tea is a traditional Amish and Mennonite iced drink made by steeping fresh mint leaves in water, sweetening with sugar, and chilling until cold. It’s herbal, refreshing, and naturally caffeine-free—perfect for hot summer days or whenever you want a cool, homemade beverage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally Caffeine-Free: Ideal for kids and adults alike

• Fresh & Herbal: Made from real garden mint, not tea bags

• Perfect for Summer: Crisp, cool, and extremely refreshing

• Simple Ingredients: Just mint, sugar, and water

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the concentrate and store or freeze

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups packed fresh mint (spearmint or peppermint)

• 2 quarts water (8 cups)

• 2 cups sugar

directions

1. Prepare the Mint
   Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly in cold water. You can leave them on the stem or remove them—both methods work.

2. Wrap the Mint
   Place the mint in cheesecloth and tie it into a bundle.

3. Boil the Water
   In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the sugar and let it boil gently for 5 minutes.

4. Steep the Mint
   Submerge the cheesecloth bundle in the hot sugar water. Boil for 1 additional minute, then remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 4 to 5 hours.

5. Strain and Store
   Remove the mint bundle and strain the liquid if needed. Pour the concentrated tea into containers for storage. Freeze or refrigerate.

6. Serve
   Mix 1 part meadow tea concentrate with 3 to 4 parts cold water. Serve over ice with a lemon slice if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 cups (when diluted)

• Prep time: 5 hours (including steeping)

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Citrus: Mix in lemon or orange slices for a citrus-mint fusion

• Honey-Sweetened: Use honey in place of sugar for a natural sweetener

• Spiced Version: Add a cinnamon stick or piece of ginger during steeping for depth

• Iced Meadow Sparkler: Mix with club soda for a fizzy mint drink

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store tea concentrate in the fridge for up to 1 week

• Freezing: Freeze in containers or ice cube trays for longer storage

• Reheating: Not recommended—best enjoyed cold

FAQs

1. What is meadow tea?

It’s a traditional Amish mint drink made by steeping fresh mint leaves in sweetened water, then serving cold over ice.

2. Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

Fresh mint is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use dried mint in a pinch—about 1/3 the amount.

3. Is meadow tea actually tea?

No, it’s technically a herbal infusion since it contains no tea leaves or caffeine.

4. Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

5. What type of mint works best?

Spearmint is most traditional, but peppermint works well too.

6. How long does meadow tea last in the fridge?

The concentrate lasts up to 7 days when refrigerated in a sealed container.

7. Do I need cheesecloth?

Cheesecloth makes cleanup easier, but you can also add the mint directly and strain afterward.

8. Is this drink good for digestion?

Yes, mint is known to help soothe the digestive system.

9. Can I serve it hot?

You can, but it’s most refreshing and flavorful when served cold.

10. Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Since it’s caffeine-free and naturally sweet, kids will enjoy it too.

Conclusion

Amish-Mennonite Meadow Tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a refreshing way to enjoy nature’s bounty. Made from just three simple ingredients, this cool and minty drink is the perfect antidote to summer heat or a relaxing caffeine-free option any time of year. Give it a try and experience a sip of traditional simplicity.

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