lifestyle 21 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Moroccan Mint Tea and Almond Milk: Timeless Recipes for Refreshment
Mint tea, Morocco's national drink known as Atay Bi Nahna, plays a key role in social rituals, hospitality, and negotiations across the Middle East. Almond milk, a medieval favorite from the Mediterranean and North Africa, offers a fresh, non-perishable alternative enhanced with orange flower water. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/dining-recipes/mint-tea-and-almond-milk-sip-two-timeless-drinks-5397948
Mint tea holds a special place in Moroccan culture as the nation’s beloved beverage, called Atay Bi Nahna. Fresh spearmint infuses a sweet green tea brew, creating a pronounced flavor enjoyed throughout the day.
In places like Lebanon, mint is added just before serving. This drink quenches thirst, fosters social bonds, welcomes guests, and even aids in bargaining for big deals. At celebrations, preparing it becomes a ceremonial event with premium green tea, a silver teapot, and rhythmic pouring into glasses. Extras like orange blossom, jasmine, wormwood, aniseed, or verbena add flair.
Mint Tea Recipe (Serves Two)
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Chinese gunpowder green tea (or strong plain green tea)
Method:
- Place tea in a small teapot, add boiling water and fresh mint leaves. Steep for 3 minutes.
- Stir in sugar to taste and serve in glasses.
Almond milk has been cherished since medieval times for its freshness and resistance to spoiling, unlike dairy. Popular in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa, the Moroccan version includes orange flower water and is best served ice-cold in frosted glasses.
Almond Milk Recipe (Serves 8-10)
Ingredients:
- 500g (2¾ cups) blanched almonds
- 5 cups water
- 200g (1 cup) caster sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange flower water
Method:
- Blend almonds to a smooth paste, adding water if needed. Boil water and sugar until dissolved, stir in paste, and simmer 5 minutes.
- Add orange flower water, cool, strain through muslin or fine sieve, then chill until nearly frozen.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)