Moroccan Mint Tea

Moroccan mint tea, called atay nana, is inseparable from Moroccan identity and hospitality. Refusing a glass is considered impolite, and the preparation ritual itself is a performance of generosity. The host begins by rinsing Chinese gunpowder green tea (chosen for its bold flavor that stands up to mint and sugar) with a quick wash of boiling water, then adds large handfuls of fresh spearmint and several tablespoons of sugar to the pot. After a brief steep, the tea is poured from an elevated height into small, ornate glasses, creating a signature layer of froth. The first glass is typically poured back into the pot to ensure thorough mixing. Traditionally, three glasses are served, each progressively sweeter, inspiring the proverb: the first glass is gentle like life, the second is strong like love, the third is bitter like death. The Berber and Arab traditions surrounding the tea vary by region — in the Sahara, tea is brewed on embers and may include wormwood or sage instead of mint. Morocco is one of the world's largest importers of Chinese green tea, with the gunpowder variety dominating. The tea ceremony serves as the social glue of daily life, marking business meetings, family gatherings, and the welcome of strangers.