Homemade Garden Tea

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There’s something special about sipping a cold glass of garden tea on a warm day — especially when it’s made from herbs you’ve grown yourself. Garden tea is a sweet, minty drink that’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic. Around here, it’s a summertime staple.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make homemade garden tea concentrate with a mix of fresh mints right from your backyard. It’s incredibly simple, totally customizable, and the perfect way to use up that mint that always seems to grow faster than you can keep up with.

What Is Garden Tea?

Garden tea typically refers to a herbal tea brewed from plants you grow at home — no store-bought tea bags, no caffeine, just pure, fresh flavor. This version is based on the old-fashioned meadow tea popular in Amish communities. It’s made by steeping a large handful of fresh mint in hot water, sweetening it with sugar, and diluting it into a refreshing iced tea concentrate.

It’s more than just a drink, it’s a way to slow down and savor what’s growing around you.

Ingredients for Garden Tea

This recipe makes a mint tea concentrate that can be stored in the fridge and diluted for instant iced tea anytime. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (packed)
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup granulated sugar

You can use any variety of mint you like, but here’s my favorite mix:

• Spearmint – sweet and mild
• Mojito mint – smooth and citrusy
• Old-fashioned apple mint – deeply aromatic

Mixing a few types gives the tea a well-rounded, complex flavor that’s way better than using just one variety.

How to Make Garden Tea (Step-by-Step)

This garden tea recipe is as simple as steeping, straining, and sweetening. It makes a concentrated base that’s diluted with cold water before serving.

Step 1: Harvest and Rinse Your Mint

Step 2: Boil the Water

Step 3: Steep the Mint

Step 4: Strain and Sweeten

Step 5: Dilute and Serve

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Tips for the Best Garden Tea

• Use fresh mint: Fresh leaves have the best flavor. Avoid anything wilted or yellowing.
• Mix your mint varieties: A blend of spearmint, mojito mint, and apple mint makes the flavor more complex and refreshing.
• Adjust sweetness: Like it less sweet? Start with ¾ cup of sugar and adjust to taste.
• Make it ahead: The concentrate stores well in the fridge, so you can make a batch at the start of the week and enjoy garden tea anytime.
• Add a citrus twist: Try a splash of lemon juice or a slice of orange for a bright finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of mint should I use for garden tea?
You can use any type of mint, but a mix gives the best flavor. Spearmint is mild and sweet, peppermint is bold and cool, and mojito mint adds a light, citrusy note.

Can I use dried mint?
Fresh mint is best for this recipe, but in a pinch, you can use dried — use about ⅓ the amount.

How long does the concentrate last in the fridge?
It will keep for about 7 days when stored in a covered jar or pitcher.

Can I freeze garden tea concentrate?
Yes! Freeze in quart-sized containers or even ice cube trays for a quick glass of tea later.

Is this caffeine-free?
Yes — since it’s made only with fresh herbs and no tea leaves, it’s naturally caffeine-free.

Why You’ll Love This Garden Tea

• Cool and refreshing — the perfect iced drink for summer.
• Sweet and simple — just three ingredients.
• A great way to use fresh mint — especially when it’s growing wild in your garden beds.
• Old-fashioned charm — this recipe has roots in meadow tea traditions and is beloved for a reason.

Whether you’re sipping it on the porch or packing it for a picnic, this homemade garden tea is the kind of recipe that becomes part of your summer rhythm. It’s a small way to slow down and enjoy the fruits (or herbs!) of your own labor.

Print & Sip: Your Garden Tea Recipe

This simple, old-fashioned garden tea recipe uses just three ingredients and fresh mint from your backyard. Print it out, keep it in your kitchen, and enjoy a refreshing glass all summer long.

Garden Tea

Yield: 1 quart concentrate (2 quart diluted)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Steep Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Learn how to make old-fashioned garden tea with fresh mint from your backyard. This simple, sweet, and refreshing mint tea concentrate is perfect for summer sipping.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (packed)
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup sugar

Instructions

1. Rinse mint leaves thoroughly.
2. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, then remove from heat.
3. Add mint and cover. Let steep for 1 hour.
4. Strain out mint and stir in sugar until fully dissolved.
5. Store concentrate in fridge. When ready to serve, dilute 1:1 with cold water (1 quart concentrate + 1 quart water).

Notes

Use a mix of mint types for best flavor: spearmint, mojito mint, and meadow tea

Sweetness is adjustable. Start with less sugar if preferred.

Serve over ice with a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon slice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 25gProtein: 0g

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Tag me if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear what kind of mint you’re growing and how you’re using it in your own garden tea.