Old-Fashioned Meadow Tea

Our youngest cowboys foraging for wild mint.

A Central Pennsylvania Classic with Amish Roots

There’s something timeless about sipping meadow tea on a warm summer day. Around here, it’s more than just a drink — it’s a ritual rooted in simplicity and heritage.

This sweet, minty tea has deep roots in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Central Pennsylvania, where it’s been lovingly made for generations. Whether gathered fresh from the garden or wild from the edge of the pasture, spearmint is the star of this refreshing tea. It’s boiled down, sweetened just right, and chilled to perfection — often served in mason jars after a long day of farm or homestead work.

Whether you’re bottling it up to share with neighbors or pouring a glass on the porch swing, this meadow tea recipe brings a bit of that old-time, peaceful way of life into your home.

Ingredients:

• 2 packed cups of fresh spearmint leaves, from the garden or wild (stems and all)

• 2 quarts (8 cups) of water

• ¾ to 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)

• Optional: 1 black tea bag (adds a little depth)

• Optional: lemon slices or honey for serving

Instructions:

1. Harvest & rinse your mint.
   Pick about 2 packed cups of fresh spearmint — whether from your herb bed, along a fence row, or growing wild under the trees. Rinse well to remove dirt and bugs.

2. Boil the water.
   In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil.

3. Add mint (and tea bag, if using).
   Turn off the heat. Add in the spearmint leaves and optional tea bag. Cover with a lid and let it steep for 15–20 minutes.

4. Strain & sweeten.
   Remove the mint and tea bag. While the tea is still warm, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.

5. Chill & enjoy.
   Let it cool a bit, then pour into a glass pitcher or mason jars. Refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon or a drizzle of raw honey, if you’d like.

Notes from the Ranch:

• If you don’t have spearmint, peppermint or chocolate mint work too — though the flavor will vary slightly.

• Use wild mint from clean, pesticide-free areas only.

• This recipe doubles beautifully for canning or sharing.

• We keep a few jars in the fridge for quick refreshment after garden chores, fencing, or chasing after kids and critters.

Try Meadow Tea Popsicles!

Instead of just drinking your meadow tea, pour it into popsicle molds and freeze it for a cool, refreshing treat. Perfect for hot days and a fun way to enjoy the same great flavors in a new way!