Moroccan mint tea — known locally as atay — is a hot drink made from Chinese gunpowder green tea, fresh spearmint and sugar, poured from a height into small glasses to create a light foam. More than a drink, it is the everyday symbol of Moroccan hospitality, offered to every guest.
What is Moroccan mint tea?
Moroccan mint tea is the national drink of Morocco, served from morning to night and to every visitor. Locals call it atay and affectionately “Berber whisky”, although it contains no alcohol at all. It balances the bitterness of green tea, the freshness of mint and plenty of sugar in a single glass.
What is in it?
- Chinese gunpowder green tea (small rolled leaves)
- A generous handful of fresh spearmint (na’na’)
- Sugar — traditionally a lot, often from a sugar cone broken into the pot
In season, some families add other herbs: wormwood (chiba) in winter, or verbena and orange blossom. But green tea, mint and sugar are the base.
How it is made and poured
The tea is brewed in a metal teapot (a berrad) placed directly on the heat. The signature gesture is the pour: the tea is poured from a height of 30 cm or more into small glasses, which mixes it, cools it slightly and creates the prized layer of foam (keskes) on top. It is often poured back and forth a few times, and the first glass may be returned to the pot to blend the brew. Serving the tea is usually the role of the host or the eldest person at the table.
Tea and hospitality
Refusing a glass of mint tea can be seen as impolite — it is the heart of the Moroccan welcome. Guests are often offered three rounds, and a well-known saying captures the ritual: “The first glass is as gentle as life, the second as strong as love, the third as bitter as death.” Tea marks arrivals, business deals, family gatherings and the end of almost every meal.
Where to try authentic mint tea
You will be offered mint tea everywhere — in riads, souks and cafes across Marrakech (see our Marrakech food guide). For the most memorable version, drink it in the desert: at the Agafay desert camps tea is served on arrival and again at sunset, poured over the pale hills with Atlas Mountain views. You can also pair it with a visit to a women’s argan cooperative nearby.
Moroccan mint tea – FAQ
Is Moroccan mint tea caffeinated? Yes. It is made with green tea, so it contains caffeine, though usually less than a cup of coffee.
Why is it so sweet? The sugar balances the bitter gunpowder green tea. You can ask for it less sweet — say “shwiya sukkar” (a little sugar).
Is there alcohol in “Berber whisky”? No. The nickname is a friendly joke; Moroccan mint tea is completely non-alcoholic.
Can you make it at home? Yes — brew gunpowder green tea, add fresh spearmint and sugar, and pour from a height to build the foam.
Planning a trip? See our Agafay desert FAQ to round out your visit.