Peppermint Tea Latte

I discovered peppermint tea lattes on a crisp autumn morning when a friend handed me a steaming mug at her kitchen table, and I've been making them ever since. There's something about the way the creamy milk swirls into the bright peppermint tea that feels like wrapping yourself in comfort—especially on those days when you need a moment to pause and breathe. This recipe became my go-to for those afternoons when I want something warm and gentle, not too heavy, just enough to make me feel taken care of.

I remember making this for my sister during her winter break, and she curled up on the couch with it while we talked for hours. The peppermint seemed to wake up her senses while the warmth of the milk kept her grounded. That's when I realized this drink is more than just refreshment—it's a way of saying you care.

Ingredients

• Peppermint tea bags: Two bags give you a robust, clear peppermint flavor without any bitterness. I've learned that steeping time matters—too long and the tea becomes harsh, but four to five minutes is just right.
• Boiling water: One cup keeps the tea concentrated enough to taste bright even after you add the milk, which dilutes it gently.
• Milk: Whether you choose dairy, oat, almond, or cashew milk, what matters is that you heat it gently. Cold milk will cool down your beautiful tea.
• Honey, maple syrup, or sugar: A teaspoon or two is all you need. The sweetness should complement the peppermint, not overpower it—you want to taste the tea first.
• Whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies: These are the little touches that transform a simple drink into something that feels like a celebration.

Instructions

Brew your tea with purpose:

Place those two tea bags into a heatproof mug or teapot, then pour the boiling water right over them. Watch as the water transforms from clear to a pale jade color—that's the peppermint releasing its essence. Set a timer for four to five minutes. This is the part where patience pays off, because you're building the foundation for everything that comes next.

Warm and froth the milk:

While your tea steeps, pour the milk into a small saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You want it hot enough that steam rises, but not so hot that it boils or scalds. If you have a milk frother, now's the time to use it—just froth for about 30 seconds until you have a lovely layer of foam. No frother? A whisk works beautifully, or even seal the milk in a jar with a tight lid and shake it vigorously for a minute.

Combine tea and sweetness:

Remove those tea bags and discard them. If you're using honey or syrup, stir it in now while the tea is hot—it dissolves so much better this way and distributes evenly throughout the mug.

Pour the milk with intention:

Divide the brewed tea between two mugs. Then, holding back the foam with a spoon, slowly pour the hot milk into each mug. Watch as the cream-colored milk swirls into the amber tea. Finally, top with that cloud of foam you created.

Garnish and serve:

Add a dollop of whipped cream if you like, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or a whisper of cocoa powder. Serve immediately while everything is warm and the flavors are at their brightest.

Bookmark

There was an evening when my daughter came home from school with a cold, and I made her this peppermint tea latte. She sipped it slowly, and within minutes, I could see the tension in her shoulders ease. She told me it was like drinking something that made her feel better just by holding it. That's the magic of this drink.

Making It Your Own

I've learned that the beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it work for you. In the summer, I chill the tea and milk, pour them over ice, and it becomes a refreshing iced peppermint latte that feels like a treat on a hot day. If you want an extra minty kick, add just a drop of peppermint extract to the milk before frothing—a little goes a long way, and it adds an intense, almost bracing quality that some mornings demand.

The Plant-Based Path

When I started making this for my vegan friends, I realized that swapping the milk was simple, but choosing the right sweetener made all the difference. Maple syrup adds a warm, subtle sweetness that feels natural with peppermint, while agave keeps the flavor clean and bright. Oat milk froths beautifully and creates a creamy texture that's almost indistinguishable from dairy milk. The drink remains every bit as comforting and delicious, just in a way that feels right for everyone at your table.

Beyond the Cup

What I love most about this recipe is that it's a moment of intentionality in a busy day. It forces you to slow down, to wait for the tea to steep, to heat the milk gently, to watch it all come together. You're not just making a drink—you're creating a pause, a little ritual that says you deserve something warm and thoughtful.

• Make it ahead by brewing your tea in a thermos so you have it ready for tomorrow morning
• Experiment with different peppermint products—some tea brands have subtle variations in flavor intensity
• Remember that the garnish is where you can have fun and make each cup feel special for whoever is drinking it

Bookmark

This peppermint tea latte is my answer to those moments when you need something that's equal parts comfort and refreshment. Make it for yourself, make it for someone you care about, and watch how a simple cup of tea becomes a small act of kindness.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use non-dairy milk alternatives?

Yes, plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy work well and maintain a creamy texture when frothed.

→ How do I froth milk without a frother?

Warm the milk gently, then whisk vigorously or shake it in a jar with a tight lid until foam forms.

→ What sweeteners complement peppermint tea latte?

Honey, maple syrup, or sugar enhance the flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences.

→ Can this drink be served iced?

Yes, chill the brewed tea and milk, then combine over ice for a refreshing cold version.

→ Are there ways to intensify the mint flavor?

Adding a drop of peppermint extract to the milk before frothing boosts the minty aroma and taste.