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Once you step inside a home in Morocco, chances are you’ll be greeted with a pour of steaming, freshly made Berber whiskey. 

Despite its name, Berber whiskey doesn’t contain a drop of liquor. It’s essentially mint tea, made in a specific style exclusive to the region. It’s also known as the country’s national drink. 

Berber refers to the indigenous people of North Africa, also known as Amazigh, whose history in Morocco dates back thousands of years and predates the arrival of Islam and Arab peoples.

The nickname ‘Berber whiskey’ originated from foreign visitors,” says Mohammed Ait Belhaj, mint tea master at the Kasbah Tamadot hotel in Asni, Morocco. “[Visitors] noticed that Moroccans drink [mint] tea almost all the time, with the same enthusiasm that whiskey might be served in other cultures.” The alternate name has become endearing to locals and is now proudly used to express their affection for the drink.

Moroccans sip Berber whiskey at almost any time of day. “In the morning with breakfast, after lunch, and in the evening during family gatherings,” says Ait Belhaj. “It’s a cherished tradition and an essential part of our daily life.”

What is Berber whiskey (Moroccan mint tea)?

Berber whiskey, or Moroccan mint tea, is made from Chinese green tea (specifically gunpowder tea), fresh mint, sugar, and boiling water. It’s brewed in a Moroccan teapot with a tall, curved spout, then poured from high above to aerate the tea and create a foamy “head” of bubbles. 

There are several ways to prepare mint tea, and perfecting the process is considered an art form. For Ait Belhaj, his preferred method is using a metal teapot and heating the tea over charcoal. This approach allows the gentle heat to add depth to the tea’s flavors. Once ready, he serves the tea in small, engraved glasses.

Beyond the tea’s refreshing and comforting flavors, the drink represents so much more. “It’s a symbol of hospitality, generosity, and warmth,” says Ait Belhaj. He says that it’s rare to find oneself in a family or social gathering with no tea in sight. “It’s a way to connect, to share a moment, and to show respect to guests.”

Mint tea as a moment for conversation and sharing

Ait Belhaj has worked at Kasbah Tamadot for over 20 years. He started as a waiter at the hotel’s restaurant and then was the resort’s manager for a decade. Soon after retiring, he returned, making it his life’s mission to share and teach Morocco’s mint tea tradition to guests from around the world.

Every day, Ait Belhaj prepares tea in front of guests and shares the process from start to finish. During this demonstration, he carefully explains every ingredient and step. 

“My favorite moment is the serving itself, seeing the guests’ smiles as they taste the tea for the first time,” says Ait Belhaj. “Preparing mint tea is a bridge to discover other cultures.” The entire tea-making process allows him to learn more about the guests while sharing a taste of Moroccan history and heritage.

Kasbah Tamadot offers guests a range of meaningful mint tea experiences, from learning how to brew the tea firsthand to visiting neighboring villages and enjoying a fresh cup in the homes of Berber families.

In Morocco, sharing mint tea among friends and family is considered one of the most important rituals of the day. The time spent both making and drinking the tea is meant for conversation and sharing.

How to enjoy Moroccan-style mint tea in the U.S.

Moroccan mint tea can easily be enjoyed at home, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure you brew an authentic pot.

First, find a Moroccan teapot with a long, curved spout. Next, gather your ingredients — green tea, sugar, mint, and boiling water. For a complete and proper presentation, serve the tea on a tray with elegant tea glasses. Ait Belhaj says the most essential tip is to use good-quality Chinese gunpowder green tea and fresh mint.

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Credit: Raquel Arocena Torres / Getty Images

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