Category: Food and Drink.

The customary mint tea that is served to guests on arrival in Marrakech is practically a ritual.

After the painstakingly long queues at the airport, you finally arrive in your riad slightly overwhelmed and dishevelled.

The owner of the riad gives you the warmest welcome with the biggest smile across his face as he guides you into the beautiful courtyard.

As you sit down on the colourful cushions, listening to the gentle sound of the trickling water in the fountain and smell the scent of the blossom on the trees, slowly you begin to unwind.

The owner reappears with an ornate teapot and colourful glasses on a tray, accompanied by a dish of fresh olives. He begins pouring the fresh mint tea, holding the teapot higher and higher as he pours.

You watch with amazement as the tea finds its way perfectly into the little glasses without a single drop spilling out.

The aroma from the fresh mint leaves is wonderful..

You begin to feel refreshed as the fragrant scent fills the air.

This is a traditional Morroccan greeting for visitors. The higher up the teapot is held, the more respect the guest is being shown.

The tea also becomes aerated, making it cooler to drink.

It takes practice to perfect pouring tea from such a height, I have tried and failed miserably.

After you have drank your tea sweetened with sugar cubes and eaten the delicious fresh olives, the panic of trying to locate the riad and queues at the airport disappear as if by magic…

Mint tea is everywhere in Marrakech.

It’s a refreshing drink that the locals enjoy as they sit in cafes chatting with their friends.

It is known by the locals as  ‘Morroccan Whisky’

The tea is made using green tea and fresh mint leaves, and it is already sweetened with sugar before serving.

If you find it a bit too sweet, try it before adding sugar cubes.

Fresh mint is displayed on market stalls all around the medina, alongside other herbs and spices, and the aromatic aroma tempts the tastebuds.

You can purchase the little tea glasses in the souks, and they make the perfect gift for taking home with you.

Make sure to wrap them well as they are quite delicate.

Sipping mint tea and overlooking the lively square from a rooftop is a very enjoyable experience in Marrakech.

One you will remember for years to come..