Mint Majesty with Two Honeys Recipe

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This Mint Majesty with Two Honeys drink isn’t just a fan favorite – it’s a moment of relaxation in a cup. Its aromatic blend of spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena, combined with the natural sweetness of honey, makes it a soothing remedy for your throat or a cozy companion on chilly evenings. I’ve been obsessed with this drink ever since I tried it, and after a few experiments in my own kitchen, I found the secret to recreating it at home. Spoiler alert: it’s ridiculously easy.

How to make Mint Majesty with Two Honeys

Mint Majesty with Two Honeys is a Starbucks hot herbal tea blend of mint leaves and lemon verbena, served without caffeine.

Ingredients

• Mint Tea Blend
• Honey
• Hot Water (8-12 oz)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Water: Boil fresh water and let it cool for about 30 seconds after it reaches the boiling point. Mint tea benefits from slightly cooler water (around 190–200°F), as boiling water can scorch the delicate tea leaves and result in a bitter flavor.

2. Steep the Tea Bag (or Leaves): If you’re using a tea bag, place it in your mug or teapot. Pour the hot water over the tea bag and let it steep for 5–7 minutes. For loose-leaf tea, use about 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 oz of water. You can steep it in a tea infuser or strainer.

3. Add the Honey: Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bag (or strain the loose leaves) and add two teaspoons of honey. Stir well to ensure the honey dissolves completely.

4. Taste and Adjust: Take a sip and adjust the sweetness as needed. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add an extra drizzle of honey. Or, if you want to tame the honey flavor, a squeeze of lemon works well to balance it out.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the tea into your favorite mug, curl up on your couch, and enjoy the comforting blend of minty freshness and sweet honey!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Mint Majesty Drink

• Use Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe is minimal, the quality of your tea and honey makes a big difference. Go for organic or high-quality brands to really amp up the flavor.
• Pre-Warm Your Mug or Teapot: To keep your drink warm longer, pour a little hot water into the mug to preheat it, then discard the water before adding your tea.
• Experiment with Additions: If you enjoy a stronger mint flavor, steep the tea for a bit longer (without making it bitter). For an added health boost, toss in a slice of fresh ginger or sprinkle some cinnamon on top.
• Make it Cold!: If you’re sipping this in warmer weather, you can make an iced version. Brew the tea as usual, sweeten it with honey, and then cool it in the refrigerator. Serve over ice for a refreshing minty drink.
• Recreate the Starbucks Aesthetic: Pour your tea into a clear glass mug to appreciate the lovely golden color of the brewed tea. Bonus points if you use a little latte art with the honey drizzle on the surface!

What to serve with

While Mint Majesty with Two Honeys is a delight on its own, pairing it with the right snacks or dishes can elevate your tea-drinking experience.

• Scones with Honey or Lemon Curd: Scones are a tea-time classic, and their buttery, flaky texture is perfect with this Mint Majesty with Two Honeys. Instead of jam or clotted cream, try spreading some honey or lemon curd on your scone to echo the flavors of the tea. Blueberry or lavender scones are especially lovely pairings.
• Shortbread Cookies: The buttery and crumbly texture of shortbread cookies is a fantastic match for a tea like Mint Majesty. The simple flavors of shortbread won’t clash with the mint and honey, giving you a subtle and balanced pairing.
• Macarons: Delicate French macarons in flavors like lemon, vanilla, or pistachio can add elegance to your tea experience. Their light and airy texture works well with the Mint Majesty with Two Honeys’s refreshing flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

While the Mint Majesty with Two Honeys recipe is already straightforward, there may be times when you don’t have certain ingredients on hand—or you simply want to get creative and try something new.

1. Substitutes for Mint Tea Blend

The defining feature of Mint Majesty is its refreshing and aromatic herbal tea blend. If you don’t have the exact ingredients (spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena), the following alternatives will still deliver a flavorful experience:

Peppermint or Spearmint Teas:

If you can’t find a tea blend that contains both peppermint and spearmint, you can use one mint tea (peppermint or spearmint) by itself. Peppermint has a slightly stronger menthol flavor, while spearmint is gentler and sweeter. You can experiment until you find your preferred balance.

• Alternative Brands: Brands like Tazo’s Refresh Mint, Bigelow’s Mint Medley, or Celestial Seasonings’ Peppermint Tea work well as substitutions.
• DIY Mint Tea: If you have fresh or dried peppermint or spearmint leaves, steep them directly in hot water. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of water.

Lemon Verbena Alternatives:

Lemon verbena adds a subtle citrusy note to the tea, but if you can’t find it, try the following substitutes:

• Lemon Balm: Similar to lemon verbena, lemon balm offers light citrusy undertones and pairs beautifully with mint. It’s part of the mint family and easy to find in loose-leaf form.
• Lemongrass: Naturally citrusy with a mildly sweet taste, lemongrass is a great alternative to lemon verbena. Simply add a small piece of fresh or dried lemongrass to your tea while steeping.
• Lemon Peel or Zest: Don’t underestimate the zest! Fresh or dried lemon peel can mimic the bright, slightly tangy citrus flavor in the tea. Just add a few peels or a pinch of zest to your recipe.

Custom Tea Blends:

If you enjoy making your own tea blends, mix your own version of Mint Majesty:

• Combine dried spearmint, peppermint, and lemon balm in equal parts.
• Store the blend in an airtight container and steep it when ready. You can adjust the proportions of each herb to create your perfect flavor profile.

2. Substitutes for Honey

Honey is used in this recipe for its natural sweetness and its smooth, syrupy texture. If you don’t have honey—or if you’re looking for vegan options—here are a few alternatives:

• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup offers a warm, caramel-like sweetness that mimics the smoothness of honey. Use it in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of honey, use 2 teaspoons of maple syrup.
• Agave Syrup: Agave syrup is a great plant-based alternative to honey. Its mild sweetness won’t overpower the tea’s herbal flavors, making it an excellent choice for keeping the drink light and refreshing. Use the same quantity as honey.
• Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: If you prefer using a granulated sweetener, coconut sugar or light brown sugar can work. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves in the hot tea to ensure a consistent flavor. Keep in mind these options will add a slightly deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener (Low-Calorie/Vegan Substitute): For those watching their sugar intake, stevia or monk fruit sweeteners provide a zero-calorie alternative to honey. Use them sparingly, as they can taste more intense than regular sugar.
• Date Syrup or Nectar: Date syrup or nectar is a nutrient-rich sweetener made from dates. Its caramel-like notes pair well with the herbal flavors of the tea. Use in the same quantity as honey.
• No Sweetener (Optional): If you’re looking to cut down on sugar or simply prefer the natural flavors of the tea, you can skip the sweetener altogether. The mint and lemon verbena flavors are pleasant enough on their own.

3. Substitutes for Tea Base (Caffeine-Free/Homemade)

If you’re unable to find packaged tea at the store, you can create your own herbal tea base:

• Fresh Mint: Steep fresh peppermint and spearmint leaves from your garden or grocery store to create a homemade base for the tea.
• Herbal Infusions: Combine herbal ingredients like chamomile, lemon balm, and lemongrass with mint to add depth and complexity to your tea.
• Decaffeinated Green Tea (Optional): If you don’t mind a hint of caffeine, a mild green tea can serve as a neutral base. Combine it with mint and citrus for a refreshing twist.

4. Substitutes for Hot Water

Most teas are traditionally brewed with freshly boiled water, but you can experiment with these substitutes for a twist:

• Coconut Water: Want an extra dose of hydration and natural sweetness? Brew your mint tea with hot coconut water instead of plain water. It can add a subtle tropical undertone to the drink.
• Sparkling or Carbonated Water (For Iced Tea): When creating an iced version of Mint Majesty, brew the tea with regular water, chill it, and then top it off with sparkling water before serving. The effervescence adds a refreshing texture to the drink.

Final Thoughts

When serving Mint Majesty with Two Honeys, think about flavors that highlight or complement the drink’s herbal, minty, and sweet profile.

More Starbucks Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Protein Drink Recipe