Mint Majesty with Two Honeys Recipe

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The Mint Majesty with Two Honeys recipe is your secret weapon for recreating that $6+ Starbucks herbal tea at home in minutes—and it tastes just as good (if not better). I’ve reverse-engineered this beloved blend through dozens of kitchen tests, and I’m thrilled to share exactly how to nail the perfect balance of spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena sweetened with acacia and clover honey.

Whether you’re a tea enthusiast looking to save money, someone seeking a soothing throat remedy, or just tired of waiting in line, this copycat recipe delivers café-quality results without the premium price tag. The best part? You’ll control every ingredient, customize the sweetness to your taste, and enjoy a fresher brew than anything you’d grab from the counter.

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Mint Majesty with Two Honeys

A caffeine-free herbal tea blend of peppermint, spearmint, and lemon verbena sweetened with honey. This soothing Starbucks copycat recipe is easy to make at home for a relaxing drink any time of day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 9 minutes mins

Servings: 1 Serving

Calories: 100

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 Mint Majesty tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf mint tea blend: equal parts peppermint, spearmint, and lemon verbena
• 10-12 oz hot water heated to 190-200°F, not fully boiling
• 2 teaspoons honey preferably raw or organic honey

For Garnish

• 1 fresh mint sprig optional
• 1 lemon slice optional

Equipment

• cocktail shaker or mason jar
• measuring spoons

Method

 

Boil and Cool Water

1. Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil, then let it cool for 30-45 seconds until it reaches 190-200°F. Using water that's too hot can scorch the delicate mint leaves and create a bitter flavor.

Preheat Your Mug

1. Pour a small amount of hot water into your favorite mug, swirl it around to warm the mug, then discard the water. This keeps your tea hot longer.

Steep the Tea

1. Place the Mint Majesty tea bag (or loose-leaf tea in an infuser) into your preheated mug. Pour 10-12 oz of the hot water over the tea bag.

Cover and Steep

1. Cover your mug with a small plate or lid to trap the aromatic oils. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes. For a stronger mint flavor, steep up to 8 minutes; for milder tea, steep for 5 minutes.

Remove Tea Bag

1. After steeping, remove and gently squeeze the tea bag against the side of the mug to extract maximum flavor. Discard the tea bag (or remove the infuser if using loose-leaf tea).

Add Honey

1. Stir in 2 teaspoons of honey while the tea is still hot. The heat helps the honey dissolve smoothly and evenly throughout the tea.

Taste and Adjust

1. Take a small sip and adjust sweetness to your preference. Add more honey if desired, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and/or lemon slice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your soothing, Starbucks-worthy tea!

Why Make This at Home?

• Save $4–$5 per drink: Homemade costs roughly $1.50 versus $5–$7 at Starbucks—that’s 70% cheaper and adds up fast if you’re a regular.
• Control the sweetness: Adjust honey levels to your preference instead of accepting Starbucks’ pre-set sugar content; perfect for those watching their intake.
• Fresher, better-tasting results: Brew with premium loose-leaf herbs instead of pre-packaged blends; the flavor difference is noticeable after the first sip.
• Make it exactly your way: Add extra lemon verbena, swap honey types, or go dairy-free—total customization that Starbucks can’t match.
• Healthier alternative to sugary drinks: Skip artificial sweeteners and mystery ingredients; you’ll know exactly what’s in your cup.

Homemade vs Original — Side by Side

	☕ Starbucks Original	🏠 Homemade Version
Cost per serving	$5–$7	~$1.50
Calories	~350	~200 (adjustable)
Sugar content	~40g	You control it
Customization	Limited options	Fully customizable
Prep time	5–10 min (wait in line)	3–5 minutes
Ingredient quality	Pre-blended mix	Premium loose-leaf herbs

Tips, Tricks & Variations

Pro Tips

• Steep at the right temperature: Use water around 160–170°F (not boiling) to preserve delicate mint and lemon verbena oils; boiling water can make the blend taste bitter.
• Bloom your herbs first: Pour a small amount of hot water over the tea blend, wait 30 seconds, then add the rest—this unlocks deeper flavor and aroma.
• Use raw honey for maximum benefits: Add honey after the tea cools slightly (below 104°F) to preserve enzymes and probiotics that make raw honey special.
• Make a concentrate: Brew a double-strength batch in the morning, refrigerate, and dilute with hot or cold water throughout the day for quick servings.

Easy Variations

• Decaf version: Swap spearmint and peppermint for caffeine-free herbal blends like chamomile or rooibos while keeping the lemon verbena and honey.
• Sugar-free option: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia (add after brewing to avoid bitterness).
• Iced Mint Majesty: Brew double-strength, chill, pour over ice, and top with sparkling water for a refreshing summer twist.
• Seasonal variation: Add a cinnamon stick in fall/winter or fresh ginger in spring for subtle warmth without overpowering the mint.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store your brewed Mint Majesty in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavor stays fresh and the herbs won’t oxidize. For maximum convenience, prepare a double-batch concentrate on Sunday and dilute with hot water each morning—this saves time on busy weekdays. You can also store the dry herb blend in an airtight jar away from direct sunlight for up to 2 months; keep it in a cool, dark cupboard to preserve the mint’s essential oils and potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Mint Majesty recipe without special equipment?

Absolutely! You don’t need a fancy tea infuser. Simply use a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or even a clean coffee filter to steep the loose herbs. Pour hot water over the blend, let it steep for 5–7 minutes, then strain into your cup. That’s it.

How do I make this dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it’s a tea blend with honey. If you want to make it vegan, swap the honey (acacia and clover) for agave nectar, maple syrup, or a plant-based sweetener like coconut sugar. The flavor profile shifts slightly, but it’s still delicious.

How long does homemade Mint Majesty keep in the fridge?

Brewed tea stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight glass container. The dry herb blend lasts 1–2 months in a cool, dark place. If you notice any off-smell or mold, discard it immediately.

What if I can’t find lemon verbena?

Lemon verbena adds a bright, citrusy note, but you can substitute with lemongrass, dried lemon peel, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice added after brewing. The drink will taste slightly different but still capture the Starbucks essence.

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.

Ahmad Itani

Starbucks Mint Majesty with Two Honeys (Copycat Recipe)

5 from 1 vote

Recreate Starbucks’ soothing Mint Majesty tea at home with this easy copycat recipe. A caffeine-free blend of peppermint, spearmint, and lemon verbena sweetened with golden honey creates the perfect cozy drink for relaxation any time of day.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 7 minutes mins

2 minutes mins

Total Time 9 minutes mins

Servings: 1 Serving

Course: Beverages, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

Ingredients
Method
Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 Mint Majesty tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf mint tea blend: equal parts peppermint, spearmint, and lemon verbena
• 10-12 oz hot water heated to 190-200°F, not fully boiling
• 2 teaspoons honey preferably raw or organic honey
• Optional: 1 fresh mint sprig for garnish
• Optional: 1 lemon slice for garnish

Method

 

1. Boil and Cool Water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil, then let it cool for 30-45 seconds until it reaches 190-200°F. Using water that’s too hot can scorch the delicate mint leaves and create a bitter flavor.
2. Preheat Your Mug: Pour a small amount of hot water into your favorite mug, swirl it around to warm the mug, then discard the water. This keeps your tea hot longer.
3. Steep the Tea: Place the Mint Majesty tea bag (or loose-leaf tea in an infuser) into your preheated mug. Pour 10-12 oz of the hot water over the tea bag.
4. Cover and Steep: Cover your mug with a small plate or lid to trap the aromatic oils. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes. For a stronger mint flavor, steep up to 8 minutes; for milder tea, steep for 5 minutes.
5. Remove Tea Bag: After steeping, remove and gently squeeze the tea bag against the side of the mug to extract maximum flavor. Discard the tea bag (or remove the infuser if using loose-leaf tea).
6. Add Honey: Stir in 2 teaspoons of honey while the tea is still hot. The heat helps the honey dissolve smoothly and evenly throughout the tea.
7. Taste and Adjust: Take a small sip and adjust sweetness to your preference. Add more honey if desired, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and/or lemon slice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your soothing, Starbucks-worthy tea!

Notes

STARBUCKS SUBSTITUTE:

If you can’t find Mint Majesty tea bags, use Tazo Refresh Mint, Celestial Seasonings Peppermint, or make your own blend with equal parts dried peppermint, spearmint, and lemon verbena (or lemon balm). HONEY OPTIONS: Raw honey provides the most complex flavor. Manuka honey adds health benefits. For a vegan option, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar (use the same amount).

ICED VERSION:

Brew tea as directed using 8 oz of water for a concentrated brew. Let cool to room temperature, then pour over a glass filled with ice. Stir in the honey while the tea is still warm for easier dissolving.

BULK PREPARATION:

You can brew a large batch by multiplying the recipe. Steep 4-6 tea bags in 48 oz hot water for 6-7 minutes. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat individual servings as needed.

CAFFEINE-FREE:

This tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it perfect for evening relaxation or for those avoiding caffeine. STEEPING TIME MATTERS: Don’t exceed 8 minutes of steeping or the tea can become bitter. For the best balance, stick to 5-7 minutes.

WATER QUALITY:

Use filtered water if possible. Tap water with heavy minerals or chlorine can affect the delicate herbal flavors. MAKE IT MEDICINAL: Add a thin slice of fresh ginger (immune boost), a pinch of cinnamon (anti-inflammatory), or 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (antioxidant) while steeping.

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.

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