How to Make Saffron Mint Tea

Sipping on a golden, aromatic cup of saffron & mint tea... This is a popular evening ritual within our community that feels luxurious, yet takes only a few minutes to prepare.

Every evening, there’s that moment when the day slows down. That quiet pause before bed. For many of us at Heray, that moment tastes like mint and saffron.

The cooling freshness of mint paired with the honeyed, slightly floral notes of saffron makes this deeply soothing cup, perfect to wind down your body and mind. It’s caffeine-free, comforting, and also quite beautiful.

Unlike regular mint tea, saffron elevates the tea just a bit by adding a subtle floral depth. And the best part? You only need a few strands of our pure Afghan saffron.

Fresh mint tastes bright, clean, and almost sweet when steeped properly. Dried mint, while still sharing that bright taste, is usually a little more intense and even carries a bit of bitterness.

That's why I think both fresh and dried mint are fantastic, and to be honest with you, they just taste slightly different which is why I don't think one is necessarily better than the other.

Of course, this might be a little controversial, since we seemingly must always pick the fresher option.

One unbeatable perk of dried mint is that it's so easy to store so you can always have it on hand. Personally, in the evening I find myself grabbing dried mint more often because of this, and I like to be mindful not to steep it too long to avoid an overly bitter flavor.

For this recipe, you can use either dried or fresh mint. Dried mint gives that slightly earthier tone, while fresh mint brings out the cooling notes.

(Here’s what you’ll need for 2 cups. Find the full recipe at the bottom of the post.)

Saffron Threads: Use about 12 threads of high-quality saffron. Ideally real Afghan saffron, known for its deep color, sweet aroma and high potency that give you all the full sleep benefits saffron has to offer. If you want to learn more about these saffron sleep benefits, click here to read our article on them.

Granulated Sugar: Just a pinch, to grind with the saffron and help release its color and aroma.

Mint: Use 1 tablespoon dried mint or a small handful of fresh leaves.

Honey: Adds warmth and natural sweetness. Wait until your tea cools slightly before adding to preserve its enzymes.

Water: After all, tea is 99% water.

Grind 12 saffron threads with a pinch of granulated sugar using a mortar and pestle until fine.

Add about 1 tablespoon of hot water (70–80 °C). Avoid adding boiling water to preserve saffron's delicate compounds. 

Let bloom for 10 minutes.

You’ll slowly see the liquid turn a beautiful golden-orange.

Once both the mint tea and saffron have cooled a bit, pour the saffron liquid into the mint tea.

The colors will merge into a warm golden-green tone.

Pour into two glasses or mugs.

Take a moment. Breathe in the aroma before your first sip.

It’s floral, cooling, and gently sweet, perfect to ease your body into sleepmode.

1. Bloom saffron: Grind saffron threads with sugar in a mortar and pestle. Add 1 tbsp of 70–80 °C water and let bloom 10 minutes.

2. Brew mint tea: Steep mint leaves in boiling water (2 cups) for 5–10 minutes, while allowing to cool slightly.

3. Combine: Add saffron liquid to mint tea.

4. Sweeten: Stir in honey to taste once the tea is warm, not hot.

5. Serve: Pour into cups and enjoy warm, or chill for an iced version.