Anise & Mint: Traditional Levantine After-Dinner Teas

In homes across the Levant, the meal does not truly end until the tea arrives. And more often than not, that final cup is anise or mint — light, aromatic, caffeine-free, and the perfect gentle close to a good meal. These are teas with deep roots in the region’s hospitality.

A tradition in every cup

Offering tea after a meal is a gesture of warmth and welcome across Jordan and the wider Levant. Anise, with its soft liquorice-like sweetness, and mint, cool and refreshing, are the two most beloved after-dinner choices. Both are naturally caffeine-free, so they round off the evening comfortably rather than keeping anyone awake.

Why they work so well after eating

Both anise and mint are light, aromatic and refreshing on the palate — a clean, settling contrast to a rich meal. A warm cup supports that comfortable after-dinner feeling and gives everyone a reason to sit a little longer around the table. It is as much about the ritual and the company as the cup itself.

How to serve them

Brew with freshly boiled water and steep for four to five minutes. Serve anise as it is, or with a touch of honey; serve mint hot in winter or over ice in summer. For a gentle after-meal cup in the traditional style, Lavina’s Laxa Form is a herbal infusion made to enjoy after eating. Every Lavina tea is crafted in Jordan from 100% natural ingredients, with no additives or preservatives.

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