Berber Whiskey! The tea of true friendship and hospitality.
42,000ft high in the Ouarzazate atlas mountains of Morocco, there lies a small village where the local Berber women make tea like no other. The locals called it Berber Whiskey, but some also know it as Berber Tea. Unlike the traditional mint tea served all over Morocco, Berber Whiskey is filled with all kinds of herbs and spices, both a sign of hospitality and a medicinal drink. Out of tradition, we can only share part of the recipe; some common ingredients that make up the tea are Cinnamon Bark, Cardamom, Spearmint, & Star Anis.
The Brewing Process:
The tea preparation is a whole art, and it is also the art of patience; Berber Whiskey is never prepared in a few minutes but rather quietly while talking with friends. Because of this, the tea is also known as the tea of friendship. Although the process is long, it is worth it because Moroccans have been drinking tea this way since the 18th century.
The Lifestyle of Drinking Tea
Tea holds a special place in the hearts of Moroccans. It’s often one of the first things children taste after their mother’s milk, as bread soaked in tea is a typical thing to feed babies! Tea is an essential medicine in Moroccan culture, especially for people with limited access to prescription medications or those who prefer natural remedies. Moroccans use Berber Whiskey as a traditional medicine to help alleviate a cold and upset stomach. Berber Whiskey is also said to help calm and relax your mind, reducing stress and anxiety.
For Moroccans, drinking tea is a way of life, and Berber Whiskey serves as an extension of Moroccan culture’s famed hospitality. Pick up a tin of Berber Whiskey from our Shop or
Esty store.
