Boil Water: Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in a medium-sized pot.
Add Spices: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Let them simmer for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the water with their flavors.
Steep The Tea: Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the pot and reduce the heat. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
Add Fresh Mint: After the tea has steeped, add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pot. The mint will bring a refreshing and cooling element to the tea.
Sweeten To Taste: Remove the pot from the heat and strain the tea into serving cups. Sweeten with sugar or honey according to your taste preference.
Garnish And Serve: Garnish each cup with a few pine nuts if using, and serve with a slice of lemon or orange to add a citrusy note.