Drinking tea is a tradition that’s said to date back to 2737 BCE, when, according to legend, Chinese emperor Shennong found his hot water was greatly improved when a dried leaf fell from a plant into his cup. Since then, tea drinking has spread around the world, its recipes and preparations evolving along the way. Here’s how to enjoy a cup around the globe.

1. MOROCCO

A mix of mint, green tea leaves, and a generous serving of sugar, Touareg tea (also known asMaghrebi mint tea) is the customary blend in this North African country. Poured from up high into slim, delicate glasses, it’s served three times to guests. Each time the flavor varies slightly. Per the proverb: “The first glass is as gentle as life, the second is as strong as love, the third is as bitter as death.” Refusing any one of these servings is considered the height of rudeness.