How to Brew Rooibos Tea: Hot, Iced and Latte

In short: rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free "red tea" made from a South African shrub, not from the tea plant. Brew about 1 heaping teaspoon (2 to 3 g) per 8 oz cup in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. It is sweet, smooth and woody, almost never turns bitter, and works well hot, iced, with milk or as a latte.

Rooibos (say "ROY-boss") is one of the easiest drinks to brew well. You can use boiling water, forget it in the pot for a few extra minutes, and still get a smooth, naturally sweet cup. That makes it a favorite for evenings, for families, and for anyone who wants a warm cup without caffeine.

This guide explains what rooibos is, how to brew it hot and iced, how to make a rooibos latte, and which blends are worth trying.

Rooibos at a glance

What is rooibos?

Rooibos grows only in a small mountainous area of South Africa's Western Cape, around the Cederberg mountains. The plant has fine, needle-like leaves. After harvest, the leaves and stems are cut, bruised and left to oxidize in the sun, which turns them from green to a rich red-brown. That is where the name comes from: rooibos means "red bush" in Afrikaans.

Because it isn't made from Camellia sinensis, rooibos is technically an herbal tea, or tisane. It contains no caffeine and very little tannin, which is why it stays smooth even when steeped a long time.

Red rooibos vs green rooibos

• Red rooibos is oxidized. It brews a deep amber-red cup with a sweet, honey, vanilla and wood character. This is the classic style.
• Green rooibos is dried quickly without oxidation. It is lighter in color, with a fresher, more herbal, slightly grassy flavor.

Both are caffeine-free and brewed the same way.

How to brew rooibos tea (hot)

Pictured: Rooibos Pure loose leaf rooibos

What you need

• Loose leaf rooibos
• A teapot with a fine infuser, or a mug with a fine-mesh infuser. Rooibos needles are small, so a fine mesh keeps them out of your cup.
• Freshly boiled water

Step by step

1. Boil fresh water. Rooibos likes fully boiling water, 212°F (100°C).
2. Measure the rooibos. Use 1 heaping teaspoon (2 to 3 g) per 8 oz of water.
3. Pour and cover. Pour the water over the leaves and cover the pot or mug to keep the heat in.
4. Steep 5 to 7 minutes. Taste at 5 minutes. For a bolder cup, keep going. Rooibos can steep 10 minutes or more without turning bitter.
5. Strain and enjoy. Drink it plain, or add honey, a slice of lemon, or a splash of milk.

Re-steeping

Rooibos gives a good second cup. Steep it again for 7 to 10 minutes with fresh boiling water. The second cup is lighter but still sweet.

How to make iced rooibos

Rooibos makes a lovely iced tea because it is smooth, naturally sweet and never cloudy or harsh.

Hot-brewed iced rooibos

1. Brew double strength: 2 heaping teaspoons per 8 oz of boiling water.
2. Steep 7 to 8 minutes, then strain.
3. Pour over a tall glass full of ice.
4. Add lemon, orange slices or fresh mint if you like.

Cold-brewed rooibos

1. Add about 10 to 12 g (4 to 5 heaping teaspoons) of rooibos to 1 quart of cold water.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
3. Strain and serve over ice. It keeps in the fridge for about 3 days.

Cold brewing gives an especially soft, sweet flavor. See more ideas in Tealyra's cold brew tea collection.

How to make a rooibos latte

A rooibos latte, sometimes called a "red latte" or "red cappuccino," is a cozy caffeine-free alternative to coffee.

Ingredients (one 12 oz mug)

• 2 heaping teaspoons (4 to 5 g) red rooibos
• 4 oz (120 ml) boiling water
• 6 to 8 oz (180 to 240 ml) milk or barista-style oat milk
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup or vanilla syrup
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Method

1. Steep the rooibos in 4 oz of boiling water for 7 to 8 minutes to make a strong concentrate.
2. Strain it into your mug and stir in the sweetener.
3. Heat the milk until steaming, about 150°F (65°C), without boiling.
4. Froth the milk with a handheld frother, a French press, or by shaking it in a sealed jar.
5. Pour the milk into the rooibos and spoon the foam on top. Dust with cinnamon.

The secret is a strong concentrate. A normal-strength cup will taste watery once the milk goes in.

Rooibos blends to try

Rooibos has a mild, sweet base that pairs well with many flavors. Popular styles include:

If you love spiced drinks, compare rooibos chai with a classic black tea chai. If you enjoy Earl Grey but want something for the evening, a rooibos Earl Grey is worth trying alongside a traditional Earl Grey tea.

You can browse plain rooibos and blends in Tealyra's rooibos tea collection, or explore other caffeine-free options among the herbal teas.

Rooibos vs black tea

Rooibos is often described as a caffeine-free alternative to black tea. Here is how they compare:

Common mistakes

• Using water below boiling. Rooibos needs fully boiling water to release its flavor.
• Steeping too short. Two or three minutes gives a thin cup. Give it at least 5.
• Using a coarse infuser. The fine needles slip through wide holes. Use a fine mesh.
• Making a latte with weak rooibos. Brew it strong so the flavor stands up to milk.

How to store rooibos

• Keep it in an airtight container, away from light, heat and moisture.
• Store it away from strong smells such as spices and coffee.
• Plain rooibos keeps its flavor well for 12 to 18 months. Flavored blends are best within about a year.

The bottom line

Rooibos is one of the most forgiving drinks you can make: boiling water, a generous steep, and a smooth, sweet, caffeine-free cup every time. Enjoy it plain, over ice, or as a creamy latte, and try a few blends to find your favorite.

Frequently asked questions

Does rooibos have caffeine?

No. Rooibos is not made from the tea plant, so it is naturally caffeine-free and a good choice for any time of day, including the evening.

How long should I steep rooibos?

Steep rooibos for 5 to 7 minutes in boiling water. Unlike black or green tea, it rarely turns bitter, so you can steep it even longer for a stronger cup.

How much rooibos should I use per cup?

Use about 1 heaping teaspoon (2 to 3 grams) of loose rooibos per 8 oz cup. Use a little more for a latte or iced tea.

What is the difference between red and green rooibos?

Red rooibos is oxidized after cutting, which gives it a deep red color and a sweet, honeyed, woody taste. Green rooibos is not oxidized, so it is lighter, fresher and more herbal.

Can I add milk to rooibos?

Yes. Red rooibos takes milk well, and it makes an excellent caffeine-free latte with a little honey or vanilla.