Rooibos Iced Tea
Today, I would like to introduce you to a refreshing summer drink made with a unique tea from South Africa: Rooibos. Rooibos, pronounced “ROY-boss,” is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea that has been enjoyed for centuries by the indigenous people of South Africa. It is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which grows exclusively in the Cederberg region of South Africa. It has a very specific, earthy flavor and deep red color (“rooi” means “red” in Afrikaans; “bosh” means “bush”…).
There are two main ways to prepare tea, whether it’s black tea, green tea, white tea, or Rooibos: hot brew and cold brew.
Hot brewing is the traditional method where you pour hot water over a tea bag or loose leaves. However, with Rooibos, hot brewing can sometimes bring out a stronger bitterness in the tea, especially if steeped for too long. This is why cold brewing is often preferred.
Cold brewing uses cold or room temperature water to steep the tea slowly over 7 to 8 hours, resulting in a smoother, less bitter tea that highlights Rooibos’ naturally sweet and mild flavor. Since Rooibos is caffeine-free, it’s ideal for sensitive individuals and children.
To make a delightful Rooibos iced tea, I usually combine everything in one step. I place the Rooibos tea bag or loose leaves in a pitcher, add water, and throw in some slices of orange, lemon, or pieces of peach. I then refrigerate it for 7 to 8 hours. After steeping, I strain the tea and serve it chilled with some fresh slices of citrus fruits.
Alternatively, you can first infuse the water with the Rooibos tea, strain it after 7 to 8 hours, and then let the tea steep with your choice of fruits for an additional few hours. This way, you can experiment and find the flavor combination that works best for you.
Finally, add some ice cubes for a truly refreshing iced tea.
What is Rooibos?
Rooibos is a herbal tea indigenous to South Africa, known for its reddish color and smooth, slightly sweet flavor. It is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great option for those looking to avoid caffeine. Rooibos is rich in antioxidants but can become bitter when brewed hot, especially if left to steep for too long. This makes cold brewing an excellent choice for bringing out the best in Rooibos, ensuring a smooth and flavorful cup every time.
Variations:
You can infuse your Rooibos iced tea with various fruits and flavors. Try adding citrus fruits like oranges or lemons, peaches, wild berries, or even dates for a touch of natural sweetness.
Be creative and enjoy your homemade Rooibos iced tea!
Note: This recipe has been inspired by our friend Simona from Le Cru de la Papesse. Follow her on instagram.
Rooibos Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 2 bags rooibos or 2 tbsp of loose leaves
- 1-2 l water
- 1 handful citrus slices
- 1 bunch fresh mint, basil or similar optional
- 1-2 tbsp cane sugar or agave syrup optional
Instructions
- In a jug, combine the rooibos with the water – I prefer to open the tea bags and use the loose leaves. See what works best for you!Add the fruits (and herbs, optional) and let steep in the fridge for approximately 8 hours.
- After steeping, sieve the tea. Now you can either serve it the way it is, adding some ice cubes, one or two slices of lemon as garnish. Feel free to add some sweetener. Or you add fresh herbs, another portion of fruits and place it back into the fridge for later consumption.