Craving a comforting warm drink to snuggle up with on a chilly evening? Skip the caffeine jitters and whip up a delightful Rooibos Tea Latte instead!
This South African herbal tea, pronounced ROY-BOSS, boasts a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy milk.
It’s perfect if you want another option on your list besides chamomile latte.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Caffeine-free: Perfect for winding down in the evening.
- Warm and cozy: Great for chilly nights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite flavors and toppings.
- Easy to make: Only a few ingredients and steps required.
Ingredient Notes
- Rooibos tea: You can use loose leaf tea for a richer flavor or convenient tea bags.
- Milk: Any type of milk you like works! Whole milk creates a creamier latte, while non-dairy alternatives like oat milk offer a lighter option.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to complement the rooibos tea. You can substitute with maple syrup or date syrup for a different flavor twist.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a cozy finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steep the rooibos: In a saucepan, combine rooibos tea, honey, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Froth the milk: While the tea steeps, heat your chosen milk in a separate saucepan or use a milk frother to create a nice, airy foam.
- Assemble your latte: Divide the steeped rooibos tea between two mugs. Top each mug with frothed milk and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Tips & Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, use 2 tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea per mug.
- If you don’t have a milk frother, you can heat the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, whisking constantly until it is frothy.
- You can also use a blender to froth the milk. Simply add the milk to the blender and blend on high speed for about 30 seconds.
- Get creative! Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-steeping the tea: Rooibos won’t turn bitter like black tea, but over-steeping can make it taste too strong.
- Using too much milk: The latte should be about two-thirds rooibos tea and one-third milk (only if you like it with milk, else, you can skip milk and enjoy rooibos as it is).
Storing and Preserving
Leftover rooibos tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using.
Interesting Facts
- Rooibos is traditionally enjoyed in South Africa as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee or tea.
- The name “rooibos” comes from the Afrikaans words for “red” and “bush,” referring to the reddish-brown color of the tea plant.
- Rooibos tea is also a good source of fluoride, which can help to strengthen teeth.
Questions You May Have
1. Can I use rooibos tea bags?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfectly fine with tea bags, especially if you’re just starting out.
2. What if I don’t have a milk frother?
No problem! You can use a handheld frother, whisk the milk vigorously, or even heat the milk in a French press to create a frothy texture.
3. Is rooibos tea good?
Yes, rooibos is a healthy beverage packed with antioxidants. It’s caffeine-free, low in tannins, and may offer various health benefits.
Creamy Vanilla Rooibos Latte
Course: Drinks2
servings5
minutes5
minutes250
kcal10
minutesSince rooibos is a tisane (herbal tea = no caffeine), you can enjoy this rooibos latte even in the evening or at night.
Ingredients
2/3 cup water
4 teaspoons loose rooibos tea or 3 rooibos tea bags
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 teaspoons honey (optional)
Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Steep the tea: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add rooibos tea. Steep for 5 minutes.
- Infuse with vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract and honey (if using).
- Froth the milk: Heat and froth your chosen milk using a milk frother or whisk.
- Assemble the latte: Divide the steeped tea between two mugs. Top with frothed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, use 5 teaspoons of loose rooibos or 4 tea bags.
- Experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom for a warm and inviting twist.
- Make it iced! Steep the tea and chill completely before assembling the latte over ice.