South African Rooibos Iced Tea

Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free South African infusion with a warm red color and gently earthy flavor.

A concentrated hot steep is sweetened lightly, diluted with cold water, and chilled with citrus and rosemary.

Remove the rosemary after chilling so it stays a background aroma rather than becoming resinous.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over fresh ice with thin orange and lemon slices.

Recipe Notes

Store chilled without garnish for up to three days and stir before serving.

South African Rooibos Iced Tea

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Naturally caffeine-free rooibos iced tea with orange, lemon, honey, and rosemary.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: South African

Calories: 52

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x?

Tea

• 8 cups water divided
• 6 tbsp loose rooibos tea or 8 tea bags
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 medium orange thinly sliced
• 1 medium lemon thinly sliced
• 2 small sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 cups ice cubes for serving

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Glass pitcher
• Long spoon

Method

 

Steep:

1. Bring 4 cups water just to a boil, remove from heat, add rooibos, and steep for 8 to 10 minutes. Strain into a heatproof pitcher.
2. Stir in honey while warm, then add the remaining cold water.

Chill and Serve:

1. Add half the citrus and one rosemary sprig. Chill for at least 2 hours, then remove the rosemary.
2. Serve over ice with the remaining citrus and a small fresh rosemary garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcalCarbohydrates: 14gSodium: 12mgSugar: 13g

Notes

• Do not steep rosemary for the full chilling time or it can overpower the rooibos.
• Keep refrigerated for up to three days without the garnish.