If you are looking to replace coffee based lattes with something that is naturally caffeine free and absolutely delicious, I would suggest that you try a (red) rooibos latte.Â
Rooibos lattes are very popular in coffee shops in South Africa, which makes sense given that the rooibos, or redbush, plant is native to that continent.
South Africans have traditionally used rooibos tea for centuries. The Dutch settlers in the area used it as an alternative to expensive black tea. In addition, black tea was not always available as supply was dependent on trading ships from Europe.
Also called red tea, rooibos has an earthy and a slightly nutty flavor that you will likely find extremely appealing after just a few cups. Rooibos tea benefits primarily revolve around the fact that it is naturally decaffeinated and loaded with antioxidants. Other health pluses include anti-fungal as well as anti-mutagenic properties. Rooibos is also of benefit to immune system modulation and assists with nervous tension, skin problems, and digestive complaints.
I’ve been drinking rooibos tea for many years, but have only recently begun enjoying it as a latte. It is my favorite hot drink to enjoy in the evening, although I tend to stick with plain rooibos tea first thing in the morning.
Red Tea Latte
Making a rooibos latte is extremely simple. The first step involves concentrating the amount of rooibos in 3 standard cups of tea down to a half cup of water which suprisingly does not result in a bitter taste like with black tea.
The sweetener chosen is based on your personal preference. I prefer a pinch or two of low glycemic coconut sugar or a drizzle of raw local honey. Freshly ground cassia Saigon cinnamon adds a sweet and yet fiery boost that surpasses the flavor of any pre-ground cinnamon on the market. If you prefer Ceylon cinnamon, that will result in a sweeter taste.
While steamed milk is a typical addition to a latte, I only warm mine to 117 F/47 C which is hot enough to please the palate and yet low enough to preserve the precious enzymes and probiotics in my creamy and delicious pastured raw milk. The latte still turns out nice and foamy, perhaps not as foamy as if I steamed it, but good enough for my tastes.
If you prefer your caffeine free lattes to taste more like coffee, try this recipe for a dandelion latte instead. If you love green tea with the slow release of caffeine from the amino acid l-theanine, try this creamy matcha latte recipe, which contains approximately 10 times the antioxidants of a single brewed cup of green tea! Another option is an energizing yerba mate latte.
Red Rooibos Latte Recipe
South Africa's popular red rooibos tea latte is the perfect solution for those seeking a non-caffeinated alternative to coffee based lattes.
Ingredients
- 3 tsp or tea bags rooibos tea preferably organic
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1/2 cup whole milk preferably grassfed
- 1 tsp coconut sugar
- 1/4 -1/2 tsp cinnamon preferably freshly ground
Instructions
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Bring filtered water to a boil preferably in a tea kettle instead of the microwave.
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Pour 1/2 cup boiling water into a large coffee mug and add rooibus tea using a tea infuser (I use this one).
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Let steep for 3-5 minutes until tea is almost black with just a hint of red.
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Sprinkle in coconut sugar and stir.
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Pour 1/2 cup milk into a small saucepan and turn on medium heat. If using raw milk, heat only to 117 F/47 C (use a candy thermometer) and then remove from the heat and promptly pour into the coffee mug to top the triple strength rooibos tea. Otherwise, if using pasteurized milk, heat the milk to a steamy, frothy state and then top.
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Sprinkle on freshly ground cinnamon to taste.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
More Information
White Hot Chocolate Recipe (Caffeine Free)
Yerba Mate Benefits and Cautions
Great recipe! I love to add some Ashwagandha to a coffee free latte for stable energy and vitality.
Thanks for another great idea!!!
Can I drink this while pregnant? It sounds delicious!
Yes, absolutely 🙂
where do you purchase Saigon cinnamon?
Check it out here, with a pix of the cinnamon grater I use. Makes a huge difference to the flavor of the latte, I can tell you. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/resources/#salt
I also have been drinking rooibus tea for many years but the latte was a new one on me, I couldn’t wait to try and was asleep within an hour of drinking it lol..a great drink though. Rooibus has always had that effect on me so I tend to only drink it in the evening. I make coffee latte the same way as the rooibus latte with dandelion root coffee, again I can only make in evening or I am asleep within an hour. To be honest most herbal teas have that effect on me very relaxing, the only ones I can drink the morning are nettle/peppermint or dandelion tea.
We sure enjoy Roobibos tea. This is similar to a chai we make using Roobibos tea and chai spices. So delicious.
What a great to eliminate caffeine from coffee. I love the taste of roobios tea so I will be trying this soon.
Anyone know if Red Rooibos is a diuretic?
I believe all teas are and caffeine free coffees like dandelion root, well they are on me.
Thanks – I heard there are some herbal teas that are not diuretic and I was hoping roobios was one of them.
I don’t notice it so much, but it definitely has that effect on my Mom. I love rooibos tea.
This sounds delicious. I haven’t had rooibos tea in quite a while and almost forgot how much I like it. This combination sounds just wonderful!