Rooibos latte
This iced rooibos chai latte is a creamy, spiced twist on classic chai. Made with rooibos tea bags, warming spices, and smooth plant-based milk, it’s naturally caffeine-free and perfect for hot days. Easy to make at home, this iced rooibos latte recipe is both comforting and uplifting, a cooling pick-me-up that feels like a hug in a tall glass.
Servings: 2 tall glasses
Equipment
- Medium saucepan (to boil and simmer)
- Fine mesh strainer (to remove the tea and spices)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon (to stir)
- Pitcher or jug (for chilling and serving)
- Tall glasses or mugs
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 3 Rooibos tea bags or 2 tbsp loose-leaf organic rooibos
- 2 inches Fresh ginger sliced and crushed
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 3 Green cardamom pods lightly crushed
- 3 Whole cloves
- 1 tbsp Simple syrup or a sweetener of choice or add honey to taste.
- 2 cups milk you can use whole milk for ultimate creaminess, or a plant-based alternative like oat milk, or almond milk)
To make Iced Rooibos Latte
- 1 cup Crushed ice or rooibos ice cubes for stronger flavour
- ½ tsp Vanilla pure extract optional (I used Vanilla rooibos tea bags so I didn't add it)
- Whipped cream to garnish
Instructions
- Bring to a Boil: In a small saucepan or medium saucepan, bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Infuse the Flavours: Reduce the heat to medium low. Add your rooibos tea leaves or your 2 tea bags, along with the crushed ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and your choice of sweetener (this is the perfect moment to add honey).
- Simmer and Tea Steep: Allow the ingredients to simmer, stirring occasionally, for a 3 minute tea steep. This allows the spices to bloom and the reddish brown tea base to become deeply aromatic.
- Heat the Milk: Stir in your cup of milk and continue to simmer gently for another 2 minutes until you have beautifully warm milk that is completely infused with the tea.
- Froth the Milk (Optional Cafe Style): If you want that classic coffee shop finish, you can use a handheld milk frother or a whisk right in your saucepan to froth the milk, creating a gorgeous layer of warm, fluffy froth milk.
- Strain and Serve: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the liquid into a pitcher or directly into your favourite mug. Enjoy the soothing combination of warm milk and honey.
Make it an Iced Rooibos Latte
- To enjoy a refreshing iced rooibos tea latte, let the strained mixture cool slightly. Fill your glasses with ice, pour the rooibos tea mixture over the top, stir, and enjoy!
Notes
For a Stronger Flavour: Use 4 rooibos tea bags instead of 3, or let 2 tea bags steep in boiling water for at least 5 minutes before adding your cup of milk. This process makes the tea exceptionally strong in taste and more beautifully earthy.
Make Ahead Storage: You can brew and spice the rooibos base ahead of time, then store it in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you are ready to drink, simply pour the cold mixture over ice and add your choice of milk or vanilla extract.
Dairy Options: While this recipe works wonderfully with plant based options like oat milk, you can easily use whole milk for a much creamier finish. Just take care to heat the milk gently and not boil it too long, otherwise it may split.
For Extra Indulgence: Top your iced rooibos chai latte with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. It instantly turns your refreshing beverage into a cafe style treat at home.