For South Africans living across the globe, certain tastes and smells can instantly transport you back home. The earthy smell of rain after a Highveld thunderstorm, the smoky scent of a braai, or the comforting flavour of rooibos tea. South African rooibos tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a daily ritual, a comfort in a cup, and a true piece of our heritage.
But what happens when the weather gets warmer, and a hot cuppa isn’t quite what you’re looking for? You create a refreshing rooibos infusion that’s perfect for sunny afternoons, no matter where you are in the world. This recipe perfectly blends the distinctive taste of South African rooibos with a tangy burst of fresh lemon. It’s a sophisticated, caffeine-free alternative to traditional iced tea and a wonderful way to introduce friends to a South African favourite.
Rooibos tea: More than just a drink
Before we get to the recipe, let’s appreciate what makes rooibos so special. Grown exclusively in the Cederberg mountains of the Western Cape, this rooibos is a national treasure. Unlike black or green tea, pure rooibos red tea is naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins, which means it’s never bitter. It’s packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for the whole family. Whether you prefer the convenience of rooibos tea bags or the rich flavour of loose leaf rooibos, the result is always a smooth and satisfying drink.
This recipe harnesses the natural sweetness of South African rooibos and pairs it beautifully with citrus, creating a drink that is both thirst-quenching and comforting. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of home, especially when you’re feeling a little homesick.
How to make Rooibos tea lemonade
This recipe is incredibly simple and can be scaled up to make a large pitcher for gatherings or to keep in the fridge for a few days. You can use either rooibos tea bags or rooibos tea leaves for this brew.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Steeping Time: 10 minutes + cooling
Ingredients
- 1 litre (4 cups) boiling water
- 6-8 rooibos tea bags (like Freshpak or Tetley rooibos tea) OR 4 tablespoons of rooibos loose leaf tea
- 250 ml (1 cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 large lemons)
- 125 ml (½ cup) honey or sugar, adjusted to your taste
- 1 litre (4 cups) cold water
- Fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish
- Plenty of ice
Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Rooibos infusion
- Place your rooibos tea bags or rooibos loose leaf tea in a large, heatproof jug or pitcher. If using loose leaves, a tea infuser or fine-mesh sieve will be helpful later.
- Pour the 1 litre of boiling water over the tea. Allow the rooibos to steep for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger, more robust flavour, you can leave it for up to 20 minutes. The beauty of rooibos herbal tea is that it won’t turn bitter, no matter how long you brew it.
- Once steeped, remove the tea bags or strain the rooibos tea leaves.
Step 2: Sweeten the deal
- While the tea is still warm, stir in your honey or sugar until it has completely dissolved. This is the best time to do it, as the heat helps the sweetener dissolve easily.
- Taste the sweetened tea and adjust if necessary. Remember that you will be adding lemon juice and more water, which will dilute the sweetness.
Step 3: Cool and combine
- Let the sweetened tea mixture cool down to room temperature. To speed this up, you can place the jug in the fridge.
- Once cooled, pour the fresh lemon juice and the cold water into the jug. Stir everything together. This creates the perfect lemon rooibos balance.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
- Fill glasses with plenty of ice.
- Pour the Rooibos Tea lemonade mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint.
Recipe variations and tips
The versatility of rooibos tea blends means you can easily adapt this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Rooibos orange delight: Add a twist by replacing half the lemon juice with freshly squeezed orange juice. This rooibos orange combination is naturally sweeter and adds another layer of citrus flavour. Slices of orange also make a beautiful garnish.
- Fruity fusion: Muddle some fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) or slices of peach at the bottom of your jug before adding the lemonade for a fruity infusion.
- Sparkling sensation: For a festive touch, top up each glass with a splash of soda water or sparkling lemonade just before serving.
- Organic Rooibos: If you prefer, using an organic rooibos variety ensures your drink is free from pesticides and has a pure, clean taste.
Refreshing Rooibos tea drink for any occasion
This Rooibos tea lemonade is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of South African heritage in a glass. It’s a refreshing, healthy, and delicious way to stay cool and connected to your roots, no matter how many miles separate you from home. So go on, brew a pitcher, and enjoy a lekker taste of sunshine.
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Refreshing, balanced, and thoughtfully prepared — rooibos lemonade reminds us that the best results come from care and planning, the same way we help South Africans abroad handle their finances. From tax emigration to retirement funds withdrawal, we make cross-border financial matters simple and stress-free.
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