Creamy, naturally sweet and 100% caffeine-free, the rooibos latte is the comforting drink to reach for when you want the hug of a good latte without the jitters. Nicknamed the “red latte” for its warm amber hue, it comes together in five minutes, works hot or iced, and suits breakfast just as well as a wind-down before bed. Here’s the perfect homemade recipe, its variations, and all our tips for silky foam.
What is a rooibos latte?
A rooibos latte is a milky drink built on rooibos, a South African plant (Aspalathus linearis) that you steep like tea but which isn’t one: it contains no theine and no caffeine. You brew a good, strong infusion, marry it with hot frothy milk, and finish it with a whisper of vanilla or honey. The result is round and gently woody, with naturally sweet notes that hint at caramel.
Unlike a punchy homemade chai latte or a turmeric golden latte, the rooibos latte is all about softness. It’s one of the loveliest options in our guide to caffeine-free lattes: zero stimulants, all the comfort.
Why we love it
Rooibos is rich in antioxidants and free of caffeine, so you can enjoy it in the evening without sabotaging your sleep. Its natural sweetness also lets you cut back on — or skip — added sugar. And because it’s gentle on the stomach, it suits anyone sensitive to the acidity of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For one large mug (about 300 ml), you’ll need:
- 2 tsp loose-leaf rooibos (or 2 bags) — a vanilla-strawberry rooibos or an exotic rooibos add a treat-like aroma with no additives. Browse our whole organic rooibos range.
- 120 ml just-off-the-boil water (90–95°C) for the concentrated infusion.
- 180 ml milk of your choice: whole for richness, or oat/almond/coconut for a plant-based version that froths beautifully.
- 1 tsp honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional).
- A touch of vanilla and, if you like, a pinch of cinnamon.
How to make a rooibos latte (hot)
- Brew it strong. Pour the hot water over the rooibos and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Rooibos never turns bitter, so you can steep it long for a deeply flavoured base. Strain.
- Warm the milk. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave without boiling (60–65°C, just before it simmers).
- Froth it. Emulsify the milk with a whisk, an electric frother or even a sealed jar. Our guide on frothing a latte without a machine breaks down five easy methods.
- Assemble. Pour the rooibos infusion into the mug, add your sweetener and vanilla, then top with the frothy milk.
- Finish. A pinch of cinnamon and it’s ready.
Iced version (iced rooibos latte)
Brew a rooibos infusion twice as strong, let it cool, then pour it over a tall glass of ice. Top up with cold milk and a dash of vanilla syrup. It’s a treat in summer: find more ideas in our feature on iced lattes.
Indulgent variations
Coconut rooibos latte: swap half the milk for coconut milk for a velvety texture. “Red velvet” version: a spoonful of raw cacao turns the red latte into dessert. Rooibos chai: add a brew of chai infusion for a warm, spiced note.
Choosing well and frothing right
Rooibos quality makes all the difference: go for organic rooibos, ideally loose-leaf, with fine leaves and a sweet aroma. Naturally flavoured blends (vanilla, red fruits, citrus) give very fragrant lattes with no need for syrup.
For the foam, milk with a little fat or protein whips up best. Barista oat milk and whole milk are the champions. For dense, even foam, a bamboo chasen whisk — or a frother — works wonders; discover all our accessories for coffee-shop-worthy lattes.
Frequently asked questions
Does a rooibos latte contain caffeine?
No. Rooibos is naturally free of caffeine and theine, which makes it an ideal drink for the evening or for anyone sensitive to stimulants.
Can you make a plant-based rooibos latte?
Yes, and it’s excellent. Oat, almond and coconut milks froth very well and complement rooibos’s gentle notes. Barista oat milk gives the silkiest foam.
Is a rooibos latte sweet?
Rooibos has a natural caramel-like sweetness, so you can drink it with no added sugar. A vanilla- or fruit-flavoured blend is often enough to make it feel indulgent.
How much rooibos for one latte?
Use about 2 teaspoons (or 2 bags) per 120 ml of water to get a concentrated infusion that holds up against the milk.
