What is Rooibos Cappuccino?
Rooibos Cappuccino is a traditional, caffeine-free alternative to coffee-based cappuccino. Instead of espresso, a strong tea made from Rooibos forms the base of the drink, offering a naturally sweet and slightly tangy flavor. The tea has a vibrant red color, which gives the drink its alternate name “Red Cappuccino”. When combined with frothy plant-based milk, it creates a rich and creamy cappuccino that’s satisfying in its own right, but also perfect for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake. It’s soothing and full of antioxidants, making it as healthy as it is delicious.
South African Rooibos tea has been enjoyed for centuries for its health benefits and unique taste. The concept of a Rooibos Cappuccino is a more recent innovation, likely arising from the growing trend of caffeine-free and herbal-based beverages. As more people seek alternatives to coffee, Rooibos has become a popular choice due to its rich flavor and versatility. The Rooibos Cappuccino blends this traditional tea with the modern-day love for frothy, satisfying drinks, creating a perfect fusion of old and new that can now be found in most modern coffee shops around the country.
Health Benefits of Rooibos
Rooibos is bursting with a range of health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. It’s also known to support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and may help in managing blood sugar levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties can aid in digestion and skin health. And it’s naturally caffeine free, making it a soothing, all-around beneficial herbal tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need & How to Substitute
To make a Rooibos Cappuccino, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Rooibos Tea: For a strong espresso-style shot of Rooibos, loose leaf tea is best, but you can also make a strong brew with tea bags.
- Plant-based Milk: Your favourite barista plant-based milk to create the perfect froth.
- Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder (optional): For a spiced touch or a hint of chocolatey goodness on top.
- Sweetener (optional): You can add sugar and a natural sweetener like maple or agave syrup to your cappuccino.
How to make Rooibos Cappuccino (step-by-step)
The best way to make the drink is with an Espresso Machine to get a strong espresso-style shot of Rooibos and to froth up the milk with the steam wand. If you don’t have one, you can also make a strong brew of tea and use a Milk Frother or French Press/cafetière to froth up the milk. Below is the method for the espresso machine, but you can find the milk frother and French press method in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Make the Rooibos Shot. Add the rooibos to the portafilter (the exact amount will depend on the machine and filter) and tamp it for an even layer.
Then make a rooibos shot the same way you’d make a normal espresso.
Froth the Milk. Use the steam wand to froth up your milk and pour the frothed milk into the red rooibos tea.
Topping (optional). Top it with some cinnamon or cocoa powder if you like. Your Rooibos Cappuccino is ready.
Useful Tips
- For the Perfect Froth: Use the steam wand on your espresso machine and a barista plant-based milk to create a smooth froth for your cappuccino. You can also use a handheld milk frother, or even a French press, if you don’t have an espresso machine.
- Rooibos Shot: When making the Rooibos shot with an espresso machine, aim for 60ml of rooibos tea to get a good ratio of Rooibos to milk.
Why You’ll Love This Rooibos Cappuccino Recipe
- caffeine-free
- comforting & soothing
- packed with health benefits
Other Drinks Recipes You Might Like
- Iced Matcha Latte: Whipped coffee for a satisfying caffeine kick
- Ginger & Turmeric Shots: the ultimate immunity boost
- Kombucha: Make your own kombucha with a scoby
- Pomegranate Kefir: Homemade Kefir for a probiotic boost
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Rooibos Cappuccino (South African Red Cappuccino)
Equipment
- Espresso Machine (I use Sage Duo Temp Pro) - optional
- Milk Frother (optional)
- French Press/Cafetière (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 g Rooibos Tea (loose leaf or tea bag)
- plant-based milk (like barista oat milk)
Instructions
With Espresso Machine
- Add the rooibos to the portafilter (the exact amount will depend on the machine and filter) and tamp it for an even layer. Then make a rooibos shot the same way you'd make a normal espresso.
- Use the steam wand to froth up your milk and pour the frothed milk into the red rooibos tea. Top it with some cinnamon or cocoa powder if you like. Your Rooibos Cappuccino is ready.
Without Espresso Machine
- Make a strong brew of rooibos tea, either with loose leaf tea or tea bags.
- Heat the milk to around 60-70 °C (140 °F), or until it begins to steam, which is the ideal temperature for frothing. Then either use a milk frother, or pour the milk into a French press/cafetière and rapidly move the filter of the French press up and down, working air into the milk until it's frothy.
- Pour 60ml of the tea into a coffee cup and top it up with the frothy milk. Finish with some cinnamon or cocoa powder if you like. Enjoy!
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