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Rooibos Latte (Red Cappuccino): Caffeine Free

Invented in South Africa, the "Red Cappuccino" changed the game for caffeine-free drinkers. It treats Rooibos tea not like a herbal infusion, but like coffee espresso.

By brewing a highly concentrated shot of Rooibos, you get a full-bodied, nutty, and slightly sweet base that can stand up to steamed milk. It has the mouthfeel of a latte without the jitters, making it the ultimate pregnancy-safe or late-night treat.

A glass mug showing the layers of deep red rooibos tea and white milk foam, dusted with cinnamon.
Prep Time5 mins
CaffeineZero
Servings1 Latte

Ingredients

  • 3 tsp Loose Leaf Rooibos (Or 3 tea bags - you need density)
  • 1/2 cup Boiling Water
  • 1/2 cup Milk (Oat milk pairs perfectly with the nuttiness)
  • 1 tsp Honey (Rooibos loves honey more than sugar)
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 drop Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1.
The Concentrate: The mistake most people make is using too much water. Combine the 3 tsp of tea with just 1/2 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for at least 10 minutes. You want a liquid that looks like dark mahogany syrup.
2.
Froth: While the tea steeps, heat your milk. Use a frother to create a dense, velvety foam. If using oat milk, avoid overheating or it may separate.
3.
Flavor: Strain the tea concentrate into your mug (squeeze the bags hard if using them). Stir in the honey, vanilla, and half the cinnamon while it's hot.
4.
Pour: Pour the steamed milk over the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the thick foam on top at the end.
5.
Garnish: Dust the foam with the remaining cinnamon. The aroma of cinnamon hitting the warm foam is part of the experience.

Pro Tip: The Espresso Machine

If you have a home espresso machine, you can actually buy "Red Espresso" (finely ground Rooibos) and run it through the portafilter just like coffee. It produces a genuine "crema" on top!