To brew rooibos tea, pour near-boiling water (85 to 100°C) over the leaves and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Use one to two teaspoons of loose-leaf rooibos (or one teabag) per cup. Rooibos is one of the most forgiving teas to brew: it is naturally caffeine-free, low in tannins, and almost impossible to over-steep, so you do not need to watch the clock the way you would with green tea.
Rooibos brewing guide at a glance
| Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 85 to 100°C (near-boiling) |
| Tea amount | 1 to 2 tsp loose leaf, or 1 teabag, per cup (240 ml) |
| Steeping time | 5 to 7 minutes (up to 10 to 15 with no bitterness) |
| Caffeine | None, naturally caffeine-free |
| Best for | Any time of day, including the evening |
Unlike green or white tea, rooibos will not scorch or turn bitter in hot water, so boiling water straight from the kettle works perfectly. For a gentler, slightly sweeter cup you can let the water cool to around 90°C, but it is not essential.
How to brew hot rooibos tea, step by step
- Boil fresh water. Start with fresh, cold water and bring it to a full boil (around 100°C). Reboiled water tastes flat.
- Measure the tea. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf rooibos, or one teabag, per 240 ml (8 oz) cup.
- Steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the water over the leaves and let it brew. A longer steep simply gives a richer, deeper flavour, so 10 minutes is fine if you like it strong.
- Strain and serve. Remove the teabag or strain the loose leaves. Enjoy it plain, with a little honey, or with a splash of milk.
Iced rooibos tea
Rooibos makes a smooth, naturally sweet iced tea two ways:
- Hot brew, then chill: brew a strong hot cup as above, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or pour over ice.
- Cold brew: add 4 to 5 teaspoons of loose leaf (or 4 to 5 teabags) to a pitcher of cold filtered water and refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours. Strain and serve over ice with lemon or fruit slices.
Rooibos latte
For a creamy, comforting drink:
- Brew a strong cup of rooibos (double the usual amount of tea).
- Heat and froth your milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or other).
- Pour the steamed milk over the tea, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla, and sweeten to taste.
Tips for the best cup
- Use fresh water. Filtered water gives the cleanest flavour, especially if your tap water is hard.
- Do not be afraid of a long steep. Rooibos only gets richer, never bitter, so steep to your taste.
- Store it well. Keep rooibos in an airtight container away from light and moisture, and use it within 6 to 12 months for the best flavour.
Want to perfect every brew in your cupboard? See our general guide on how to make a perfect cup of tea, and learn why rooibos is naturally caffeine-free.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I brew rooibos tea at?
Use near-boiling water, around 85 to 100°C. Rooibos does not scorch like green tea, so water straight off the boil is fine. Letting it cool slightly to about 90°C gives a marginally sweeter cup.
How long should you steep rooibos tea?
Steep rooibos for 5 to 7 minutes for a balanced cup. It is hard to over-steep, so you can leave it 10 to 15 minutes for a stronger, richer flavour without it turning bitter.
Can you over-brew rooibos tea?
Not really. Because rooibos is low in tannins, a long steep makes it stronger and deeper rather than bitter or astringent, which is why it is such a forgiving tea to brew.
How much rooibos tea should I use per cup?
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf rooibos, or one teabag, per 240 ml cup. Double the amount if you are making a latte or an iced tea that will be diluted by milk or ice.