When warm days arrive, nothing beats a cool, natural drink to quench your thirst. Iced rooibos stands out as the perfect alternative to traditional iced tea. This South African herbal infusion, naturally free from theine and caffeine, has a honeyed softness that pairs beautifully with refreshing cold. Contrary to what you might think, making homemade iced rooibos takes little effort — just a few simple tricks to bring out all its aromas.

Ingredients for 1 litre of iced rooibos

• 4 tablespoons of loose-leaf red rooibos (or 6 quality tea bags)
• 1 litre of filtered water (room temperature for cold brewing)
• Acacia honey (2 tablespoons, optional)
• Organic lemon slices (for a touch of brightness and freshness)
• A few fresh mint leaves (for a delicate fragrance)
• Ice cubes (ideally made from a rooibos infusion)

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Brew a concentrated infusion
Pour 500 ml of hot (but not boiling) water at around 85°C into a teapot. Add the 4 tablespoons of red rooibos and steep for 8 to 10 minutes. This first step draws out the deeper flavours of the rooibos.

Step 2: Strain and sweeten if needed
Remove the rooibos leaves by straining your brew. This is the moment to stir in the honey, if using — it dissolves much more easily while the infusion is still warm.

Step 3: Top up with cold water
Add the remaining 500 ml of water at room temperature. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavours come together gently.

Step 4: Make your special ice cubes
A little insider tip: freeze a light rooibos infusion into ice cubes. As they melt, they won't dilute the flavour of your drink at all. Simply pour a cooled infusion into your ice cube tray and freeze.

Step 5: Serve with a little flair
When ready to serve, add your rooibos ice cubes, a few lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. The visual effect is lovely, and the aromas really come into their own.

A few tips for getting it just right

The quality of your rooibos makes all the difference. Opt for organic loose-leaf red rooibos rather than tea bags — the leaves have more room to release their full flavour. Green rooibos, rarer and unfermented, is also worth trying for its more vegetal, delicate notes.

For a fully cold-brewed version, you can place your rooibos leaves directly in cold water and leave them to steep for 6 to 8 hours in the refrigerator. This method preserves the more subtle aromas even better and ensures there is no bitterness at all.

Storage tip: your iced rooibos keeps perfectly well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher. The flavours actually continue to develop gently over time.

What to serve with your iced rooibos?

This refreshing drink is a natural companion for moments of relaxation. For a leisurely afternoon treat, serve it alongside almond biscuits or plain madeleines. The honeyed notes of rooibos pair beautifully with these light sweets.

For a light aperitif, drop a few fresh berries into the glasses. Raspberries, strawberries or redcurrants add a hint of acidity that lifts the rounded character of the rooibos. For the more adventurous, a slice of blood orange transforms the tasting experience entirely.

Iced rooibos also works wonderfully at summer meals. Its natural softness cleanses the palate between courses without overwhelming the taste buds. Unlike fizzy drinks, it never cloys and can be enjoyed throughout the entire meal.

Variations worth trying

Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a few cardamom pods during the hot brew. These warm spices bring out the cosy side of rooibos, even when served cold.

Fruity version: Add chunks of apple and orange during the infusion, then strain before serving. The fruit adds a surprisingly complex aromatic depth.

Floral version: A few rose or lavender petals (mind the quantity!) turn your rooibos into a spa-worthy drink. Perfect for a quiet moment of relaxation.

Tropical version: Swap the lemon for pineapple slices and add a few Thai basil leaves. An instant escape to somewhere sunnier!

For children, plain or lightly sweetened iced rooibos is a far better choice than shop-bought fruit juices. With no theine or caffeine, it can be enjoyed at any time of day without affecting sleep.

Storage and practical tips

Your iced rooibos is best stored in a glass pitcher in the refrigerator. Avoid plastic containers, which can affect the delicate flavour of the infusion. A pitcher with a lid preserves the aromas better and prevents your drink from absorbing fridge odours.

To save time, brew a large batch of concentrated infusion that you can dilute as needed. This base keeps for up to a week in the fridge and means you always have iced rooibos on hand.

Batch brewing tip: prepare several flavours at once. A plain pitcher, a lemon version and a spiced one give you a choice to suit any mood. Label your pitchers to keep things organised.