Is There a “Right” Way to Drink Rooibos Tea?

If you have ever made yourself a cup of Rooibos tea, you have probably done it the way you like best, maybe with a splash of milk, a slice of lemon, a spoonful of honey, or even a bit of sugar. Some drink it plain, letting the natural sweetness shine through. Others swear that their way is the only way.

So, is there really a “right” way to drink Rooibos?

The short answer: not really. But for those of you who consider yourselves Rooibos purists, there is actually a science behind brewing the perfect cup.

What Science Says About the Perfect Cup

Professor Michelle Francl, a chemist and author of Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, has spent years exploring the science of tea brewing (South African Rooibos Council, 2025). While most of her research focuses on the traditional tea plant (Camellia sinensis), she has also done research into what makes Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) special, and how to brew the perfect cup.

Francl’s research shows that brewing Rooibos is a delicate balance of flavour and health benefits. According to her, the magic formula is as follows:

1. Use boiling water (100°C).
2. Steep for 10 minutes.
3. If you can, use filtered water to avoid minerals that can dull the flavour.
4. Drink it fresh, especially if you are using green Rooibos, which has even more antioxidants than red Rooibos.

Why Rooibos?

Aside from brewing the perfect cup of tea, Rooibos also has several health benefits for those who love to drink this South African gem. In her research, Francl notes that Rooibos is:

1. Naturally caffeine-free – Unlike black or green tea, Rooibos does not contain caffeine. Instead, it has trigonelline, which studies suggest may help regulate blood sugar.
2. Smooth and mellow – Rooibos has fewer tannins (the compounds that cause bitterness), so it is naturally sweet rather than astringent.
3. Packed with fragrant compounds – Ever noticed the floral, slightly fruity aroma in Rooibos? That is thanks to molecules like linalool (also found in flowers) and geraniol (also found in roses and lemongrass).
4. Colour can change with lemon – Adding lemon lowers the pH, making the reddish hue brighter.

Why Some Prefer It “Pure”

For the purists, brewing Rooibos the scientific way, plain and steeped for exactly 10 minutes, lets you taste every natural note and reap the full antioxidant benefits. Longer steeping can even bring out maltol and vanillin, compounds that add a gentle, natural sweetness.

But Here’s the Truth…

Rooibos should be enjoyed exactly as you prefer. It represents comfort, connection, and personal taste. You may love the creaminess milk adds, or the zing of lemon and honey. Maybe you prefer to drink it iced on a hot day or sweetened with sugar when you need a treat.

And that is the beauty of Rooibos. It is versatile. You can make it exactly how you enjoy it.

At Carmién, we believe Rooibos is for everyone, whether you follow the science to the letter or add your own twist. There is no wrong way, only your way.

So go ahead: brew it strong, brew it light, drink it hot, sip it cold, add milk, honey, or nothing at all. As long as you are enjoying it, you are doing it right.

References:

• South African Rooibos Council, 2025. An Experts Chemist’s Guide to Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea. [online] Available at: https://sarooibos.co.za/an-experts-chemists-guide-to-brewing-the-perfect-cup-of-tea/ [Accessed 11 August 2025].