How do you drink redbush tea?
We are often asked about the best way to make Tick Tock rooibos (redbush) tea, and whilst we reckon it's 'whatever makes you tick!', we thought we'd answer some of your questions here.
Do you drink redbush tea with milk?
The good news is that rooibos tea can be enjoyed with or without milk. Many Tick Tock fans love rooibos because it is naturally caffeine free and therefore is a great alternative to traditional black tea. Healthy and natural, unlike many 'decaf' teas on the market today, it comes from a different plant to black tea and therefore doesn't need to undergo the chemical processing needed to strip any caffeine from the leaves. Rooibos is both gentle and rich with a slight natural sweetness and so tastes great on its own. It is also low in tannins which means it never goes bitter, and is delicious with a slice of lemon, some mint leaves or even a drop of honey.
If you prefer drinking your rooibos with milk, then the best Tick Tock options are Original Rooibos, Earl Grey Rooibos, Vanilla Chai Rooibos and Vanilla Rooibos. We think the rest of the rooibos teas in the Tick Tock range taste best on their own.
How long do you brew redbush tea?
As rooibos is low in tannins it will never go bitter. This means that you really can leave your tea to brew for as long as you like! We suggest 2-4 minutes as an ideal brewing time, though it will still taste great if you leave your teabag in for longer.
What temperature do you brew redbush tea?
Rooibos is a hardy plant and is best brewed using freshly boiled water. Even Green Rooibos can take boiling water because unlike traditional green tea leaves, it will not burn or go bitter in the hot water. You can learn more about Green Rooibos and how it is made here.
Rooibos can also be enjoyed as a delicious iced tea in the summer months. Just infuse the tea in boiling water and allow it to cool before pouring over ice for a deliciously refreshing treat. Read our Introduction to cold rooibos drinks for chilled rooibos drinks ideas.