Rare tea guide · Lukaya Cafe

What is rooibos, and does it contain caffeine?

Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free infusion made from a South African plant rather than the tea plant.

Shelves filled with loose-leaf tea tins inside Lukaya Cafe

An infusion that handles heat well

Rooibos can take boiling water and a generous steep without becoming as tannic as many true teas. It also works well with milk, spice or vanilla.

Give rooibos a generous steep

  1. Start with about 3 g in a 300 mL mug, freshly boiled water and 5 minutes. A fine infuser keeps the small pieces out of the cup.
  2. Try it plain before adding milk. The woody, softly sweet flavour can be enough without extra sugar.
  3. Coconut Almond Rooibos Chai and Honeybush Raspberry Rooibos are shelf choices. Blend names do not replace an ingredient or allergen check at the counter.

What does it taste like?

Expect a smooth red cup with woody, honeyed, nutty or lightly vanilla-like notes.

What about caffeine?

Pure rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. Check flavoured blends in case they include caffeinated tea or other ingredients.

Who might enjoy it?

  • You want a caffeine-free evening cup.
  • You enjoy smooth, lightly sweet flavours.
  • You want an infusion that can take milk.

Brewing reference: TeaSource brewing guide. Use the leaf packet or equipment instructions where they differ.