What It Tastes Like
A rooibos (ROY-boss) latte has a smooth, rounded flavor with mild natural sweetness and no bitterness. Brewed rooibos combined with steamed milk creates a reddish-brown drink with gentle earthy notes and a soft vanilla-like finish, without any roasted coffee flavor.
A rooibos latte is a milk-based café drink made with rooibos — a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea — instead of espresso.
Because rooibos is an herbal infusion rather than a true tea, it does not have the sharp or grassy taste sometimes found in black or green tea drinks. Milk softens the flavor further, creating a full texture that stays easy to drink.
Served hot, the drink tastes fuller and more milk-forward. Served iced, it becomes lighter while keeping the same naturally smooth character.
💡 Behind the Cup
Rooibos comes from a South African plant called Aspalathus linearis, not the traditional tea plant (Camellia sinensis) used for black or green tea. For this reason, it contains no caffeine.
During processing, the leaves darken and develop their characteristic red color along with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Cafés typically brew rooibos strong before adding steamed milk, using the same preparation method used for chai or matcha lattes.
Because the base has very little bitterness, milk complements the flavor rather than balancing intensity, which is why rooibos works well as a latte.
How to Order
Simple version:
"Can I get a rooibos latte, please?"
Rooibos lattes are most common at specialty cafés or tea-focused shops. If it isn’t listed on the menu, many cafés can still prepare one using brewed rooibos tea and steamed milk.
With customization:
- "Rooibos latte with oat milk, please"
- "Iced rooibos latte, no sweetener"
- "Rooibos latte with a little honey"
Customize It
Sweetness
Rooibos has a naturally smooth profile, so sweetener is optional. Honey or simple syrup are common additions if desired.
Milk
Whole milk creates the creamiest texture. Oat milk adds body and mild sweetness, while almond milk produces a lighter result.
Temperature
- Hot — fuller texture and stronger milk presence
- Iced — lighter and more refreshing
Café Language
Rooibos
A South African herbal plant (Aspalathus linearis), sometimes called “red tea” or “red bush.”
Herbal tea / tisane (tee-ZAHN)
A brewed drink made from plants other than Camellia sinensis. Rooibos, chamomile, and peppermint are common examples.
Caffeine-free
Naturally containing no caffeine, unlike coffee or traditional teas.
Common Confusion
"Is rooibos actually tea?"
Rooibos is not a true tea botanically, but cafés prepare and serve it the same way as tea.
"Does it really have no caffeine?"
Yes. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free.
"How does it compare to black tea?"
Black tea usually tastes stronger and slightly sharper. Rooibos tastes softer, earthier, and naturally a little sweet.
Try Next
If you enjoy milk-based tea drinks without coffee, try a hojicha latte for a roasted, toasty profile, or a London Fog for a classic black tea latte with vanilla notes.