Q : Does rooibos iced tea have caffeine?

A : No. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, which makes this a great summer drink for kids and adults.

Q : Can I use black tea instead of rooibos?

A : Yes, but steep it for less time, about 3–5 minutes, so it doesn’t become bitter.

Q : How long does homemade lemon iced tea last in the fridge?

A : Homemade lemon iced tea will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered jug or pitcher.

Lemon Iced Tea Recipe (Homemade Rooibos Iced Tea)

Name: Lemon Iced Tea Recipe (Homemade Rooibos Iced Tea)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: PT-496843H41M32S
Cuisine: South African-Inspired
Ingredients: For the base 5 rooibos tea bags 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) honey 2 cups (500 ml) water; For the iced tea4 cups (1litre) ice-cold water1–2 lemons, slicedIce, for servingFresh mint, for garnish

Description

This lemon iced tea recipe is a bright, refreshing homemade iced tea made with rooibos tea, honey, and fresh lemon. Naturally caffeine-free and lightly sweet, it’s the kind of easy summer drink that’s perfect for sunny afternoons, summer gatherings, or keeping chilled in the fridge for a refreshing sip throughout the day.

Ingredients

For the base
5 rooibos tea bags
2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml) honey
2 cups (500 ml) water

For the iced tea
4 cups (1litre) ice-cold water
1-2 lemons, sliced
Ice, for serving
Fresh mint, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Make the tea base.

Add the rooibos tea bags, honey, and 2 cups (500ml) water to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring to help the honey dissolve.

Chef’s Tip: Start with 30 ml (2 tbsp) honey if you prefer a lighter sweetness. You can always stir in a little extra later.

2. Steep the tea.

As soon as the honey has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the tea steep for 5–15 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.

Chef’s Tip: Rooibos can handle a slightly longer steep than black tea without turning bitter, which makes it great for iced tea.

3. Cool the tea base.
Remove the tea bags and set the tea base aside to cool to room temperature.

4. Mix the iced tea.
Fill a large pitcher with the cooled tea base, sliced lemons, and ice-cold water. Stir well to combine.

5. Chill.
Chill in the fridge until ice cold, or serve straight away over ice.

6. Serve and enjoy!
Pour the lemon iced tea into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint before serving.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftover lemon iced tea in a covered jug or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze the tea base in ice cube trays.

Make Ahead: Make the tea base up to 1 day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Add the cold water, lemon slices, ice, and mint before serving.

Variations: Swap the honey for maple syrup if needed, or add fresh ginger, berries, peach slices, hibiscus, or passion fruit for a different flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: South African-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 25
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 10.7 mg
Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6.6 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg