We Make This Rooibos Ice Tea Recipe on the Farm
There’s nothing quite like that first icy sip on a warm day…
There’s nothing quite like that first icy sip of a homemade Rooibos ice tea recipe on a hot day. Here at Kookfontein, the Cederberg sun can be unforgiving, but this cool, refreshing drink helps us beat the heat in the most natural way.
It’s one of those farm favourites we’ve been making for years—easy, affordable, and good for the whole family. Whether we’re welcoming visitors, heading out for a dusty drive, or just needing something cold after a long day in the veld, this simple iced tea recipe never lets us down. Best of all? It’s made with our very own Kookfontein Rooibos.
Let me show you how we make it—straight from our farm kitchen to your glass!
Equipment
- A kettle, gas stove or large pot – for boiling water and steeping the Rooibos
- A glass jug or large glass container – we use one with a lid and a little tap for easy serving
- Long glasses – the more chilled, the better!
Ingredients
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4 heaped tablespoons of Kookfontein Rooibos loose leaf – or 4–6 Kookfontein Rooibos teabags
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1 litre of boiling water
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1 cup of 100% fruit juice – we prefer LiquiFruit’s mango-orange blend
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A handful of ice cubes
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Extra cold water (about 1–1.5 litres)
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Optional: slices of lemon, a drizzle of honey, or a dash of vanilla essence
Steps for Cooking
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Boil your water using a kettle, gas stove, or pot. Pour 1 litre of boiling water over your Kookfontein Rooibos in the jug or pot.
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Let it steep for at least 10–15 minutes. If you like it strong and full of flavour (like we do), let it sit even longer. Rooibos doesn’t go bitter!
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Strain the tea if you used loose leaves. If you used teabags, simply remove them.
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Add your fruit juice and mix well. Taste it – if you want it sweeter, now’s a good time to add a little honey or sugar
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Top up with cold water and plenty of ice. Stir it all together until it’s perfectly chilled.
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Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. The colder, the better.
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Serve in tall glasses, with more ice and perhaps a lemon slice or mint sprig for added flair.
Variations
- Lemon & Honey – A splash of fresh lemon juice and a swirl of honey makes for a bright, sunshiney flavour. Great for sore throats too!
- Karin’s Favourite – I love adding just a few drops of vanilla essence. (Unsweetened) It turns the tea into a smooth, comforting treat – like a hug in a glass.
- Fruit Boost – Try apple juice with cinnamon, or peach juice with a hint of mint. The options are endless!
In closing
Making iced tea with Kookfontein Rooibos is more than just a drink – it’s a little taste of our farm life. It’s natural, caffeine-free, and full of goodness, and all the Rooibos teas in our Lea Range (which now includes five different flavours!) are an excellent choice for making iced Rooibos tea at home.
We’d love to hear how you make yours! What flavours do you add? Any Rooibos iced tea memories to share? Leave us a note or tag us in your pics – we’re always just a sip away.
P.S. Our unpasteurised Rooibos is also a gentle, natural addition to horses’ diets – shared quietly, from one farm to another. 🐴