There’s something unmistakably South African about Rooibos—the warm, earthy aroma, the deep red colour, and its natural caffeine-free charm. In this refreshing summer mocktail by acclaimed food consultant Heleen Meyer, Rooibos takes centre stage in a beautifully balanced drink that’s subtly spiced, vibrant, and effortlessly cooling.
At the heart of the Rooibos Red Mocktail is a homemade syrup infused with cinnamon and brewed slowly to draw out the tea’s natural sweetness. Paired with ginger ale or soda water, it becomes a lively, ruby-coloured drink perfect for hot afternoons, garden gatherings, or as a festive non-alcoholic option. Even better? The syrup is wonderfully versatile—use leftovers drizzled over yoghurt, fresh fruit, or ice cream.
“The combination of Rooibos, cinnamon and ginger ale is really amazing and so refreshing,” says Meyer. “Have some of this homemade Rooibos cordial in the fridge to quickly whip up a delicious summer sipper.”
Rooibos Red Mocktail Recipe
Makes: ±250 ml syrup (enough for 8–10 glasses)
Created by: Heleen Meyer
Ingredients
- 3 plain Rooibos teabags
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 200 ml white sugar
- 200 ml water
- Crushed ice or small ice cubes
- Ginger ale or chilled soda water
- Seasonal fruit (pomegranate arils, strawberries, cherries)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Method
- Make the Rooibos syrup:Combine the Rooibos teabags, cinnamon stick, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the tea begins to infuse.
- Simmer:Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until slightly thickened into a syrup.
- Cool:Remove the teabags and let the syrup cool completely. Once cooled, store in a sterilised glass jar in the fridge until needed.
- Assemble the mocktail:Add crushed ice to serving glasses. Pour over 30 ml syrup if topping with ginger ale, or 45 ml if using soda water.
- Top & garnish:Fill the rest of the glass with ginger ale or soda water. Add seasonal fruit and finish with a sprig of mint.
Serving Tips & Variations
- Make it a cocktail:This Rooibos syrup pairs beautifully with gin—add a splash to your next gin and tonic for a South African twist.
- Use flavoured teas:Swap in berry, lemon, floral, citrus, buchu, or vanilla Rooibos teabags for an exciting flavour variation.
- Try it as a drizzle:The syrup is delicious on plain yoghurt, over vanilla ice cream, or drizzled onto pavlova with fresh fruit.
Cool, colourful, and wonderfully local—the Rooibos Red Mocktail is your new go-to refreshment for summer. Enjoy it at the pool, at a braai, or anytime you crave a naturally sweet, uplifting drink. Cheers!
