Loose Leaf Organic Rooibos Masala Chai Tea Recipe

Love the taste of masala chai but don’t want a caffeinated drink? Try making your masala chai with caffeine-free rooibos tea. Adding your masala chai spices to organic South African rooibos tea makes a delicious tea that is caffeine-free but still has all of the flavors of your favorite warm, spicy chai.

**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. For more information, click here.**

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea or red tea originates from the rugged Cederberg region in South Africa. The indigenous people of the area have been using the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant for centuries, recognizing its remarkable taste and potential health benefits.

One of the most distinctive features of Rooibos tea is its vibrant red color, which results from the fermentation process that oxidizes the leaves. This fermentation also contributes to the tea’s unique, earthy, slightly sweet flavor.

Because it is caffeine-free, rooibos tea is a popular choice for those seeking a soothing beverage without the stimulating effects of caffeine. Additionally, Rooibos tea is naturally low in tannins, so it doesn’t have the astringent quality often found in black or green teas.

Rooibos tea is renowned for its rich antioxidant content, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which are believed to have numerous health benefits. It is also known for its potential anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it a soothing choice for relaxation and wellness.

Traditional Indian Chai Tea 

Chai, derived from the Hindi word for tea, is a concoction made by brewing black tea with a blend of aromatic spices, milk, and sweeteners.

The exact spice blend can vary, but common ingredients include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. These spices infuse the tea with their warm, fragrant, and slightly pungent characteristics.

The spices not only contribute to the taste but also provide potential health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation.

Traditionally, Indian chai tea is enjoyed with milk, which adds a creamy and smooth texture to the brew. The milk helps mellow the intensity of the tea and spices. You might also enjoy this Golden Chai Latte recipe with the addition of turmeric and frothed milk.

Sweeteners like sugar and honey are often added to enhance the flavor and provide a touch of sweetness.

By infusing Rooibos tea with the aromatic spices of traditional Indian chai, Rooibos Chai Tea brings together the best of both worlds—a caffeine-free herbal tea base with a slightly nutty flavor and delicious, warming spices. It’s a delightful twist that offers a unique and comforting tea experience.

The Perfect Cup of Rooibos Chai Tea 

We recommend using organic spices in your teas to avoid any pesticides or other chemicals that may find their way into your cup of tea. High-quality spices will give you the best flavor and a stronger brew. 

Ingredients:

   2 cups water

   1 tablespoon organic Rooibos tea leaves

   2-3 green organic cardamom pods, lightly crushed

   1 organic cinnamon stick

   2-3 slices of organic ginger root

   2-3 whole organic cloves

   ¼ tsp of whole black peppercorn

   1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

    Sweetener of choice (such as honey, sugar, or maple syrup), to taste

    Optional add-ins: star anise, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or a dash of ground turmeric for a golden chai variation.

Step-by-step instructions:

   1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.

   2. Add the Rooibos tea leaves, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, cloves, and black peppercorn to the boiling water.

   3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

   4. Add the milk to the saucepan, return the mixture to a simmer, and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   5. Taste the tea and add sweetener according to your preference. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

   6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea into cups or a teapot to remove the tea leaves and spices.

   7. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and aromatic Rooibos Chai Tea.

Note: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let the tea steep for a longer duration before straining. Additionally, feel free to experiment with the spice quantities to suit your personal taste.

Combining the delightful flavors of Rooibos tea with the warm and aromatic spices of chai creates a delicious, warming, caffeine-free tea that can be enjoyed at any time.

For a milder taste, you may enjoy the Vanilla Rooibos Tea recipe.