Despite what popular culture dictates, your Christmas drinks do not have to be alcoholic to be delicious and fulfilling.

Waking up feeling fresh, clear-headed, rested and invigorated after a joyous time and delicious food is so appealing to some people that they’re happy to forego the sparkling wine or other usual beverages for something a little bit more, well, modern day!

And for those of us for whom Christmas would not be Christmas without a clink and a “cheers” with those we love to spend our festive season with, a deliciously pleasurable alternative to swap to and from is desirable. Not to forget the unwanted calories that can be avoided with a clever choice of celebratory beverage.

Big on Taste, Free from Caffeine & Sugar

Now I’m a great fan of Rooibos Tea, the “Red Bush” Tea from South Africa. It has a great taste, is caffeine free and just a bit exotic!

Rooibos is pronounced Roy-bos (the Anglicised version is, anyway!) and has the scientific name Aspalathus linearis. The plant that Rooibos tea comes from is an evergreen South African shrub of the pea (or legume) family. The leaves are used to make the herbal tisane called Rooibos – or bush tea (particularly in Southern Africa) and in Great Britain it is sometimes called redbush tea.

Generations of South Africans have grown up with this tea as it has been consumed there for a long time and the enjoyment of Rooibos has spread to many countries.

Oh So Simple Recipes

The last thing anyone needs on the eve of Christmas is another complicated recipe to try, so you’ll be delighted to see how simple this story is :

Limelight Rose

Brew a Rooibos tea to the packet directions and allow to cool. Combine with lime slices (and a squeeze of lime juice – if you’re brave) to taste. Add ice and serve in a lovely glass.

Cooled, brewed Rooibos with ice and half a lime squeezed and stirred in.

Fruitilabra

Brew a Rooibos tea to the packet directions and allow to cool. Use a fizzy water (depending upon where you come from, this could be mineral water, club soda, tonic water… ) to combine with and a handful of a delicious fruit – berries, or stone fruit as available.

Nectarine has been used for this brew, but any appealing fruit could be added.

Warm & Cosy

Need a more familiar framework? Rooibos tea can be prepared just like traditional black tea, with milk and sugar. It’s often taken like this in South Africa.

Children love this sweet, milky drink – and it contains no caffeine.

If you’d rather avoid the milk and sugar, a squeeze of lemon & spoonful of honey can be substituted. Then you’re truly enjoying the natural goodness from earth!

Rooibos with Lemon & Honey. Truly health from nature.

Amazing Health Benefits

Some quite amazing health benefits have been claimed to come from the use of Rooibos tea.

Rooibos contains several essential minerals needed by our bodies, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and sodium, as well as the trace elements copper and manganese. Rooibos contains flavonoids and tannins which are proven antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals.

You may like to read further about some of these amazing benefits at the following link : https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-red-rooibos-tea.html

Have Some Rooibos on Hand

Whichever way you look at it, this is a versatile tea to have in your collection! Rooibos tea bags or leaves can be kept in an airtight container and lasts for a long period without losing its color or taste. Prepared Rooibos can be kept in the fridge to be used later – in sauces, stews, casseroles and soups, or to dissolve stock cubes in – as well as amazing drinks.

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