The perfect summer drink!

Its been almost FOUR years since I had myself a cup of coffee....and four years of experimentation with herbal teas. There are SO many great herbal teas out there....but my most favorite by far is the Rooibos Tea "Red Tea" it is SOOOO good for you and tastes delicious! I just found this recipe and I am so excited to give it a whirl this week. If you are anything like my Peter Priesthood Husband you've always associated TEA with being against the Word of Wisdom. He knows better, but he still teases me when I make myself a mug of this "evil" drink. The fact is Rooibos is the perfect latter day saint beverage!



Why you should give Rooibos Tea a try:

Beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, irritability, headaches, stomach cramps, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension, liver diseases, allergies, cataracts, skin irritations and other conditions (especially when applied directly to the affect area), mellitus, atherosclerosis, and colic and feeding problems in infants. The list continues: nausea and vomiting, constipation, stomach ulcers, heartburn.
Low tannin content. (only 1 to 4 percent)
Acts as a powerful antioxidant. Replenishes iron levels, which is especially helpful to breast-feeding or pregnant women.
No negative side effects ever reported.
Fresh from nature, meaning it is 100% organic, with no additives, preservatives, or colourants.
Completely caffeine-free!
Free from any harmful stimulants.
Boosts the immune system.
Can be mixed with milk, unlike other teas.
Has a natural hint of sweetness, but also tastes great with honey, lemon, and many others!
Contains no oxalic acid, allowing those suffering from kidney stones to drink it freely.
Aids your body's natural schedule, relaxing you at night and stimulating you in the day.
Delicious flavor!
It's also Kosher!




Rooiboos & Lime Iced Tea
4 bags of rooiboos (red bush) tea
4 c boiling water
4 c cold water
1/3 c (more or less depending on taste) simple syrup
juice of 1 lime

In a large pitcher, add the 4 tea bags to the 4 cups of boiling water. Steep for several minutes until all the flavour has been sucked out of those bags. Remove tea bags and add cold water, simple syrup and lime juice. Stir and refrigerate. Serve with lots of ice and slices of lime or sprigs of mint.

While Im at it....here are some more red tea recipes!


Rooibos Shake
2 cups Hot, strong Rooibos tea
2 1/2 cups Vanilla ice cream
1 Tablespoon of Lemon juice
1 1/4 cups of sparkling lemon juice

Combine tea and ice cream and beat well
Stir in lemon juice
Pour into glasses and fill with sparkling lemon juice




South African Punch

Rooibos tea (loose or bag)
1 3/4 cup Sugar
4 cups Orange juice
4 cups Apple juice
3 cups Spring water
4 cups Ginger ale

Prepare 4 1/2 cups of strong Rooibos tea
While tea is still hot, add sugar and stir until dissolved
Combine the remaining liquids
Garnish with mint leaves, cherries or apple and lemon slices


Classic Bubble Tea
1/2 cup Chilled, cooked large Chinese tapioca pearls
1 cup Crushed ice
1 cup Very strong, chilled Rooibos tea
1 cup Milk, or to taste
1 cup Honey or sugar to taste

Place the pearls in a large parfait glass
Combine all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy
Pour into the glass, and serve with extra-thick straws




South African Fruit Cooler

1 tsp Loose Rooibos tea (or one tea bag)
1/2 Fresh orange
1 tsp Sugar, if needed for sweetening
1 Glass of ice

Boil water
Pour water over Rooibos tea and steep for 2-5 minutes
Pour tea into ice-filled glass
Add juice from squeezed 1/2 orange
Stir and enjoy