Rooibos Vodka Cocktail

This cocktail is bright, smooth, and gently floral, with the warm, earthy character of rooibos balanced by lemon and honey. Vodka keeps the drink clean and crisp, letting the South African tea remain the star while the ice-cold shake makes it especially refreshing.

Nutrition · per serving

150kcal

0.1gProtein

11.7gCarbs

0gFat

0.1gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

7 items

Rooibos base

rooibos tea2 tea bags

water120 ml

honey30 g

Cocktail mix

vodka120 ml

fresh lemon juice50 ml

ice cubes300 g

To serve

lemon slices2 slices

Tips

•For a smoother drink, use a mild honey such as orange blossom or acacia so it does not overpower the rooibos.
•If you want a stronger tea note, steep the rooibos for up to 5 minutes, but avoid much longer or it can taste woody.
•Chill the glasses for a minute in the freezer if you want the cocktail to stay colder longer.
•A sprig of fresh mint can be added as an optional garnish, though the classic version is best kept simple.

Steps

1
Boil the water, then steep the rooibos tea bags in 120 ml hot water for 4 minutes. Stir in the honey while the tea is hot so it dissolves fully. Remove the tea bags and let the mixture cool for 2 minutes; a slightly concentrated tea keeps the flavour clear once shaken with ice.
2 tea bags rooibos tea120 ml water30 g honey
2
Fill a cocktail shaker with the ice cubes. Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and the warm-to-cool rooibos honey mixture. Shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold; this chills the drink properly and gives the right dilution.
300 g ice cubes120 ml vodka50 ml fresh lemon juice2 tea bags rooibos tea120 ml water30 g honey
3
Strain into 2 small tumblers or coupe glasses filled with a little fresh ice if desired. Garnish each drink with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
2 slices lemon slices

Origin & History

Rooibos is a distinctive South African herbal tea from the Cederberg region and has long been enjoyed both plain and sweetened with honey. In modern cocktail culture, bartenders have embraced rooibos for its earthy, slightly sweet flavour, pairing it naturally with citrus and spirits like vodka. This drink reflects that contemporary South African style of using local ingredients in simple, elegant serves.

southafrican cocktail rooibos vodka lemon honey classic beginner

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Rooibos Vodka Cocktail

Steps

Boil the water, then steep the rooibos tea bags in 120 ml hot water for 4 minutes. Stir in the honey while the tea is hot so it dissolves fully. Remove the tea bags and let the mixture cool for 2 minutes; a slightly concentrated tea keeps the flavour clear once shaken with ice.

2 tea bags rooibos tea120 ml water30 g honey

Fill a cocktail shaker with the ice cubes. Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and the warm-to-cool rooibos honey mixture. Shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold; this chills the drink properly and gives the right dilution.

300 g ice cubes120 ml vodka50 ml fresh lemon juice2 tea bags rooibos tea120 ml water30 g honey

Strain into 2 small tumblers or coupe glasses filled with a little fresh ice if desired. Garnish each drink with a lemon slice and serve immediately.

2 slices lemon slices

Origin & History