Rooibos Spiced Apple Tea (or red bush tea)

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Rooibos or red bush tea is cultivated in South Africa. I think it has a hearty, honey-like taste. It is very smooth and has very little to no bitterness. It pairs well with fall flavors and spices. It is caffeine free so great for kids. Plus, it is antioxidant rich! It also contains magnesium, potassium, calcium and Vitamin D.

It's surprising that I don't have more recipes with the rooibos here on Sweet Roots because we drink it all the time. You can find it starring in this one recipe Nourishing Calendula Infusion.

This delicious drink is great served either hot or cold. I served it cold at our two year old's birthday party.

For a grown up version, add a splash of brandy to each glass.

Roobois Spiced Apple Tea
2 cups apple juice
2 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 Tb loose rooibos tea
1 anise star
Small handful of cloves

*To serve hot:
Boil water and spices with red tea. Let simmer for five minutes. Add apple juice until heated then drain and serve.

*To serve cold:
Boil water and spices with red tea. Remove from heat and let cool for ten minutes. Drain and add to refridgerated apple juice and two cupfuls of ice.

Roobois Tea is available from Mountain Rose Herbs,  amazon, and vitacost (here's a $10 coupon off your first order). I usually buy mine from Mountain Rose Herbs in large quantities when I'm making a bulk order.