A good rooibos cappuccino is arguably the most delicious proof that you don’t need caffeine to have a satisfying 'coffee' moment. A full shot of rooibos espresso, a layer of silky-smooth milk foam, and a touch of honey or cinnamon: warm, creamy, and mild in flavor, at any time of the day.
Yet, the result hinges on a few small details. The right amount, the right milk, and the frothing make the difference between a watery cup and a perfectly balanced rooibos cappuccino that you can truly enjoy. Below, you'll read exactly how to make the best one at home.
What actually is a Rooibos cappuccino?
A Rooibos cappuccino, or "Rooicino," is the rooibos version of a cappuccino. Instead of a shot of coffee, you use a shot of Rooipresso® rooibos espresso. Our rooibos espresso is specifically designed to be used in your (N)espresso machine. It is topped with your favorite frothed milk and, if desired, a bit of honey or cinnamon.
The best part is that rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. You can drink this cappuccino at any time of day, whether in the morning, in the afternoon instead of your third coffee, or even as a relaxing moment in the evening before bed.
What you need
For one Rooibos cappuccino (rooicino):
- 1 (double) shot of Rooipresso®; use 1 or 2 capsules for your Nespresso Original machine, or the amount you would normally use for a single or double shot of coffee in your portafilter.
- 100 to 150 ml of milk of your choice, frothed
- Optional: a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon
Furthermore, you will obviously need an (N)espresso machine and a tool to froth your milk. A steam wand on your machine works best, but a separate milk frother, a hand whisk, or a sealed jar in which you shake the warm milk vigorously also work just fine.
Step by step
1. Pull your (double) shot. Make a (double) shot of Rooipresso® directly into your cup. If you are using the ground version, do not tamp the rooibos down. This ensures an even extraction. You can recognize a good shot by the deep, reddish-brown color and the thin layer of crema on top.
2. Add your sweetener if desired. Now, stir in half a teaspoon of honey while the shot is still hot. It will dissolve evenly, and you will taste the honey best.
3. Heat and froth your milk. Heat the milk to approximately 60 to 65 degrees. Higher temperatures make the milk watery and it may lose its natural sweetness. Froth until you have smooth, glossy microfoam without large bubbles.
4. Make the cappuccino. Pour the milk slowly into the center of your cup and, if you like, create some nice latte art to finish it off!
5. Optionally finish with cinnamon. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the foam. Enjoy!
The milk: here lies the secret to creaminess
The foam makes or breaks your Rooicino, so it is worth paying attention to your milk.
Whole cow's milk froths the easiest and gives the creamiest result, thanks to its fat and protein content. If you prefer plant-based milk, choose a barista version: barista oat and barista soy are specially made to provide stable foam and will not separate in a hot drink. Regular almond or oat milk can work too, but the foam often collapses more quickly.
Temperature is important. Above 65 degrees, milk loses its natural sweetness and you might even cause it to curdle. If you don't have a thermometer, the rule of thumb is: as soon as you can no longer hold your hand against the pitcher for a few seconds, it is warm enough.
Honey and cinnamon
Rooibos espresso brings a light, natural sweetness of its own, so you don't need much. Half a teaspoon of honey lifts the flavor just a little and enhances the warm notes of the rooibos. Cinnamon is a natural pairing that adds depth.
If you want to vary, a little vanilla, a pinch of cardamom, or a touch of maple syrup are also fun to try. Don't add too much and taste as you go. Note: the base of rooibos is subtle; overpowering flavors might make it difficult to properly taste the rooibos.
Important tips
The milk is very important. The ratio of milk to rooibos espresso is also slightly more critical than with a normal cappuccino. Because rooibos is not roasted, it has a subtle flavor, so too much milk to too little rooibos espresso will result in a watery drink. Therefore, pay close attention to the ratio and experiment with it if necessary. Milk that is too hot makes the cup bland, so watch the temperature. Ensure that the foam does not become too "coarse" with large bubbles, as this is less pleasant to drink.
From Rooicino to Iced Rooi Latte
On a warm summer day, you can effortlessly reverse this same recipe. Pull your shot of Rooipresso®, let it cool briefly, and pour it over a glass full of ice. Top up with cold milk of your choice and stir. A spoonful of condensed milk makes it nice and creamy and a bit sweeter. Be sure to stir this in before cooling the drink, otherwise, the condensed milk won't dissolve properly. In just a few minutes, you’ll have an Iced Rooi Latte with roughly the same flavor profile, but refreshing instead of warming.
Try it yourself!
The perfect Rooicino starts with a good base. Check out our Rooipresso® Capsules for the convenience of one-touch brewing, or Rooipresso® Ground if you enjoy the barista experience at home. Your new daily ritual, without the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much milk goes into a Rooicino?
Count on 100 to 150 ml of milk per shot of Rooipresso®. The less milk, the stronger the rooibos flavor. For a creamier result, aim toward 150 ml.
Which milk is best to use for a Rooicino?
Whole cow's milk froths the easiest and provides the creamiest foam. For a plant-based Rooicino, barista oat or barista soy are the best choices, as they froth stably and do not curdle in a hot drink.
Can you make a Rooicino without a machine?
Yes. Our ground Rooipresso® is also suitable for preparation in a Moka pot or French press. Froth the milk with a separate milk frother, a whisk, or by vigorously shaking warm milk in a sealed jar.
Does a Rooicino contain caffeine?
No. The base, Rooipresso® rooibos espresso, is completely caffeine-free by nature. If you use animal or plant-based milk without additives, your entire Rooicino remains caffeine-free.
Is a Rooicino suitable during pregnancy and for children?
Yes. Because rooibos espresso is caffeine-free and mild in flavor, a Rooicino is a nice alternative during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and a cozy warm drink for children. Just keep age in mind regarding honey: do not give honey to children under one year old.