Red Cappuccino

South Africa is always on or ahead of trends in food, clothing, interiors and homeware.  My sister mentioned in passing that she had met friends for a quick Red Cappuccino. My mind immediately went to some ghastly red dyed drink and I couldn’t have been more wrong.

A Red Cappuccino is made with Redbush/Rooibos Tea and topped with hot frothy milk. Here purists will gasp in horror, yes hot, frothy milk with tea.  Intrigued with the combination, as when I serve tea I am old school, the milk has to be cold and definitely not hot nor frothy. I am however, always keen to try something new, so I made and tried a Red Cappuccino.

How to Make a Red Cappuccino
Make a cup of rooibos, without milk to your desired strength.

Top the tea with hot frothy milk, I used my Nespresso Aeroccino.

Tasting results:

I called my daughter who separately loves rooibos and frothy milk and asked her to try the Red Cappuccino. My daughter said it was her new favourite drink, it was so good.

For me, as the rooibos is quiet robust and flavoursome, it was able to hold up to the froth and heat of the milk. I can see, if you are a rooibos and cappuccino lover, this crossover of your two favourite drinks could be your answer to a healthier social hot drink. I am glad I tried it, but it did not convert me to drinking milk with my tea.

Would I add it to my list of beverages I offer friends who visit, definitely. It is a great healthy fun drink to introduce to friends and great for children too. Mine are too old for a babyccino but they are not too old for a Red Cappuccino.

As with coffee based cappuccinos, you can use sprinkles on top of your Red Cappuccino. The two that work best are cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.

I hope you will be inspired to try a healthy Red Cappuccino.