Forget flat, bagged blends; this sugar free rooibos tea uses whole cinnamon sticks and fresh orange peel to extract deep, woody richness. It eliminates bitterness, delivering a full-bodied amber cup that wraps your palate in velvety, citrus-infused warmth.
Why This Recipe Works
Natural Sweetness Without the Sugar
The combination of rooibos and cinnamon creates a perception of sweetness on the palate. You get a rich, dessert-like flavor profile without needing to pile on honey or syrups.
Zero Bitterness Guarantee
Many herbal teas turn bitter if left too long, but rooibos is incredibly forgiving. The flavor stays smooth and earthy, even if you get distracted and let it steep a few extra minutes.
Aromatic “Mood Lifting”
The oils from the fresh orange peel hit your nose before the tea even hits your tongue. This citrus burst cuts through the warmth, making the drink feel refreshing and cozy at the same time.
The “Lifestyle Fit”
This sugar free rooibos tea is a staple in my kitchen because it fits into almost any routine. Whether you are following a keto lifestyle, avoiding gluten, or just trying to cut back on caffeine, this cup checks every box.
It pairs beautifully with a light breakfast or serves as a calming nightcap. If you are looking for a breakfast pairing that keeps things low-carb, try sipping this alongside my Ultimate Make-Ahead Berry Chia Pudding (Parfait-Style!). The creamy texture of the pudding complements the crisp citrus notes of the tea perfectly.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Making this tea is more about the infusion method than complicated cooking. Start by bringing your filtered water to a rolling boil. While that heats up, snap your cinnamon stick in half—this releases the spicy oils much faster than leaving it whole.
Place the cinnamon and a strip of fresh orange peel into your teapot. Pour the boiling water over the spices and your rooibos leaves. Cover it immediately! Trapping the steam forces those aromatic oils back into the water instead of letting them evaporate into the air.
Let it steep for about 7 to 10 minutes. This is the sweet spot where the cinnamon orange rooibos tea recipe develops its full body without the spices becoming overpowering. Strain into your favorite mug and enjoy the warmth.
Expert Tips for the Best Flavor
Watch the White Pith
When peeling your orange, use a vegetable peeler and use a light touch. Avoid the thick white spongy layer underneath the skin, as it adds a bitter aftertaste that can ruin the smooth finish of the tea.
Make it an Iced Refresher
This isn’t just for cold nights! Brew it double-strength and pour it over a tall glass of ice for a keto friendly herbal tea recipe that cools you down in summer.
Spice It Up Further
If you love bold flavors, you can experiment with other additions. Check out my 15 Homemade Cinnamon Tea Recipes for more inspiration on how to layer spices for maximum coziness.
Storage for Later
You can brew a large batch and keep it in a glass pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making the cold version even more flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a stick?
You can, but it tends to make the tea grainy and cloudy. Stick cinnamon provides a cleaner, clearer infusion. If you must use ground, filter it through a coffee filter or very fine cheesecloth before drinking.
Is this safe for kids?
Absolutely. Since rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and we aren’t adding sugar, it’s a fantastic, warm drink for the little ones. If you are looking for more family-friendly evening options, take a look at these 5 Herbal Tea Blends to Help You Relax.
Do I need a special teapot?
Not at all. A simple glass measuring cup works wonders for steeping. Just place a saucer on top to trap the heat and steam while it infuses.
This comforting, aromatic tea blend elevates the natural earthiness of red rooibos with a warming kick of cinnamon and a bright note of fresh citrus. It is a naturally caffeine-free beverage perfect for evening relaxation or a cozy afternoon break, offering a deep amber color and full-bodied flavor without any added sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cupswater (filtered preferred) (480 ml)
1 large cinnamon stick (broken in half)
1 strip fresh orange peel (2-inch piece, white pith removed)
1 tbsploose leaf red rooibos tea (or 2 standard tea bags)
Liquid stevia or monk fruit drops (to taste, optional)
Instructions
Boil the water: Bring the water to a rolling boil in a kettle or small saucepan over high heat (approx. 5–7 minutes).
Release spice aromatics: While the water heats, place the broken cinnamon stick and the fresh orange peel strip into a heat-proof teapot or glass measuring cup (at least 2-cup capacity).
Steep the tea: Add the rooibos tea (loose leaf in a strainer/infuser, or tea bags) to the container with the spices. Pour the boiling water directly over the mixture.
Infuse and test: Cover the vessel to trap steam. Let it steep for 7 to 10 minutes (approximate time). Doneness Test: Before straining, smell the steam for a distinct sweet cinnamon aroma and taste a spoonful; the flavor should be spiced but not bitter.
Strain and serve: Remove the tea strainer/bags, cinnamon, and orange peel. Pour into mugs and sweeten if desired. For iced tea, let the brewed tea cool to room temperature first to prevent dilution, then pour over a cup full of ice.
Notes
Why it works:
Aromatic release: Breaking the cinnamon stick exposes more surface area, releasing essential oils faster than a whole stick.
Flavor balance: The oils from the orange peel provide a bright citrus top note that cuts through the woodiness of the rooibos.
Temperature control: Using fully boiling water ensures the rooibos leaves open completely for maximum flavor extraction.
Key success warnings:
Avoid bitterness: Do not squeeze the tea bags or leaves at the end of steeping, as this can release bitter tannins.
Watch the pith: When peeling the orange, ensure you avoid the white spongy layer (pith) under the skin, which can add a bitter aftertaste.
Steeping time: While rooibos is forgiving, steeping past 10 minutes with the cinnamon stick may make the spice flavor overpowering.
Allergy alert:
This recipe is naturally free from common allergens (gluten, dairy, nuts, soy). Ensure your specific tea brand is processed in a facility safe for your needs.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Cup (8 oz) | Cal: 2 | Net Carbs: 0.4g | Fat: 0g (Sat: 0g) | Protein: 0g | Total Carbs: 0.6g (Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 0g) | Potassium: 7mg | Sodium: 2mg Nutritional values are approximate estimates based on standard brewed herbal tea data, accounting for trace extraction from spices.
Nutrition information is calculated using third-party databases and is provided as a courtesy. Since values vary by brand and produce, we suggest calculating them yourself for the most accurate results.
Final Word: I hope this simple brew adds a little moment of calm to your busy day. Remember, these are just my kitchen adventures and personal favorites—always chat with your doctor for personalized nutritional advice!
Kristina Hanson is an independent wellness researcher and the founder of DailyZests. After a PCOS diagnosis, she focused her research on managing insulin resistance through evidence-based nutrition. Her work translates the science of DASH, Mediterranean, and Low-Carb eating into easy, family-tested recipes.
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