Valentine’s Day always comes with a lot of pressure. For those celebrating with a significant other, there’s pressure to plan the perfect date and buy the perfect gift; while those who are single may feel pressure to find their Valentine.
This Valentine’s Day, Laager Rooibos is encouraging South Africans to take the pressure off and keep things simple – and they’re getting the ball rolling with these ‘fizztastic’ homemade rooibos sparkling tea recipes.
“Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends or loved ones, simple gestures and homemade gifts and meals are often the most meaningful,” comments Laager Rooibos marketing manager, Candice Sessions. “A simple picnic with homemade snacks or a home movie night complete with popcorn and sweet treats could make for a memorable Valentine’s Day – and Laager Rooibos will help you elevate the occasion with these delicious rooibos sparkling tea recipes. Shared by some of our favourite influencer partners, these rooibos sparkling teas will be the perfect accompaniment to your celebrations.”
Whether you’re looking for a drink that’s zesty, sunshine in a glass, or fragrant and fruity, Laager has you covered with these three rooibos sparkling tea recipes. And best of all, they’re packed with the benefits of rooibos.
Serve them in your favourite champagne or wine glass with fresh garnishes, for the perfect addition to your festivities.
Laager Sparkling Rooibos Lemonade (serves 4)
If anyone knows how to bring flavour to a recipe, it’s renowned chefs, food stylists and sports nutritionists, Tebo & Lebo Ndala. South Africa’s bubbly twins are also Gourmand award-winning cookbook authors and Laager Rooibos ambassadors with a particular love for this delicious and nutritious tea. They’re serving up this delightfully zesty Sparkling Rooibos Lemonade recipe this Valentine’s Day.
- 2 cups Laager Citrus & Ginger Flavoured Green Rooibos Tea (strongly brewed)
- 2 cups tonic water
- ¼ cup lemon cordial
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- ½ cup raspberries (frozen) for garnish
- In a jar pitcher, mix the cooled tea and tonic together and add the lemon cordial. Mix well.
- In tumbler glasses, add frozen raspberries (and ice if you prefer).
- Pour in the sparkling tea mix and garnish with lemon. Enjoy chilled.
Laager Sparkling Orange Rooibos Mocktail (serves 2) [pictured]
Nikita is a food content creator and blogger passionate about crafting quick and easy recipes that nourish both the soul and body. She loves experimenting with everyday ingredients to create accessible, fuss-free recipes that everyone can enjoy. She has shared a deliciously refreshing Laager Sparkling Orange Rooibos Mocktail – the perfect addition to a romantic summer picnic.
- 2 Laager Pure Rooibos tea bags
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 2 Tbsp honey
- Ice
- Sparkling water
- Brew your Laager Pure Rooibos Tea bags in 400ml boiling water. Allow to cool to room temperature before removing the tea bags.
- Add the juice of two oranges and the honey and stir well.
- Split into two glasses filled with ice, and top with sparkling water and a slice of fresh orange.
Laager Cranberry Cherry Rooibos Mocktail (serves 2)
by Ibtesam Essa
Ibtesam is a mum, wife and ex-corporate turned food stylist, lecturer and content creator with a love for the fine arts, food and a marriage between the two. She says, “As a child, my mum always warned me against playing with my food, but now I’m happy to report she is very proud of my journey!” Ibtesam is enticing the senses this Valentine’s Day with her Laager Cranberry Cherry Rooibos Mocktail.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup halved cherries
- 2 to 3 Laager Cranberry & Wild Cherry Flavoured Rooibos teabags
- Cranberry-flavoured soda (Fitch and Leeds Cheeky Cranberry was used in this recipe)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate rubies
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
For the cherry syrup:
- Bring the water and sugar to the boil until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add cherries and allow to steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
For the tea mix:
- Steep the teabags in 400ml boiling water for roughly 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, remove the tea bags and set aside.
To assemble:
Repeat for the second glass.
Using a tall glass, paint a strip on the outside with maple syrup and top with crushed Himalayan salt and dried rose petals (this step is optional).
Add 1/4 cup cherry syrup, topped with crushed ice and pomegranate rubies.
Add the tea mix and top with cranberry-flavoured soda.
Garnish with glitter-dipped Maraschino cherries and serve cold.