Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Tea – A Perfect Winter Warm-Up!

I had barely settled into my favorite corner of the living room when the world seemed to conspire against my plans for a peaceful afternoon. A surprise rainstorm drenched everything outside, and with it came the low hum of thunder rolling in the distance.

The house was dim, quiet—just me and a book I’d been meaning to dive into. My fiancé was out for work but somehow, that cozy scene wasn’t quite enough to shake off the chill that seemed to linger.

That’s when the idea struck: something warm, soothing, yet indulgent was in order. My mind wandered to my tea collection, and there it was—Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Tea. Just the name promised everything I needed: a comforting, nutty sweetness with the deep, earthy richness of mocha. The scent alone, as I prepared it, was worth stepping away from my book.

With my cup steeped and steaming, I finally curled up and let the warmth seep in, savoring each sip. This blend quickly became a favorite—a mix of flavor and calm that was all my own for a quiet, rainy day.

And now, it’s a recipe I’m thrilled to share with you, hoping it brings a moment of peace, warmth, and maybe a touch of indulgence to your day too.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Combines the cozy, earthy flavor of rooibos tea with the indulgent taste of mocha and hazelnut for a unique, comforting treat.
• Caffeine-free, making it a perfect option for unwinding in the evening without disrupting sleep.
• Naturally dairy-free when made with almond milk, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
• Provides a rich, creamy texture with almond milk, making it feel both nourishing and indulgent.
• Rooibos tea is high in antioxidants, giving this drink potential health benefits along with its delicious flavor.
• The hazelnut syrup adds a warm, nutty depth that elevates the tea into something special and unique.
• Perfect for cozying up on a cold day, adding warmth and a touch of sweetness to any relaxing moment.

Ingredients

To make a perfect Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Tea, each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and creating a smooth, creamy texture.

Starting with rooibos tea, this caffeine-free herbal tea from South Africa brings a naturally earthy, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with nutty and chocolate flavors. When choosing rooibos, go for a high-quality loose leaf or a tea bag with minimal added flavors, as you’ll want its unique character to shine in the blend.

Almond milk is the base that adds a creamy texture without overpowering the drink. Opt for unsweetened almond milk to control the sweetness of the recipe. If you prefer a thicker, richer mouthfeel, go for barista-style almond milk, which is specially made to steam and froth well in drinks like this.

Cocoa powder is essential for the mocha flavor, adding depth and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the hazelnut and honey. Choose a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor—ideally one with a smooth, fine texture to blend easily with the other ingredients.

Hazelnut syrup is the star here, bringing a warm, nutty sweetness that transforms the drink. A syrup with a natural hazelnut flavor (and minimal artificial ingredients) is ideal for a richer, more authentic taste.

Finally, honey acts as an optional sweetener to complement the nuttiness and cocoa. A light honey will add just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors, letting each element come through beautifully in every sip.

Ingredients for making Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Tea:

• 1 cup water
• 1 rooibos tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf rooibos tea)
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

How To Make Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Tea

Instructions for making Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Tea:

1. Boil the water – In a small pot or kettle, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Steep the tea – Add the rooibos tea bag (or loose-leaf tea in an infuser) to a mug, pour the hot water over it, and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag or infuser once done.
3. Heat the almond milk – While the tea steeps, warm 1 cup of almond milk in a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Do not let it boil.
4. Mix the cocoa – In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with a small splash of the warm almond milk until it forms a smooth paste. This helps to blend the cocoa more easily.
5. Combine everything – Pour the cocoa paste, warmed almond milk, hazelnut syrup, and honey (if using) into the mug with the steeped rooibos tea. Stir well to combine.
6. Serve and enjoy – Your Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Tea is ready! Sip and enjoy the cozy, nutty, and chocolaty flavors.

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice.
• Swap almond milk with oat or coconut milk for a different creamy texture and flavor.
• For a frothy finish, blend the mixture briefly in a blender or use a milk frother before serving.
• Make it iced by chilling the rooibos tea and almond milk, then serving over ice for a refreshing cold version.
• Add a shot of espresso for an energizing twist, creating a Hazelnut Mocha Rooibos Latte with a subtle caffeine boost.
• Use hazelnut butter in place of hazelnut syrup for a more natural nutty flavor and a slightly thicker texture.
• Try garnishing with crushed hazelnuts or a sprinkle of cacao nibs on top for added crunch and a gourmet touch.