Few beverages are as uniquely South African as the Red Cappuccino.

Originally created using rooibos tea instead of espresso, the Red Cappuccino has become a café favourite across South Africa and around the world. Its smooth flavour, natural sweetness and creamy texture make it a delicious alternative to traditional coffee drinks.

At Rescue Roast, we've put our own twist on this South African classic by combining premium coffee with rooibos to create a drink that delivers the best of both worlds.

The result is a smooth, creamy beverage with rich coffee flavour, subtle rooibos sweetness and a uniquely South African character.

Whether you're looking for something different from your usual cappuccino or simply want to celebrate two of South Africa's most beloved beverages, the Rescue Roast Red Cappuccino is the perfect choice.

A traditional Red Cappuccino is made using:

✔ Rooibos tea

✔ Steamed milk

✔ Milk foam

Unlike a traditional cappuccino, it contains no espresso.

The drink was developed in South Africa and quickly became popular because rooibos naturally offers:

✔ Smooth flavour

✔ Low bitterness

✔ Natural sweetness

✔ Rich colour

For coffee lovers, adding a small espresso shot creates an exciting variation that introduces greater body and complexity.

Many people are surprised by how well coffee and rooibos complement each other.

✔ Rich body

✔ Chocolate notes

✔ Roasted flavours

✔ Aroma

✔ Honey-like sweetness

✔ Smooth finish

✔ Gentle earthy character

✔ Natural balance

Together they create a creamy drink with remarkable depth and flavour.

Blend #2 is our top recommendation for this recipe.

✔ Smooth chocolate notes

✔ Nutty sweetness

✔ Low acidity

✔ Creamy mouthfeel

✔ Excellent balance

The smooth nature of the Brazil Cerrado complements rooibos beautifully without overpowering its delicate flavour.

Expect:

✔ Gentle sweetness

✔ Smooth body

✔ Balanced flavour

Perfect for those who prefer a milder drink.

Expect:

✔ Rich body

✔ Dark chocolate notes

✔ Stronger coffee character

Ideal for those who want the coffee flavour to take centre stage.

• 1 espresso shot (30ml)

• 1 rooibos tea bag

• 150ml hot water

• 150ml milk

• Cinnamon for dusting (optional)

• Honey (optional)

Place one rooibos tea bag into a cup.

Add:

150ml hot water

Steep for:

5–7 minutes

Remove the tea bag.

Brew:

1 shot Rescue Roast espresso (30ml)

using Blend #2.

Pour the espresso into the rooibos tea.

Stir gently.

At this stage you'll notice the beautiful aroma created by combining coffee and rooibos.

Steam:

150ml milk

until silky and smooth.

Aim for fine microfoam rather than large bubbles.

Slowly pour the steamed milk into the coffee-rooibos mixture.

Finish with a layer of creamy foam.

Optional toppings include:

✔ Cinnamon

✔ Honey drizzle

✔ Cocoa dusting

✔ Rooibos powder

Serve immediately.

Expect:

✔ Smooth coffee flavour

✔ Gentle rooibos sweetness

✔ Chocolate notes

✔ Creamy texture

✔ Low bitterness

✔ Warm spice undertones

Many people describe it as a cappuccino with a uniquely South African personality.

Rooibos contributes sweetness without bitterness.

Few drinks represent South African café culture as well as a Red Cappuccino.

The flavours blend beautifully with steamed milk.

Can be customised with:

• Honey

• Cinnamon

• Vanilla

• Oat milk

• Almond milk

✔ Winter mornings

✔ Afternoon coffee breaks

✔ Garden cafés

✔ Weekend brunches

✔ Coffee lovers looking for something different

✔ Celebrating South African flavours

You enjoy:

✔ Chocolate notes

✔ Smooth sweetness

✔ Balanced flavour

✔ Traditional cappuccinos

You enjoy:

✔ Mild coffee

✔ Easy-drinking flavours

✔ Smooth body

✔ Low bitterness

You enjoy:

✔ Strong coffee flavour

✔ Rich body

✔ Dark chocolate notes

✔ Bold cappuccinos

The Rescue Roast Red Cappuccino brings together two iconic South African favourites: premium coffee and rooibos.

The result is a smooth, creamy and uniquely South African drink that offers a fresh take on the traditional cappuccino.

Whether enjoyed on a cold winter morning or as a relaxing afternoon treat, it's a wonderful way to experience the flavours that make South African coffee culture so special.

And every cup of Rescue Roast coffee helps support animal rescue organisations across South Africa.