While it was snowing in Cape Town (okay, not really, but close), Connecticut was going through an intense heat wave. It reminded me of one of my favorite thirst-quenching beverages that happens to be delicious no matter what kind of weather you're experiencing, and that's rooibos tea.

Why drink rooibos? For starters, it's caffeine free. It's an herb (technically not a tea) and rich in antioxidants and polyphenols (anti-inflammatory). This means rooibos it's good for your body, too.

Rooibos has a sweet taste and earthy smell that I enjoy. I find it reminiscent of being out in the bush or camping on safari. If you haven't noticed, I'm a huge fan of this stuff (remember when I stayed on a rooibos tea farm a couple years ago?)

If you're not in South Africa, you can find rooibos tea at your local grocery store or buy it online from my hometown tea shop, Simpson and Vale. Here's the full recipe...

Sweet Rooibos Iced Tea

Makes one 750ml bottle

Ingredients

• 2 rooibos teabags

• 1 teapot (or heat-proof dish)

• Water

• 1 750ml wine bottle (rinsed clean)

• Funnel (optional)

• tablespoon of honey (optional)

Directions

1. Fill your wine bottle with enough water to reach the top.

2. Pour the water out of the wine bottle and into kettle, or a saucepan (stovetop), or melt-proof container (microwave) and heat until boiling.

3. Remove from heat and add the rooibos tea bags.

4. Let the bags steep for 10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the tea. With red tea, I recommend keeping it light. Now is the time to add any optional flavor enhancers or sweeteners to the hot water (honey, lemon, sugar etc.)

5. Discard teabags and pour the warm tea into the wine bottle (you might need a funnel for this part).

6. Add the cork to the bottle and place the bottle in the fridge.

7. Let the tea chill completely (one hour should do). 

Storing this tea in a recycled wine bottle makes it fun and it's an easy way to bring this drink to picnics or parties. On hot a summer day, this is my go-to relaxation drink.  Enjoy!