Rooibos Papaya Early Hours

Papaya is mild, but rooibos gives it a warm, rounded backdrop and lime supplies the contrast. The papaya needs to be ripe enough to mash smoothly; firm pieces won't contribute much to the tea. Stir the mashed fruit into cooled rooibos, then strain for a cleaner texture if you like. This is a gentle, caffeine-free iced drink rather than a bright, punchy fruit tea. Expect a soft tropical note and a faint woody finish from the rooibos.

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Rooibos tea
• 6 oz Water
• 1/2 cup Ripe papaya, peeled and deseeded
• 1/4 oz Lime juice

Make it

1. Brew the tea in the measured water, using the temperature and steeping time on its packet. Remove the tea bag.
2. Cool the tea in a heatproof container, then chill for about 30 minutes.
3. Mash any soft fruit in a separate glass. Lightly bruise herbs or ginger; add these and the listed juices or spices to the cooled tea.
4. Stir well and taste. Remove ginger or herb sprigs when their flavor suits you. Strain if you prefer a smoother drink, then serve chilled.

Benefits

Papaya · a little vitamin C

You get a small vitamin C contribution from papaya in the rooibos and lime mixture, supporting normal immune function alongside a soft tropical sweetness.

A different side of lime

There is a lively citrus tang from the measured lime in the rooibos and papaya mixture, giving that ingredient a place without drowning out the other flavors.