This doesn’t change anything else you said, but just so folks know, rooibos doesn’t have caffeine, so isn’t really a coffee alternative. Yerba Mate is going to be a better 1:1. Both are earthy and delicious and do recommend either
And at least I’m North America there’s another Maté relative, Yaupon. Both are holly species.
My main example is rooibos because at least it can make espresso-like strong brews, and is sold at some coffee shops here and there. But I personally prefer Mate too, though for cold drinks :-) And if I’m just in for some caffeine, black tea is the easiest to source (around here). Matcha latte is also growing in popularity! As well as London Fog.
I love all of these, but I’m one of those tea-adventurous coffee drinkers who care about the taste more than the caffeine.
Hey, as someone who only ever drinks decaf, I’m all for something that tastes like coffee but has zero caffeine!
