There are two types of people in this world: tea drinkers and coffee drinkers! While a number of people enjoy both tea and coffee, there is a tendency to fall into one camp or another—those who prefer a relaxing cup of tea, and those who love a stimulating coffee. But in the last several years, a new type of drink has become popular in South Africa that may satisfy both parties… Tea masquerading as coffee? Coffee made from tea?

Red espresso is the name for a concentrated rooibos tea that is brewed and served just like espresso, complete with a layer of crema on top. Rooibos, also called “bush tea” or “redbush tea,” is a non-caffeinated tea grown in southern Africa with a gentle red color. It’s normally brewed and served just like other teas… except for when it’s used as red espresso.

Why make an espresso alternative using tea? It might appeal to those who don’t like the taste of coffee but still want to participate in the café culture. You can make lattes and cappuccinos from red espresso just like normal espresso, though of course it will have a different flavor. Red espresso could also be a good alternative for heavy coffee drinkers who still want to enjoy their espresso but want to cut back on caffeine. Rooibos also has a lot of health benefits, so especially health-conscious drinkers may appreciate the benefits from red espresso.

Could red espresso be the drink that crosses the tea vs. coffee barrier? Both coffee and tea are tried-and-true staples and are already perfect the way they’re normally brewed—but if you love trying new twists on classic favorites, then you may want to give red espresso a try!