Everybody’s got their daily fix they just can’t go without. Some are chocoholics, some need their happy hour cocktail, and for many of us, it’s that coffee buzz we crave. Whether you’ve got a predisposition for a quad shot before 9, or maybe it’s just way out of your nature to go the weekend without a feather art latte with friends, there are some must try coffee alternatives for both health and flavor. Try one, or all of these 4, you might just find your new obsession.
- Matcha Latte
Matcha lattes are perhaps one of the healthiest coffee-less warm drinks. If you’re wanting something full palate, warm but without the coffee, matcha is the way to go. Matcha is a green tea high in antioxidants and is energizing without the crash. You can ask your local coffee shop for a matcha latte, and odds are they’ll have it. If not, you can easily make it at home with a Matcha powder from the market.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk or non-dairy milk alternative (coconut, almond, etc.) warmed
1/2 cup warm
1 tsp matcha green tea powder (follow instructions per packaging)
sweeten to taste (with raw sugar, honey or natural sweeteners)
Extra: adding vanilla extract is a nice touch!
Directions: Warm the milk and water to a temperature just below boiling, pour the warm water, matcha and other ingredients into a blender. Blend until frothy, serve and enjoy.
2. Turmeric Latte
Turmeric has been used for centuries for its natural healing medicinal properties and is used in many Indian cooking dishes. Turmeric can be identified by its vibrant yellow/orange hue and can be found in the spices section of your grocer. It’s extremely good for anti-inflammatory purposes, aiding in digestion, and it’s also super delicious when warmed and paired with milk and a touch of sweetener and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk of choice
1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric root, (or pre-ground spice)
1 tsp cinnamon
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Raw honey or sweetener of choice to taste
Directions:
Warm milk, add ground turmeric, cinnamon, coconut oil and sweetener to a blender for froth and to combing further. top with cinnamon and raw honey.
3. Chai Tea
Chai has been used for generations as a healthy mix of spices and is a great coffee alternative. Most chai mixes contain caffeine and aren’t so friendly on the sugar content. Be sure to read the labels when buying Chai’s in store and don’t be afraid to ask what’s in the blend at your local coffee shop. Here are instructions to make your own Chai at home for a healthy and delicious must have coffee alternative.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk of choice
2 cups water
1 tbsp loose leaf black tea (or 1 tea bag)
2 tbsp chai mix or blend (use natural brand without sweeteners)
Raw honey or sweetener of choice to taste
Add water, tea and spices to a saucepan and heat, add milk, sweetener and stir to combine. Top with cinnamon and sweetener to taste.
4. Mushroom Elixir
Reishi, Lions Mane, and Chaga elixr’s all have a wide range of health benefits. With a little natural sweetener, steamed milk and a cozy mug, these elixr’s have incredible healing benefits and medicinal such as boosting natural energy for hours without a crash, healing illness and have been said to help brain function so much as to be used in Alzheimer’s disease.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk of choice
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups water
2 tbsp mushroom powder (or 1 package)
Raw honey or sweetener of choice to taste
Mix with cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Warm milk and water, add mushroom packet, cinnamon, and sweetener to a blender for froth and to combine further, top with cinnamon and raw honey.
What do you think?