Matcha Latte

I’ve not always been a fan of matcha, because of its bitter taste but I’ve come to appreciate it over the years. If the jitters kick in after my fourth cup of coffee I try to switch to a matcha latte. While matcha tea also contains caffeine, it is released into our bloodstream at a more stable pace, not causing the typical caffeine “rush”. It also gives you a nice dose of antioxidants and boosts your brain function.

How to? Add 200 ml of oat milk, 1/2 tsp of matcha tea, 1 tsp of maple syrup and a pinch of vanilla to a milk foamer (completely against the matcha rules, I know).

Golden Milk

This traditional ayurvedic drink originates in India, where they have been drinking it for centuries because of its strong healing powers. Golden milk gets its beautiful colour from the turmeric which may help reduce inflammation, improve brain function and mood, has antibacterial and antiviral properties. So reasons enough start drinking it! On top of that it has an amazing soft flavour. Always add a pinch of black pepper to your drink as it helps to activate the healing benefits of turmeric in your body.

How to? Add 200 ml of oat milk, 1 tsp of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, cinnamon and ginger to a milk foamer or a small cooking pot.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic

Apple cider vinegar has become such a big health trend these last few years. Among other proven benefits, research has shown that it can help keep your insulin levels in check, may lower your cholesterol and will keep your gut healthy. Personally my least favourite drink on the list flavourwise, it is extremely sour and just … well, bad actually. Watering it down and adding a bit of sweetener sure helps, but it isn’t the worlds’ tastiest drink.

How to? Add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon to 250 ml of hot water.

Hot Chocolate

Yes you read it right. A hot chocolate could be your next coffee alternative. Not the Nesquik kind obviously, but a homemade one with real cacao powder. Cacao contains a moderate amount of caffeine which is a great little pick me up without the caffeine jitters. Other benefits are its high vitamin and mineral content, it is also a brain booster and an aphrodisiac.

How to? Add 1 tbsp of cacao powder, 2 tbsp of coconut sugar and a pinch of sea salt to 250 ml of almond milk and heat it up together in a small cooking pot.

Mushroom Blends

The biggest health trend to hit us in 2020 are the mushrooms blends. Made from dried mushrooms, such as lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps, these blends have so many benefits. Their healing powers range from increased energy, immunity and reduced inflammation to better sleep and stress relief. While they taste a bit earthy on their own, when combined with other flavours such as cacao or cinnamon, these blends can actually taste quite good.

How to? Add 1 tsp of mushroom powder, 1 tbsp of maple syrup, a pinch of cinnamon and vanilla to 250 ml of milk and heat it all together in a saucepan or milk foamer.

To conclude, most of these drinks weren’t bad at all. Especially the golden milk and matcha latte really did a trick on me. I must admit they don’t have the same effect on me as coffee, because I’ve kind of grown accustomed to the coffee “jitters”. I would however add them as a nice warming drink in the afternoon when I can’t justify that fourth cup of coffee anymore.