Coffeeless Mushroom Maca Mocha
/Gluten Free - Dairy Free - Refined Sugar Free - Coffee Free
I often find myself wishing that I was a coffee drinker, so that I could go into a cafe and actually order coffee. It smells so amazing. I wish I had the taste for it, but I don't. This is my attempt to feel like I'm enjoying a nice cup of joe without the insane jitters and body twitches.
This recipe calls for organic Dandy Blend, is a gluten free product made from three ingredients (dandelion root, chicory root, barley extracts). Dandy Blend product is the only coffee substitute on the US market with health benefits. This bitter herbal blend is rich in minerals (calcium being the most abundant), it cleanses the liver, and is high in vitamin A. It is made from all natural herbs and has a distinct bitter flavor that mimics coffee. For this reason, many use dandelion as a substitute when they are trying to reduce or eliminate their coffee intake.
Maca root is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a small set of herbs that help the body naturally adapt to stress. Maca is good for supporting hormone regulation, increasing energy, and contains plant-based protein and phytonutrients. Maca also has a distinct flavor that doesn't work in all beverages. However, it blends well with cacao-based (chocolate) flavorings.
Mushroom powders are highly concentrated sources of medicinal mushrooms. Ever heard of reishi, chaga, Lion's mane, or cordyceps? These are examples of medicinal mushrooms and each one has unique properties to support energy, immune health, cognitive function, libido, etc. It is extremely important to source medicinal mushrooms from reputable companies following clean, ethical practices. The two that I enjoy are Four Sigmatic and Moon Dusts by Moon Juice.
I can't be 100% sure if I love this drink so much because of the flavor blend or the name. Either way, I love this warming elixir and I'm sure you will too.
Coffee-less Mushroom Maca Mocha
Prep: 5 minutes
Makes: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup dairy free milk
- 1 Tbsp. Dandy Blend
- 1 Tbsp. cacao powder
- 2 tsp. coconut butter
- 1/2 - 1 tsp. raw honey
- 1/2 tsp. mushroom powder
- 1/2 tsp. maca powder
- Pinch sea salt
- Dash of cinnamon
- Optional: 1 - 2 Tbsp. grass-fed collagen
Directions:
Combine all ingredients (except cinnamon) in a blender. Blend until frothy and creamy. Pour into a large cozy mug and top with cinnamon.
Pro Tips
No Dandy Blend: Try steeping dandelion tea in the 1 cup of hot water and proceed as directions state.
Mushroom powder? Maca? These items can be omitted. They add health benefits and a bit of flavor, but don't let that the lack of these ingredients stop you from trying this elixir.
Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding or omitting honey. Coconut butter adds an element of sweetness, so you may adjust to drinking it with no added sweetener down the road.
Snack Attack: With the addition of collagen, this can be enough for breakfast on some days. Just know that you may need a full snack come mid-morning. This elixir is also good for a mid-morning or afternoon snack, as it has satiating fats and filling proteins.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.