If you have a love of morning coffee, then it’s unlikely that anything is going to make you give it up…I can relate! I am also not willing to relinquish my espresso, but for many of us, coffee is not the best beverage choice; it’s acidic, stimulating, and harsh on the digestion….On the days when I want to reach for that second cup, I actually pull out the herbs! Perhaps you’ve tried chicory coffee, or roasted dandelion tea before? These are the foundational flavors of a good herbal substitute. Throw in a few medicinal mushrooms and you are almost there.

There are lots of commercial blends on the market, and one that I used to love before I went gluten free was made by Dandy Blend. These days, I mix my own flavor packed brew and clients of mine who actually do need to give up coffee, love what I call “Mock or Faux Coffee”. It has all the bitterness, plenty of sweet and aromatic notes, and even offers the mental spark that coffee devotees crave, but without the caffeine buzziness.

I promise this drink is worthy of your favorite coffee cup!

Mock Coffee Recipe

3 parts roasted dandelion root, (bitter, prebiotic, digestive. Rich earthy flavor).

3 parts roasted chicory root, (bitter, prebiotic, digestive & earthy flavor).

2 parts burdock root, (bitter, prebiotic, digestive, & mildly sweet. Adds depth).

1 part reishi powder, (bitter, immune, cognitive, & heart health benefits. Sourced from real mushrooms).

1 part cinnamon, (anti-inflammatory, blood sugar lowering. Adds sweetness).

1 part astragalus powder ( immune, kidney, liver support...Adds subtle sweetness).

1 part maca powder..(energizer, aphrodisiac, hormonal balancer. Adds sweetness, & malty flavor ).

1/2 part lions mane powder, (cognitive, nerve damage and depth. Sourced from real mushrooms).

1/4 -1/2 part cardamom powder (aromatic, digestive, aphrodicsiac. Adds complexity).

1/4 teaspoon dried ginger or a few slices of fresh ginger, (optional), but gives it a little spicy chai like zing. (digestive, spicey, immune support)

1/8-1/4 part black pepper (synergizes the blend. Adds spice).

Purchase the herbs at Starwest Botanicals or Mountain Rose Herbs, or your local herb shop. Purchase the mushroom powders as noted above.
Tip: If you purchase your herbs pre-ground it will be even more convenient to make.

Method:

Since the recipe is written in parts, you can decide how big a batch of the mixed powders you want to make.
Once you have the herbs mixed up, store the blend in a jar so that it’s ready whenever you want a drink!

This photo shows the herbs pre-blended. You’ll want to blend them before making a cup.

To make a drink for one: Add one tablespoon of the pre-mixed powders to a small cooking pot. Whisk in 10 oz of cold water and cover the pot with a tight fitting lid. Bring the blend to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 10-20 minutes. Strain out the herbs, and pour into a cup. Add a milk of your choice as desired.

The January gloom makes me crave this drink even more, especially in the afternoon….Give it a try!

Also, coffee does have it’s benefits too….and the day I started to write this post, a study was released by the European Society of Cardiology showing coffee’s benefits for heart health.

There’s a great selection of winter classes coming up for virtual and in person opportunities this January and February. Please visit my upcoming classes to take a peak.

Mock Coffee

Herbal Socca