Magical (Adaptogenic) Morning Coffee

Recently, I became bored of my morning coffee. I had been drinking the same cold brew for the past three years, and while it was good, it had become unexciting. I no longer looked forward to waking up because my coffee had become so mediocre. Though it may seem silly, my morning coffee sets the tone for the rest of my day, and if I’m bored or unexcited about it, then it’s time to change it.

And that’s exactly what I did. As a religious Goop reader – unsurprising, I know – I took to the site in search of a way to spice up my boring coffee, perusing Gwenyth’s many morning drink recipes. Strangely enough, there were more juice and smoothie recipes than there were coffee recipes. And, while I do love a nice green smoothie, it’s my afternoon ritual, not my morning wake-up.

However, there was one recipe that stood out to me: Gwyneth’s Healthy Adaptogenic Latte. I had been wanting to try adaptogens for some time, and what better way to incorporate something new into your diet than by trying it in your coffee? Yes, adaptogens are “granola luxe,” meaning that they’re both super hippie and super expensive. However, they’re all-natural and boast a wide range of health benefits.

So what is an adaptogen, or an adaptogenic herb? According to Healthline, adaptogens are non-toxic herbal pharmaceuticals that work to counteract the effects of stress on the body. Essentially, they have stimulant properties that help relieve neurological, endocrine, and immune system stressors, which can lead to not only a longer life but a more balanced day-to-day life.

Gwenyth used a variety of adaptogens in her morning latte, including mucuna pruriens, shilajit resin, and ashwagandha. In fact, there’s no actual caffeine in her coffee–she just lets the adaptogens do the work. I, on the other hand, have to have some caffeine, so I kept my cold brew but added ashwagandha powder into my routine. For $7 at Central Market, it hardly makes a dent in my grocery budget, and with the promise of reducing anxiety, stress, and improving brain function naturally? I’m sold.

The exact Ashwagandha I buy from Terrasoul Superfoods. $7, Central Market and Terrasoul.com
The exact Ashwagandha I buy from Terrasoul Superfoods. $7, Central Market and Terrasoul.com Photo credit: Terrasoul

In addition to ashwagandha root powder, I also add a scoop of collagen powder to my coffee. Now, you’re probably worried that the powders are tough to mix into the coffee. They are. Unlike a hot latte where powders dissolve almost instantly, for the iced coffee enthusiasts among us, it’s almost impossible to not have a lump of powder at the bottom of the glass every time. Enter: the Aerolatte milk frother. This game-changing $25 gadget has arguably been the biggest and most exciting change in my coffee routine. Introduced to me by Glossier founder Emily Weiss’s morning coffee tutorial, milk frothers not only make your coffee lighter, but they mix every last grain of whatever powder you put into a drink. Turmeric? Blended. Collagen? Blended. Ashwagandha? Like it was never even there.

The best $25 I've spent in a long time. $25, Sur la Table and Amazon.com
The best $25 I've spent in a long time. $25, Sur la Table and Amazon.com Photo credit: Sur la Table

So, without further ado, here is my very own adaptogenic coffee recipe that balances me and sets me up for a happy, healthy day.

The finished product! (After I drink half of it, that is)
The finished product! (After I drink half of it, that is) Photo credit: Carolyn Hammond

Carolyn Hammond

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