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Top 3 Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternatives

4/22/2020

My Top 3 Caffeine- Free Coffee Alternatives

I love coffee, but unfortunately coffee doesn't love me. A few years ago I realized that my daily cup of coffee was hurting my stomach, making me break out and causing me to feel really anxious. I slowly transitioned it out of my life and my skin and mental health thank me for it.

I switched my coffee for tea, but still really I missed the taste. I searched far and wide for the best caffeine-free alternatives to replace my daily mug of joe. You can enjoy these in the morning, afternoon and evening. No need to kick your coffee habit to sip some new delicious herbal beverages.

Enjoy my top caffeine-free coffee alternatives and let me know which one is your favorite!

Rasa Adaptogenic Coffee Alternative
I love the sustainable energy that this beverage gives me. Filled with adaptogenic herbs that help your body deal with stress, this makes the perfect way to start the day.

I add 1 tbsp to my french press and steep it for at least 15 minutes.

This is the only coffee alternative that actually gives me energy rather than just enjoying it for the flavor.

Flavor: earthy and slightly roasted. I think it states more like a strong roasted tea (which it is) over having a coffee flavor.

Café Capomo

Capomo Maya Nut "Coffee" has the closest taste to coffee that I have every found.

If you are looking a zero caffeine sip that tastes like coffee this is your best bet.

Made from roasted maya nuts or breadfruit this beverage is rich in antioxidants and has a delicious roasted taste!

I add 1 tbsp to my french press and steep it for at least 15 minutes. You can also simmer it for 10-40 minutes and then strain out the grounds.

I love adding coconut milk to this to make a maya nut latté.

Flavor: roasted, very similar to coffee.

Dandy Blend

Dandy Blend is a delicious instant herbal coffee alternative made from dandelion root and chicory root.

It has a naturally sweetness from the beet powder that is in the herbal blend.

It is super easy to make, just mix with hot water and stir. Start with 2 tsp in 8oz hot water and adjust depending how dark you like your "coffee". I really like adding coconut milk to my cup of Dandy Blend for a creamy treat.

Dandy Blend also makes a delicious iced beverage! Just add the powder to jar with ice, coconut milk, cinnamon and a squirt of date syrup. Yum!

Dandelion root has many healthful qualities including supporting liver function.

I also like to add Dandy Blend into my banana ice cream to make it "coffee flavor"

Flavor: roasted, creamy and sweet.

Let me know which one you like best!

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DIY Herbal Spritzers

4/22/2020

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As the weather warms up enjoy a refreshing drink that gives your body a nutrient boost. I enjoy these Herbal Spritzers in the morning, afternoon and night. They make a great celebratory drink if you’re cutting down on the booze too.

Step 1:
Make REALLY strong tea. Infuse herbs like they are on their way to become syrup. I have had success slow cooking my herbs for 4 hours or you can simmer them on the stove for 1-2 hours. Simmering the herbs on the stove will make a more concentrated brew because some of the water will evaporate.

My general ratio is 1 cup of dried herbs with 4 cups of water.

What herbs do I use?
I have really enjoyed making an elderberry-immune concoction using elderberries, schisandra berries, reishi mushroom, marshmallow root, licorice, fresh ginger, and cinnamon. But the world is your oyster!

Check out my elderberry syrup and adaptogenic root beer recipes for some inspiration.

The best herbs to slow cook and simmer are roots and barks and berries. If you are using all flowers and leaves, I would cut the brewing time in half.

Step 2:
Let your herbal mixture cool to room temperature. Strain the liquid into a jar using a mesh strainer. If you used berries, make sure to use the back of the spoon to squish all the juice out. Compost the used herbs.

Add 1/4- 1/3 cup honey and shake jar vigorously to dissolve. I use much less than I would if I was making a syrup. Note that this will make your ice cubes a little sticky. You can choose to not use honey if you want an unsweetened version or try another form of sweetener.

I also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for preservation.

Step 3:
Pour your herbal infusion into an ice cube tray. Once completely frozen transfer to another airtight container for storage. I usually do a few rounds of this since I only have one ice cube tray.

I found the best results with a silicone mold where I can push the herbal cubes out.

Step 4:
Serve! Mix one herbal ice cube with 6 oz of carbonated water for a simple herbal spritzer.

Some of my other favorite additions are:
-lemon juice
-lime juice
-cranberry juice
-beet juice
-pomegranate juice
-coconut water

I just use a splash of these to not dilute my carbonated water too much.

BONUS: I also freeze my favorite juices (100% organic unsweetened cranberry and pomegranate) into ice cubes and use them in spritzer beverages as well.

Some of my favorite places to purchase bulk herbs are Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Botanicals. and Lhasa Karnak

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Top 3 Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternatives

My Top 3 Caffeine- Free Coffee Alternatives

Café Capomo

Dandy Blend

DIY Herbal Spritzers

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