Whether you’re a java-lover or a tea aficionado, chances are you have a go-to drink that makes mornings (or afternoons) a little more enjoyable. In my case, I turn to a homemade latte every morning–it’s like an old friend who never fails to boost my spirits. Then, in the afternoon (if I’m on good behavior and not reaching for a second cup of coffee!), I’ll brew myself an herbal tea or make a “wellness latte” with warm, frothed milk and my favorite herbs and spices. This is especially lovely on chilly days or when I just crave a little extra comfort. The following are a few add-ins you can keep in rotation–or combine–to make your own wellness tonic latte or warm beverage. Some of these may even taste good with coffee. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
7 Cozy-Wonderful Ways to Make a Wellness Tonic Latte
Before picking your add-ins, pick your milk of choice. I find that unsweetened, organic soy milk tastes good with just about anything. Other plant-based options include coconut milk, rice milk, hemp milk, and almond milk. In my experience, each milk has its own “peak” temperature, meaning some milks tolerate being heated better than others. Almond milk, especially from the store, tends to acquire a strong “toasted” taste when heated, which you may or may not enjoy. Whatever milk you choose, however, opt for unsweetened to avoid a sugar overload.
I prefer to warm a mug-full of milk in a small saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. I take the milk off when it’s got a healthy steam going to prevent the milk from getting a skin on top. I add it to my mug and then add the additional ingredients before giving everything a good whisk with a small bamboo whisk. Alternatively, you can put everything in the blender. (Obviously, if you’re drinking coffee, adjust the amount of milk accordingly.)
1. Cinnamon.
Cinnamon is something almost all of us have in our cabinets, so this is a great one to start with. Cinnamon has a naturally sweet flavor, so it’s a lovely way to enhance the flavor of your beverage sans sugar. Budding research also suggests that cinnamon may help lower blood sugar, and reducing blood sugar spikes is beneficial for a host of reasons.
Recommended serving: 1/4 teaspoon or more.
2. Cacao powder.
Raw cacao is becoming a pantry staple. As a source of magnesium and antioxidants, cacao is undoubtedly a wellness ingredient. We’ve covered its impressive benefits here. It has a rich, slightly bitter taste and pairs well with coffee, cinnamon, and turmeric–but is quite delicious on its own, too.
Recommended serving: 1 teaspoon or more.
3. Turmeric.
Turmeric is one of the buzziest ingredients of the past few years with good reason. This pungent root is bursting with cancer-fighting properties, and some people even swear by it for glowing skin. Peaceful Dumpling writer Molly’s turmeric latte remains a go-to for me.
Recommended serving: 1 teaspoon.
4. Plant-based collagen powder.
I think we’re all a little obsessed with collagen these days. Collagen is a protein that supports a mind-boggling array of functions in the body, but it gets a lot of hype for being a key element in supple, plump skin. While many collagen products contain animal collagen, we prefer to support our own collagen via a healthy, plant-based diet. Edible Beauty Native Collagen Powder is comprised of Hibiscus, Kakadu Plum, Quandong, Mountain Pepper Berry, Sea Buckthorn and Macqui Berry. This antioxidant-rich blend helps prevent the breakdown of collagen and supports healthy gut flora.
Recommended serving: 1 teaspoon.
5. Matcha.
What kind of list about wellness lattes would be complete without matcha? This powdered form of green tea has well-documented benefits in the metabolism and antioxidant departments. It pairs well with plant-based collagen powder. Matcha contains caffeine (not as much as regular coffee, though), and it’s celebrated for providing a little energy boost without any jitters, so you can focus and feel great at the same time.
Recommended serving: 1 teaspoon.
6. He Shou Wu.
He Shou Wu is a root native to China with a long-standing use in traditional medicine. As a wellness supplement, it’s used to support healthy skin and nails as well as overall wellbeing. Its mild flavor allows it to blend beautifully with a variety of other tonic ingredients. (Mix it with plant-based collagen powder for the ultimate beauty drink!)
Recommended serving: 1/2 teaspoon
7. Spirulina.
Affectionately known as “pond scum,” spirulina is a type of algae notable for its high chlorophyll content. It’s also an excellent source of calcium and provides vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as magnesium and iron. What’s truly impressive is its ability to help chelate heavy metals from the body. (What doesn’t this stuff do?) When it comes to your lattes, spirulina gives milk a gorgeous sea blue hue!
Recommended serving: 1 teaspoon
What are your favorite ways to upgrade your latte?
Related: From Stress To Beauty, These Vegan Wellness Tonics Help With *Everything*
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