This creamy, delicious hot cacao drink is loaded with some of my favorite adaptogens, mushrooms and antioxdiant rich cacao. It's perfect to warm up from a cold day or as an afternoon pick me up. If you missed my post explaining what adaptogens are and how they work, check it out here.
This recipe uses adaptogens that support healthy skin, stronger immunity, brain power and uplifted mood! It does call for cacao so if you're drinking this as a night tonic, beware it can be really stimulating for some (it is for me). On that note, if you are drinking at night, sensitive, or allergic to cacao/chocolate, you can replace with carob powder or just leave it out of the recipe and it will still be really tasty. It's equally as yummy with dandy blend instead of cacao as a coffee substitute.
Beautifying Hot Cacao Tonic
Ingredients8 oz milk of your choosing (or 4oz hot water + 4oz milk)
¼-½ teaspoon reishi, chaga or mushroom powder
½ teaspoon tremella
½ tsp mucuna
¼ teaspoon astragalus
⅛ tsp cinnamon
1½- 2 Tbs cacao powder
1 heaping teaspoon honey (can also use a date, maple syrup, coconut sugar)
Pinch of sea salt
1 tsp of pastured ghee, almond butter or tahini for healthy fats
1 Tbs collagen peptides (optional)
Instructions
Warm milk in a saucepan.
Sprinkle in powders and use a hand frother to blend before adding honey. (or use blender to make extra frothy. Be sure to vent the lid or remove feeder cap so steam can escape).
Pour into your favorite mug, take a deep relaxing breath and enjoy!
Tips to Personalize:
- Want to include adaptogens in your morning latte? Reduce your milk choice to 1-2 ounces and replace the rest with coffee, dandy blend, green or black tea.
- Find the herbs that work for you! Play with different adaptogen combinations. The body loves variety so mix it up.
- Ashwaghanda – not included in this recipe, but it’s another highly regarded adaptogen. It is part of the night-shade family so avoid if you are allergic/sensitive to nightshades or dealing with inflammation.
- Pump up your flavor profile with ginger, cardamom and allspice
Most importantly, listen to your body!
Notice how they make you feel and adjust herbs and ratios as it works for you. Adaptogens are wonderful herbs but not all herbs work for everybody. Each person is unique in what works for them so explore with caution, do some research and source mindfully.
