Coffee Alternatives to Carry You Through the Day
For many, the morning ritual begins with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. And who could blame them – it is a great smell. But what if you’re looking to change up your routine or reduce your caffeine intake? Fear not, for the world of the morning (and lunch, afternoon, and evening) beverages are teeming with delicious and energising alternatives that can invigorate your senses and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Why not try one of those?
Herbal Teas – The Classic
Starting with a clear classic. Sure, we Brits love our cuppa – but next time you’re at the store, don’t skip the small but lovely tea section that isn’t PGs or Yorkshire. You can find a broad spectrum of tastes, ranging from soothing chamomile to invigorating peppermint. Herbal teas are caffeine-free, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a gentler morning lift. Teas like lavender will give you a more calming effect, whereas a zesty kick of ginger tea is sure to refresh you.
Matcha, Turmeric, or Chai Lattes
You could also start the day a bit fancier – especially if you like to take your time and relax, before going into the day’s tasks. With both caffeine and L-theanine, matcha provides a focused energy boost without the jitters associated with coffee. Its earthy flavour and versatility (delicious both hot and cold!), make it an ideal option. You can opt for the classic preparation ritual or find it for a quick and easy brew as matcha teabags. For something a bit spicier, try turmeric lattes, which are known for their potential anti-inflammation properties. By combining turmeric with other spices like ginger and black pepper, they offer a warming and invigorating way to wake up your senses. If you instead steep black tea with spices like cinnamon, cloves or cardamom and blend it with frothy milk, you’ll have yourself a classic chai latte – especially comforting in the colder months.
Starting the Day Fresh and Fruity
Kickstarting your morning with a burst of vitamins and nutrients from freshly squeezed juices has never been a bad idea. If you want, you can experiment yourself with combinations like citrus fruits, greens, and ginger, to create energising concoctions. Or you can transition from sipping to spooning with a smoothie bowl – just blend the fruits with yoghurt or the milk of your choice, top them with granola, nuts, and seeds and turn it into a powerful breakfast. You can easily use slices of cucumber, lemon, mint, or berries and add them to still or sparkling water for a nice and refreshing infused water, to keep you hydrated throughout the entirety of the day.
Explore some more Exotic Options
If you really want to try out something new and are just here for a wake-up call, rather than having a moment for yourself – try shots. Wheatgrass or ginger shots are packed with nutrients, believed to support detoxification and provide an instant boost of vitality. Coconut water makes an equally fantastic choice to quench your morning thirst, with its natural sweetness and replenishing qualities. You could also try a nut butter infusion – simply mix it with hot water, milk, or milk alternatives for a creamy and satisfying drink that will keep you satiated for a while. And lastly, have you ever heard of kombucha? It’s a fermented tea beverage with not only a unique taste but greatly beneficial probiotics for gut health.
There are a lot of options out there that can get you off your morning coffee, for whatever reason it is that you might want to switch. But if all the above still doesn’t satisfy your needs – no one can say no to a hot chocolate. Right?