7 Awesome Alternatives to Coffee – Latte Style

It is really nice to have some balance in our life. Although coffee has its place and is one of the most enjoyable sensations of the day alternatives to coffee can be just as nurturing to the body and the senses.

I am a big latte drinker. I like espresso latte at home or coffee shop lattes. In either case I found the idea of alternative lattes a much easier transition to than most other suggestions e.g. lemon water.

Often we look at alternatives to coffee as boring or just healthy. With 7 different options to coffee or espresso it can be just as nice as deciding the type of coffee you feel like.

“If we drink to much coffee often it can leave us dehydrated, so mixing it up with alternatives other than the most common choice of black tea can be ideal for hydrating your body” (source)

Often smoothies are recommended as alternatives to coffee, but to me the consistency of a smoothie is almost like a food drink and cam make me feel full quite unlike the feeling of an espresso. 

I often drink latte, so here are some of my Latte alternatives.

Espresso Latte Alternatives

Turmeric Latte

The herb turmeric is ground from a root plant similar to ginger only turmeric is a golden yellow colour. You can make your own turmeric drinks from the fresh root or ground powder and I will mention how in a moment. Today Turmeric latte mixes are readily available, My favourite ones are made from organic turmeric  just like this one.

Make your Own

I use ground turmeric powder, about 1/2 a teaspoon. You can use more however it can taste a bit bitter so I usually go for 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey. I pour a little boiled water in the bottom of cup to start dissolving the turmeric. Then I add heated milk.

I either a milk frother or microwave to heat the milk. There I have my own almost instant latte. It is nice and if my body has any inflammation it really helps to soothe and cleanse. I like being able to alter with honey and milk to my own taste and I know there are no additives in my own mix. If i like it really cremey I add more milk. If I feel I have been drinking a lot of milk, I can add more water and just a bit of milk.

Matcha Latte

You can make your own if you have some matcha powder which is a very high quality Japanese green tea. Matcha latte powder is also available and is made just like instant coffee. A lot of the Matcha powder is ceremonial grade green tea. I have in my cupboard one I can use for just sipping as green tea or Lattes. It is good because it can also be used in  for cooking with or making smoothies.https://amzn.to/2WRMi50

Mushroom Latte

Maitake Mushroom Powder with Coconut Milk Powder a matcha latte mix – Also a nice alternative which has a mix of some matcha powder as well.

I like this Mushroom Latte mix with ginger. It is a reviver mix with Peruvian cacao. And no, this coffee latte does not taste like mushrooms.

Chai Latte

Available in coffee pods for single serve machines or an instant powder.

It is originally from India and served as a black tea or with warmed with the addition of honey and milk.

 To make your own boil some black tea, a cinnamon stick, cardamom, star of aniseed, fresh ginger and 1 to 2 cloves. It is better to use the herb pod or stick rather than the ground spice. After bringing to boil you can drain and serve. For the latte version just add some honey and milk to the pot and bring to boil again. It is a truly nurturing delicious drink with much less caffeine that a coffee latte.

Maca latte

Maca is ginseng -Peruvian which has been used for centuries to alleviate stress and to improve mood. With a nutty flavour profile it is often used in cooking recipes but tastes nice with almond milk. Maca root powder can be kept in the pantry for latte or for flavouring different recipes. 

It can give you an energy boost without the adrenal rush crash that comes with drinking coffee or eating sweets.

Dandelion Latte

Dandelion Root can be brewed in a coffee percolator. If not brewed well it can taste slightly bitter. It is very good for the liver and digestion.  Dandelion tastes best when it is mixed and in instant form. The one I like is mixed with barley, rye, chicory root and dandelion root and some sweetener. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you want a  coffee alternative but still crave your coffee hit, make sure you drink  coffee extracted from quality beans. It is much healthier than instant coffee variations.

Try using a small amount of espresso, drip filtered or French Press made coffee.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe is perfect because it only requires a small amount of coffee in the bottom of the cup.

This recipe to make at home boasts it is better than the Starbucks. It includes pumpkin puree mixed with pumpkin spice warmed milk, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles pumpkin spice.

The pumpkin spice courtesy of (source)

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger 

• 1/2 teaspoon allspice 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

This is best whisked together; it can then be kept in a sealed jar for up to 1 year.

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée 

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, as above

• Freshly ground black pepper 

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 

• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 

• 2 cups whole milk 

• 1 to 2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup), or 1/3 to 1/2 cup strong coffee 

• 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped into firm peaks

Make Pumpkin Mix

Heat in a Small Saucepan

In a small saucepan heat the pumpkin,( puree), the spice with a tablespoon of black pepper. Using medium heat stir continuously till hot or cooked. This should take approx 2 minutes.  

Add Sugar

Keep stirring the sugar till you puree looks thick and bubbly, similar to a syrup.

Warm the milk. Whisk in the milk and vanilla and warm gently, stirring keeping an eye to make sure it doesn’t boil.

Blend with milk

Usually this is best in a blender or with a hand held mixer. If you us a blender be sure your lid will stay on or hold it down with some tea towels.

Ready to add to Cups

Poor some espresso into the bottom of 2 cups. Then add your pumpkin mixture. Dress with the whipped cream and some of your spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg to your taste. Recipe provided by (source)