Best Coffee Alternative Drinks

Also known as caffè d'orzo in Italian, this is one of the most popular alternative coffee drinks, although it is important to know it does not taste the same as coffee. It works as a substitute for coffee because it offers a hot drink with a deep flavor. It is naturally caffeine free, so it is a good alternative for those with a sensitivity to this compound in coffee.

To make caffè d'orzo, the barley beans are roasted and ground like regular coffee beans. This ground barley is then placed in the arm of an espresso machine and prepared in the same way as a coffee espresso.

Ginger is a spicy root which can have a very strong flavor, but used properly it can make a delicious infusion. If you are looking for an alternative to coffee that is very refreshing, but doesn't have any caffeine, ginger with lemon and honey is a popular favorite. This drink is not only delicious, but it can help improve your immunity and recover from a mild illness.

To prepare this drink, you start by boiling the water. As it boils, cut some slices of lemon and ginger. The amount you need should be based on personal preference. Place enough honey in a cup to balance the bitterness of the lemon. Fill the cup with water and dissolve the honey. Place in the lemon and ginger and let sit for a minimum of five minutes.

If you don't have any of the fresh stuff, check out our article on how to make ginger tea with ground ginger.

If you are looking for a coffee alternative drink that maintains the flavor of coffee, chicory is about the best you can get. It is an excellent substitute if you don't want to miss out on that coffee aroma. To obtain chicory, the root of the chicory plant is extracted, roasted and ground into the powder used to make the drink. Its main advantage is that it doesn't contain caffeine. It's also a valuable source of fiber.

Chicory is a good option for you if you don't want the stimulating effect of coffee, but do want a beverage with a similar flavor and to have your coffee moment. It can be found in freeze-dried granules, but fresh chicory is best prepared in a French press coffee maker.

Although too much is bad for you, cocoa contains antioxidants like theobromine and theophylline. These can help you wake up and feel energized in the morning. It's often mixed with a large amount of sugar, so it's important to be careful when consuming it. It also does contain some caffeine, but it is not as much as coffee.

A good option is to choose pure and unsweetened cocoa. It has a characteristic bitter taste and can be enjoyed with milk. If it's too strong for your taste, you can add a little sugar or sweetener. This means you can put in smaller quantities compared to industrially produced sweetened cocoa powders.

Learn more with our article asking is cocoa good for your health?

This drink is very healthy for the body, as well as being a stimulant that will help you wake up and activate your body every morning. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, important for their antioxidant properties that help the skin fight the effects of free radicals and premature aging.

You'll easily find green tea in the supermarket, in tea bags, capsules or in loose powder. These will all be prepared in similar ways to other teas.

Ginseng root is a natural stimulant, making it a great coffee alternative drink. It helps boost mental and physical performance and improve concentration. Korean red ginseng is the most prized for its properties and benefits. It may help to reduce stress and fatigue . You can take it as a tea or infusion, but you'll also find ginseng capsules on the market.

Read our related article to learn more about what ginseng is good for.

Mate is Argentina's most famous beverage. It's also widely consumed in Paraguay and Uruguay. Like coffee, it contains caffeine, as well as antioxidants. This means it is one of the best coffee alternatives that contains caffeine. One of the main benefits of drinking mate is that it helps improve digestion.

Although it's a little more difficult to find in some countries, it's increasingly available on international supermarket shelves. You can find it in various formats, such as sachets to add to hot water or packets with enough to fill the mate gourds. These are specialized cups that are traditionally used to drink mate through a special straw known as a bombilla.

Smoothies are blended drinks made with fruits and vegetables in varying amounts. They offer a significant amount of vitamins and nutrients. Smoothies can be mixed with yogurt, milk or plant-based drinks to create a creamy texture. This makes them more palatable and ideal for those who drink them for an energy boost throughout the day, making them a stimulating alternative to cold brew coffee.

This is a drink made from licorice root. It contains minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium and potassium, as well as vitamin C. It is good for digestion and an excellent anti-inflammatory, so it is recommended for cases of gas, heartburn or irritable bowel syndrome. Licorice tea has a pleasant, sweet taste, making it a popular choice for those looking for a caffeine-free option .

Rooibos is a South African herb obtained by fermenting a bush similar to tea leaves, resulting in a red-colored product. Rooibos tea contains potassium, calcium, iron and antioxidants, which provide multiple health benefits. It also boosts the immune system, helping to protect against illness. Rooibos is caffeine-free, improves heart and bone health and lowers blood pressure.

Learn more about drinking infusions with our article explaining the difference between tea and herbal tea.

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