Adaptogenic Pink Elixir Latte
You know when you need a little afternoon pick-me-up but you don’t want a massive hit of caffeine? Well, drum roll please…meet my adaptogenic pink elixir “latte”—this drink feels like a big hug to the mind and body. It’s chock full of adaptogens (herbs that help your body adapt to stress) to help keep you feeling stable, soothed and most importantly…jitter-free!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-caffeine. But after 12pm, I usually try and stay away from coffee or highly caffeinated drinks so that by the time I go to bed, my body can undergo restorative sleep.
What I love about a fancy elixir is that it’s a nice afternoon (or anytime!) ritual. Having these little moments in my day helps to keep me motivated and feeling good. Inside and out. I believe it’s these little rituals that can help shift our moods, mindset and overall wellbeing. The creation of this elixir is almost as satisfying as the drink itself.
I’ve added a blend of beneficial ingredients, all of which you can find at a natural foods store or via the links below.
(It’s worth noting that I have no relationship with the products/companies I recommended here, I just love them!)
Ingredients:
1.5 c Organic oat milk
1 Tsp. Organic raw honey (Trader Joe’s has a great option)
1/2 Tbsp. Organic coconut butter (I used Dastony)
1 tsp. Peak + Valley Nourish My Brain Adaptogen Blend (Maca, Lion’s Mane + Ashwagandha)
1/4 Tsp. Organic Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp. Organic Cardamon
1/4 Tsp. Beet Powder (This looks like a great option)
Topping (optional): Organic hibiscus flowers
Directions:
Steam your milk of choice. I personally think oat milk tastes the best with this recipe. Use whatever tickles your fancy. Other options you may want to consider: cashew, macadamia or hemp milks. All of which are fairly creamy.
Add all ingredients to a blender and combine until fully incorporated. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!
Ingredient Spotlight:
Organic Raw Honey: This is truly the g-o-l-d standard when it comes to honey (see what I did there?) because it hasn’t been pasteurized, clarified or filtered which means more of the healthy nutrients remain intact. Why organic? Organic ensures that it’s free of any nasty fertilizers, pesticides and artificial agents.
This is certainly not to say that you shouldn’t consume regular organic honey, but if you can get your hands on organic raw honey, this is the best option. As noted above, you can pick up this variety at Trader Joe’s rather inexpensively.
What are the benefits? Where to begin?!
High antioxidant levels
Anti-bacterial + anti-inflammatory properties
Energy-enhancing
Wound-healing (Topically used as an antiseptic)
Energy-boosting (Readily available carbohydrate= quick energy)
Also here is your PSA on honey: because I have young nephews and my sister would appreciate me adding this (hi, emily!) it’s worth noting that you cannot feed honey to babies—look up “botulism”.
Additionally, honey is still sugar, so consume in moderation!
Maca: Maca is a root vegetable that has medicinal properties and is native to the Andes of Peru and Bolivia. Known as an ‘adaptogen’, maca helps mitigate the effects of stress by aiding in the regeneration of the adrenal glands, making it an ideal food for those living in the year 2021! Maca is incredibly beneficial to women in that it helps improve energy, balance hormones and increase libido. Nutritionally, it’s an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, plant sterols, protein, and essential fatty acids. (More recipes with maca coming soon, friends!)
Cinnamon: Did you know that cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices and that at one point it was more precious than gold?? Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. It is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which is available in its dried tubular form known as a quill or as ground powder. The two varieties of cinnamon, Chinese and Ceylon, have similar flavor, however the cinnamon from Ceylon is slightly sweeter. Cinnamon is anti-microbial and in Traditional Chinese Medicine is known as a warming spice taken at the onset of a cold or flu. Additionally, it’s scent boosts brain function and it’s a great source of manganese, fiber and calcium. I like adding a touch atop my lattes and oatmeal—yum!