Spiced-Up Turmeric Latte with Cinnamon and Chicory

The week after the holidays I always feel like I need a good detox but I’m still in the mood to relax and enjoy family. Enter this combination of two of my favorite healthy pleasures: coffee + turmeric tea (or golden milk). The trick is, this cinnamon turmeric latte doesn’t contain coffee at all… it just tastes like it! Roasted chicory root makes this turmeric tea extra robust and works both as a “get me out of bed” drink in the morning or a relaxing drink at night. As an added bonus, it can boost immunity and soothe inflammation too!

Why a Coffee Substitute?

I’m not snubbing coffee here. In fact, I have never been shy about my love of all things coffee (as my DIY coffee bar and French press will attest). Coffee has a lot of proven health benefits, especially if you make it the right way. Still, if you are sensitive to caffeine or struggle with cortisol levels as I did, there is evidence that abstaining from coffee for a while may be a good idea. This turmeric latte recipe is a great way to get the taste of coffee without any caffeine.

A Turmeric Latte… for Coffee Lovers!

This turmeric latte recipe calls for many of the same superfood ingredients as turmeric tea, including cinnamon, black pepper, and of course a liberal dose of turmeric powder for maximum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Roasted and ground chicory root is native to France and has been used for centuries as a cheaper and more available coffee alternative.

French colonists in the New Orleans area took to mixing it into their coffee and the tradition holds strong today. The Cafe du Monde even serves chicory coffee with their famous beignets.

There’s more than history behind chicory, though. It can actually be therapeutic. Several studies show chicory has cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits due in part to its being a rich source of plant phenolics.

It also contains a high amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and gut-friendly dietary fiber from inulin.

Finally, this recipe gets in a dose of healthy fats from my favorite, coconut oil. The lauric acid in coconut oil gives it great antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.

Cinnamon Turmeric Latte Recipe

This delicious cinnamon turmeric latte includes collagen, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper along with healthy fat from the coconut oil. A rich and decadent drink that is nourishing as well as delicious.

Ingredients:

1 cup brewed chicory root "coffee"

1/2 cup coconut milk

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp ceylon cinnamon

pinch of black pepper

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 collagen powder

1 TBSP coconut oil or butter

raw honey to taste optional

Instructions:

Heat water in the kettle. Let it get hot, but not boiling.

Pour one cup of hot water into glass measuring cup. Add chicory tea bag* and let steep 3 minutes.

Pour coconut milk into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat.

Add cinnamon and turmeric. Stir until incorporated and remove from heat.

Add dash of black pepper to taste.

Add the rest of the ingredients (except for chicory tea) and pulse with immersion blender until frothy.

Pour chicory tea into mug and add milk mixture. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Enjoy!

Notes

Chicory is not recommended in large quantities during pregnancy. Please check with your healthcare provider before starting to drink chicory coffee if you are pregnant. To make an iced version: Omit the coconut oil and use cold chicory coffee or cold brew coffee and blend until smooth.

Nutrition