Do you ever feel like you’re only ever drinking coffee? While it has its own tastes, smells, and benefits, there’s more to the world of drinks than your morning joe. Whether you’re looking for something to start even the most morning-resistant day off on the right foot, something to wind down into relaxation mode in the afternoon, or something to fill your cup with flavor all hours of the day, here are some ideas of what else you can drink other than coffee.
Green tea is one of the healthiest and energizing drinks out there. It’s packed with antioxidants and is incredibly soothing. The caffeine content is significantly less than a standard cup of coffee, so it won’t give you the jitters while providing an energizing boost. Green tea is a great choice to start your day and has many health benefits, making you feel even better about what you’re drinking.
If you’re looking for something relaxing, something herbal will fit the bill. For instance, chamomile and lavender tea are both calming and help you reach a state of relaxation. Soothing flavors like rose hips and citrus are also delicious. These teas can be taken after dinner to unwind, or right before bed to relax.
Need an afternoon pick me up? Try a matcha latte. Matcha is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves that is typically whisked with hot water or milk. Rich in antioxidants and with a hint of caffeine, matcha is a great way to recharge and stay alert without the crash. Try adding other flavors and your favorite milks to make your own delicious creations.
It’s also good to give your body the break it deserves from caffeine, and for those moments, there are plenty of yummy non-caffeinated drinks. There are a variety of non-caffeine teas, like fruity rooibos and hibiscus flower blends. You can also try flavored waters and juices for something light and refreshing. Hot chocolate is also an option for a cozy and comforting beverage – and it often comes with marshmallows!
Whatever your choice, try to be aware of what kind of sugar is added. Plenty of store-bought drinks contain loads of sugar, so opt for healthier versions such as those made with stevia or raw cane sugar. Or, if you have the time, try making your own drinks and experiment with the ingredients to find what best fits your flavor profile.
Smoothies
One of the best and quickest ways to kickstart your day is to drink a smoothie. Not only are they a great on-the-go breakfast option, but they’re ultra-convenient as well; you can toss in whatever fruit, grasses, grains, and veggies you fancy, blend and drink. It’s an easy way to get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals into your system quickly and get going. You can customize your smoothie to fit whatever you’re feeling, too; adding peanut butter for some protein, honey for sweetness, or a combination of all your favorite fruits.
If you’re feeling especially creative, you can also whip up unusual concoctions like a green smoothie, made from kale and spinach, or a root smoothie with beets and carrots. There are plenty of recipes available online, so experiment and see what combinations you can come up with!
Kombucha
Kombucha is an ancient fermented drink that has gone through a modern health revival. It’s made from tea, spices, and fruits, and like many fermented foods, it’s high in probiotics, which helps support digestion and gut health. Kombucha has a slight fizzy and sour taste, so if you’re a fan of carbonation, this is definitely worth trying. It’s also incredibly versatile, as there are different flavors to choose from, ranging from fruity to herbal.
If you’re wondering what to drink other than coffee, kombucha is a great option. It’s something that can fit easily into any lifestyle and is healthy for your mind and body. You can find kombucha in natural grocery stores, and if you have some extra time, you can even make your own at home!
Healthy Juices
Juices are a tasty way to get a healthy boost of fruit and veggies in your system. Whether you buy store-bought versions or make your own, juicing is an easy way to supercharge your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Green juices are one of the most popular and they are made from leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. They can be mixed with different veggies and fruits so that the flavor is more to your liking. Other great choices are fruit smoothies made with orange juice, strawberry, and banana, or a refreshing carrot and ginger juice.
Remember, juices are best consumed fresh, but you can also pack a few up and take them to go. Juice bars are popping up in cities all over the world, so chances are, there’s one near you.
Homebrewed Kefir
Anyone who loves fermented drinks needs to try their hand at making kefir. It’s one of the best drinks for boosting your immune system, and because it’s made out of milk, it’s packed with protein and calcium. Kefir is incredibly easy to make and requires very few ingredients, plus it has a unique flavor due to its probiotics. All you need is milk, kefir grains, and a few days to let your mixture sit in a warm place.
And if you want to get a bit more creative, you can add different flavors like honey and dried fruit to your kefir. Furthermore, you can add vegetables or herbs to obtain an even more distinct flavor. Have fun with it and see what you can come up with!
Herbal Teas
If you’re looking for something to drink that’s not coffee, herbal tea is a great option. Not only does it provide delicious natural flavors, but it also comes with a range of medicinal benefits. Most herbs are known for aiding to different ailments from headaches to respiratory infections, and some can even help with digestion. Try experimenting with different flavors, like a relaxing chamomile tea or soothing ginger tea—the possibilities are endless.
The best part about herbal tea is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Just boil some water, add your herbs and roots, steep the mixture and enjoy your cup. Alternatively, you can buy herbal tea bags in most stores, so you don’t even have to worry about the preparation—simply add hot water and you’re ready to go.
Sparkling Water and Soda
Sometimes, nothing can satisfy your craving for something fizzy and bubbly like soda. This can be a source of debate as to whether or not it’s healthy, since many sodas contain high amounts of sugar. However, healthy versions can be made from natural ingredients, like sparkling water and a little juice. Even if you don’t have access to natural versions, opting for the low- or zero-calorie versions can be a great way to freshen up your drink routine.
Sodas are also very versatile and can be made at home with syrup. You can make shelf-stable syrups using natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup, plus flavored syrups such as vanilla and ginger. Not only can these drinks replace soda, but they can also be used as a healthy way to satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings in moderation.
Natural Dehydrated Fruit Drinks
Dehydrated fruit drinks are a tasty and healthy way to give your body a boost of vitamins and minerals. Fruits such as apples and oranges are dehydrated and then reconstituted with water. The result is a thick concentrate that can be diluted with various liquids such as sparkling water, milk, or your favorite juice. These concentrates come in a variety of flavors and can act as a great alternative to sugary drinks. Also, since the natural sweeteners and flavors are much better for your health, your energy levels won’t have any big peaks or valleys throughout the day.
These drinks are also great for getting creative in the kitchen. You can experiment with different fruits, sweeteners, and flavorings to customize your own natural beverage. Some of the most popular combinations include apple and cinnamon, orange and mango, or banana and cocoa.
