Something a little different than matcha

Matcha is the biggest hype right now. It looks super aesthetic, fits perfectly into your morning routine and you see it everywhere on TikTok and Instagram. But let's be honest. It's absolutely not everyone's cup of tea. For many people it just tastes... like grass. And if you're one of them, but you do want something different from coffee or tea, then luckily there are better options. Less hyped, but just as interesting and often tastier too. Cacao and turmeric are two perfect examples of that. Two ingredients with a long history, that you can now also drink as a latte.

Cacao

Most people know cacao as the basis of chocolate, but originally it wasn't used as a sweet snack at all. In Central America, among civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs, cacao was already being drunk as a bitter beverage thousands of years ago. It was often mixed with water, herbs and sometimes chili, and had an almost ritual meaning. It was seen as something powerful. Not just a drink, but something that gave energy and had status.

What's interesting is that pure cacao is totally different from what we know as chocolate milk. It's less sweet, fuller in flavor and has something warm and deep about it. That's why it actually works well as an alternative to coffee. Besides that, cacao contains natural substances like theobromine. That gives energy, but without the sharp peak and crash you often get with caffeine. You feel more alert, but calmer.

Cacao latte recipe

Ingredients:

250 ml milk (or plant-based milk like oat milk or almond milk)
1 to 2 teaspoons pure cacao (unsweetened)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon or chili (optional)

Preparation:

Heat the milk in a small pan over medium heat (don't let it boil)
Add the cacao and stir well until it's completely dissolved
Add honey or maple syrup if desired for some sweetness
Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili to taste for extra depth
Keep stirring until the mixture is warm and creamy
Pour into a mug and drink warm

Turmeric

Turmeric originally comes from South Asia and has played an important role in Indian cuisine and medicine for thousands of years, particularly within Ayurveda. There it was used not only as a spice, but also as something that supports the body. Think anti-inflammatory applications and strengthening the immune system. The taste of turmeric is totally different from cacao. Earthy, slightly bitter and spicy. Not something you'd quickly drink on its own, but precisely in combination with milk and spices it works surprisingly well.

Recipe: turmeric latte (golden milk)

Ingredients:

250ml milk (or plant-based milk)
1 teaspoon turmeric
Pinch of black pepper
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of ginger powder or fresh ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Preparation:

Gently heat the milk in a small pan (don't let it boil)
Add the turmeric and a pinch of black pepper
Stir well so the turmeric completely dissolves
Add cinnamon, ginger and honey if desired for extra flavor
Let the mixture gently warm for a few minutes while you keep stirring
Pour into a mug and drink warm

Try something new

Matcha is absolutely not the only aesthetic drink with loads of health benefits that you can drink. If you're looking for something that's warm, soothing and just a little different from coffee or tea, then cacao and turmeric might be a better match. Less hype, but often exactly what you need.