I am a self-proclaimed coffee lover. Unfortunately, however, stimulants don’t work well for me. I can have a 12-ounce cup of coffee at 10 a.m. and still be wide awake at 10 p.m. Over the years, I have gone back and forth between regular coffee and decaf, but then I discovered the enjoyable benefits of herbal coffee substitutes and found a new warm beverage to love–chicory and dandelion root coffee!

Chicory (Chichorium intybus) and Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) plants are Eurasian, meaning they are from both Europe and Asia. Both plants however, made the jump across the pond to North America and are now extremely common weeds that grow almost everywhere. *Traditionally, they were used to support digestive, gastrointestinal, and liver health, as well as overall general health and well-being. Chicory has been used in Europe as a well-known coffee additive and substitute for many years but drinking chicory didn’t become popular in the Americas until the Civil War, when coffee imports were blocked.

Chicory and dandelion have a wonderful earthy and coffee-like taste. Once you try it this herbal “coffee” recipe, I think you will see why it is a lovely substitute to start your day.

Roasted Chicory and Dandelion Root Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1.5 Tbsp. organic roasted chicory root powder
• 1 tsp. organic roasted dandelion root powder
• Milk or milk substitute of choice (optional)
• Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, stevia) (optional)
• 1/4 tsp. organic sweet cinnamon powder

Directions

• Bring 2 cups water to a boil.
• Measure chicory root power and, dandelion root powder into a French or tea press.
• Pour boiling water into the press, stir, insert plunger and lid without pressing down.
• Allow to sit for 10-20 minutes then press plunger down.
• Pour into mugs, add optional milk/substitutes and sweetener if desired, and sprinkle cinnamon powder on top.

You can play around with other fun ingredients to spice or sweeten up your beverage. Try adding:

• Mocha – add 1/2 tsp. fair trade organic cacao powder.
• 1/2 tsp. organic vanilla extract.
• 1 Tbsp. organic unrefined coconut oil – stir in while hot to make sure it melts.
• A dash of organic cayenne powder for a wee kick.

Pro Tips

• You can also make this recipe using cut organic roasted chicory root and cut organic roasted dandelion root. Begin by using the same ratios as above and adjust to your taste preferences.
• If you are finding that the added ingredients aren’t mixing well in your mug –  just throw them in a blender!
• Want your brew stronger? Experiment with adding more powders to get the perfect blend for you.
  
  

Looking for more herbal substitute recipes?

Try Guarana Seed Hot Cocoa

You may also enjoy:

Golden Milk Powder Blend + Latte Recipe
Traditional Mexican Hot Chocolate with Chocolate de Mesa Recipe
DIY Cardamom Coffee Lip Balm Recipe