Turmeric Ginger and Cardamom Latte
In need of a cozy, caffeine-free drink? When I was told to quit caffeine by my doctor, I was SHOOK. Mortified, really. How was I expected to function properly throughout the day without my five cups of coffee? I had a long commute before the sun rose, and often had 14 hour work days ahead of me working as a producer on set during shooting days. Sometimes we film overnight if we need total control of a location, and on those nights, coffee is IMPERATIVE. I grieved at the thought of losing my beloved coffee, but to me it was worth a try to help my body move in a healing direction after my diagnosis.
There are articles out there that state that caffeine can alter your hormone levels and stir up inflammation - even affecting Asian women differently than others! I finally gave the caffeine-free life a try, day-by-day, and I am here, living and awake, to tell you that it is possible to cut out coffee if you want to give it a go.
Occasionally, I will still treat myself to a good ol’ cup of joe or matcha when I go on vacation or meet up with friends, but it is no longer something that I am in desperate need of everyday. This Turmeric Latte was one of those drinks that still gave me the morning ritual of drinking something warm, and I hope you’ll give it a try too if you’re looking for a caffeine-free treat any time of the day!
TURMERIC GINGER + CARDAMOM LATTE RECIPE
Makes 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
1 cup nut milk (I like coconut or almond milk for this)
1 scoop of collagen powder (optional, but great for gut health and helps make blended things more frothy!)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ginger, fresh
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of ground cardamom
A pinch of ground cinnamon
A pinch of black pepper
Sweetener of choice (optional, but would recommend Stevia drops)
METHOD
Bring milk to a light boil in a saucepan. Whisk in the turmeric, collagen powder, ginger, vanilla extract, cardamom powder, cinnamon, and just a touch of your sweetener of choice if you feel like you need it.
Pour the warm mixture into a mug, and then use a steam-free milk frother to generate that lovely, velvety milk foam. You can also use an immersion blender to foam up the mixture (just make sure you use a tall heat-safe cup) or use a blender to create the same effect. Strain the mixture if you used cardamom pods or cinnamon sticks instead.
Enjoy this golden hug in a mug!