As autumn arrives, the days become cooler, and the leaves change colour, inviting us to enjoy cosy moments with a hot drink in hand. While coffee is a classic that many adore, it's sometimes nice to explore other options that can also offer warmth, flavour, and perhaps even a boost of energy. Here are some delicious alternatives to coffee that you can try this autumn.
1. Spicy Chai Latte
Chai tea is an aromatic blend of black tea and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Its warm, spicy flavour is perfect for autumn days. You can enjoy it as a chai latte by adding frothed milk (dairy or plant-based) and a touch of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it. This tea is not only comforting but also provides a small caffeine boost, though milder than coffee.
2. Golden Milk
Golden milk is a drink made from turmeric, a spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To prepare this beverage, simply mix turmeric powder, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and a bit of honey or agave syrup with hot milk (dairy or a plant-based alternative). The result is a warm, comforting drink perfect for boosting your immune system during the colder months.
3. Matcha Latte
If you’re looking for a gentler and longer-lasting energy boost than coffee, matcha might be your best choice. This Japanese green tea powder is rich in antioxidants and offers a sustained release of caffeine without the sharp peaks and crashes associated with coffee. Preparing a matcha latte is as simple as whisking a teaspoon of matcha powder with a little hot water and then adding frothed milk. It's a vibrant green drink, full of health benefits. Moreover, matcha from Matcha & CO has a premium colour because it is made from the highest quality leaves and follows the traditional process. Its scent is mild, sweet, and has a vegetal aroma, with a very fine texture thanks to being stone-ground for hours.
4. Hot Apple Cider
Nothing says "autumn" like a good hot apple cider. This classic drink is made by heating apple juice with spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise — it’s like a hug in a cup. You can customise it to your taste by adding a touch of honey or even a splash of brandy for a more grown-up version. Besides being delicious, it’s a caffeine-free option that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
5. Rooibos with Milk and Spices
Rooibos is a caffeine-free red tea from South Africa, known for its relaxing properties and naturally sweet, earthy flavour. This tea pairs perfectly with milk (or plant-based milks) and spices like cinnamon or ginger, making it an excellent substitute for chai latte for those who prefer to avoid caffeine altogether. It’s an ideal choice for autumn evenings when you're looking for something comforting before bed.
6. Hot Cocoa with Cinnamon and Matcha
For chocolate lovers, a hot cocoa with an autumn twist can be the perfect coffee substitute. And when combined with matcha, it becomes a healthy alternative with an added energy boost. To enjoy this delight, Matcha & CO has launched the new Matcha Chocolate, organic ceremonial-grade matcha tea powder from Uji, Kyoto, Japan, enriched with the rich flavour of organic cocoa. You can sweeten it to taste with honey, maple syrup, or stevia. This drink, rich in antioxidants and magnesium, will give you an energy boost and provide a sense of well-being.
Exploring alternatives to coffee can be a fun way to diversify your hot drink habits this autumn. Whether you're looking for an energy boost, a relaxing experience, or simply something different to enjoy during this season, these options offer a variety of flavours and benefits. Try them all and discover your new favourite drink for autumn!
Which alternative to coffee would you like to try first this autumn? Let us know in the comments!