Creating a delicious, caffeine-free breakfast drink that’s perfect for any time of day can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. This hot beverage, which conveniently stores well in the refrigerator, offers a warming and satisfying start to your morning routine or a cozy pick-me-up later in the day. Below, I’ll guide you through the intricate details of this recipe, its nutritional benefits, and various ways to personalize it to suit your taste.
Noncaffeine Breakfast Drink
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 Cups of the mixture (enough for 10 servings)
Servings: 10
Category: Beverages
Cuisine: Canadian
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: Breakfast, Lunch/Snacks, < 15 Mins, No Cook, Easy, Hot Drink
Description
This Noncaffeine Breakfast Drink is a warm, flavorful alternative to traditional caffeinated morning beverages. With its rich combination of carob powder, powdered milk, cinnamon, and honey, it’s both nourishing and comforting. The prepared mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks, making it a convenient and quick option for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
For the drink mixture:
- 3/4 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup carob powder
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup honey
For serving:
- 1 cup hot water or milk per serving
- Optional: Whipped cream for topping
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 115.3 kcal
- Fat: 3.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
- Cholesterol: 12.4 mg
- Sodium: 48.7 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Sugars: 18.8 g
- Protein: 3.4 g
Instructions
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Combine Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients (except for the optional whipped cream).
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Blend:
- Blend the mixture until smooth, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Store:
- Once fully blended and smooth, transfer the mixture to a covered container and store it in the refrigerator. This mixture can last for weeks, ready to be used at your convenience.
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Prepare the Drink:
- When you’re ready to enjoy a cup, measure out 3 tablespoons of the mixture and add it to a cup.
- Pour in 1 cup of hot water or milk, stirring well to combine until the mixture is fully dissolved and the drink is smooth.
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Optional Garnish:
- If desired, top your hot drink with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips and Variations
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Milk Alternatives:
- You can use any type of milk you prefer for the hot liquid addition, including plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk. These will provide different flavor profiles and nutritional benefits.
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Sweetness Adjustment:
- Adjust the amount of honey according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with less honey and add more if needed.
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Spice Variations:
- Experiment with adding other spices like nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of ground cloves for a more complex flavor.
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Flavor Enhancements:
- For a hint of vanilla, add a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture before blending. You can also mix in some cocoa powder for a more chocolatey taste if desired.
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Storage:
- Keep the mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If stored properly, it should remain fresh for several weeks, making it a convenient option for quick preparation.
Ingredient Breakdown and Benefits
Carob Powder
Carob is a legume often used as a chocolate substitute. It’s naturally sweet and caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for this drink. Carob powder provides a similar rich and smooth texture to cocoa but without the caffeine, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it.
Powdered Milk
Powdered milk adds creaminess and a rich dairy flavor to the drink while being easy to store and convenient to use. It also provides protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, contributing to a balanced breakfast drink.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and the rich notes of the carob. It also has antioxidant properties and can help in regulating blood sugar levels.
Honey
Honey acts as a natural sweetener in this recipe, adding not only sweetness but also a touch of floral flavor. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugars and provides a quick source of energy.
Detailed Instructions with Visuals
To make the recipe even more accessible, here is a step-by-step visual guide:
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Gather all ingredients: Ensure you have everything ready to avoid interruptions during preparation.
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Combine ingredients in a blender: This will ensure even mixing and a smooth consistency.
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Blend until smooth: Scrape down the sides as needed to fully incorporate all ingredients.
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Store the mixture: Use an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
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Prepare the hot drink: Measure out 3 tablespoons of the mixture and combine with hot water or milk.
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Optional topping: Add whipped cream if desired for extra richness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use cocoa powder instead of carob powder?
A: Yes, you can substitute carob powder with cocoa powder if you don’t mind a bit of caffeine. However, carob has a naturally sweeter taste, so you might need to adjust the amount of honey to achieve your desired sweetness.
Q: How long can I store the mixture in the fridge?
A: The mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Always check for freshness before use, especially if stored for an extended period.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! Substitute powdered milk with a plant-based powdered milk alternative, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Noncaffeine Breakfast Drink alongside a light breakfast such as a fruit parfait, granola, or a slice of whole-grain toast with almond butter. It’s versatile enough to complement a variety of breakfast options, providing a warm and satisfying start to your day.
Recipe Rating and Reviews
This drink has an impressive Aggregated Rating of 4.5 based on 6 reviews. Here’s what some reviewers had to say:
- Reviewer 1: “A wonderful alternative to my morning coffee. It’s rich, flavorful, and keeps me full until lunch!”
- Reviewer 2: “I love how easy this is to make and store. It’s my go-to for a quick warm drink on chilly mornings.”
- Reviewer 3: “The carob powder adds a unique taste that’s both sweet and comforting. Perfect with a bit of whipped cream!”
Conclusion
This Noncaffeine Breakfast Drink is an excellent addition to any morning routine, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a warm beverage without the jitters of caffeine. With its easy preparation and long-lasting storage, you can have a comforting drink ready in just minutes. Experiment with different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a cozy, homemade alternative to traditional caffeinated beverages.
Feel free to tweak the recipe to your taste and share your creations with us. We’d love to hear how you make this drink part of your daily routine!
