After fighting a cold for the past few weeks, I took a break from coffee. There is something about the acidity and creamer that don’t mesh well with congestion and achiness. I picked up some Yerba Maté tea and created a new little drink to substitute my morning coffee. Yerba Maté tea is native to South America, and it’s leaves are usually dried near a wood fire, giving it a smoky flavor. It has enough caffeine to be an ample coffee replacement.

You’ll Need:

• Yerba Maté tea bag (I prefer Guayakí brand)
• Boiling water
• Milk (rice, almond, coconut or cow)
• 1/2 tsp Agave syrup or honey

Steep tea for 30 seconds and remove tea bag. (Most tea bags are strong enough for 2 cups). Add a splash of milk  and stir in agave syrup.

You’ve got yourself some green goodness. It tastes like smoky earth.