As a coffee connoisseur myself, it is hard to believe that I would even consider “not drinking coffee.” But for those times when I do a temporary detox, to give my adrenals and body a break. It is good to find alternatives to coffee…that smell and taste like coffee. These two drinks are the closest I have found.

1. Smokey Russian Caravan Tea– If you are in Seattle, the Perennial Tea Room in Post Alley is an excellent place to try and pick up this tea. It has the coffee-like smell, smoky flavor, and a little bit of caffeine. To prepare: use 1 tsp loose leaf tea and steep for 2-3 minutes.

2. Roasted Chicory and Dandelion Root Tea: Typically, you can find these herbs (roasted) at local herb stores. Herban Wellness in Kirkland, WA offers these herbs. Mixed together, they really do smell and taste like coffee, minus the caffeine. In addition, you are getting added liver detox and protective properties of the Dandelion and Chicory root herbs. Similar instructions to prepare: 1 tsp of each herb in a tea pot and steep with hot water for 2-3 minutes.

For added “latte” like feeling: add coconut milk to a cup, froth with a coffee frother, then add the steeped tea…bam!