Embarking on Dry January? 3 Mushroom Tea Mocktail Recipes to Try at Home
Introduction:
I learned about Dry January from my therapist a handful of years ago. It’s a month-long abstinence from alcohol that not only reaps benefits like weight loss, better sleep and more energy, it comes after a typical holiday season with alcohol everywhere. Dry January can present challenges to some of us, especially in replacing alcohol's social and comforting roles. However, delicious and healing alternatives are out there and one of my favorite beverage rituals is of course, tea!
What is Mushroom Tea?
Mushroom tea is a wellness beverage that is just what it sounds like, tea made from mushrooms! Mushroom Tea has a long history of use in wellness and holistic health all around the world. ZOM tea blends are unique because of the complementary ingredients we pair them with. Our Berry Brain blend features Lion's mane mushroom and fruits, herbs, and flowers including blueberry, ginger, and hibiscus. Berry Brain is a fan favorite amongst our long time supporters but after years of sampling I'm sure some of you are curious and wondering if not flat out skeptical, “Isn’t lions mane a fishy tasting mushroom…?”
Well to that I say, mushrooms make up a flavorful bunch. There are a lot more medicinal mushrooms than we currently make teas with and many medicinal mushrooms naturally present as salty, fishy, bitter or pungent. ZOM Teas are crafted with careful consideration for each mushroom and the herbs they are thoughtfully paired with. Regarding other potential concerns, the medicinal mushrooms we make tea with are safe enough to be considered a food and medicinal enough to be considered functional food/beverage. Read on for some fun mocktail recipes, tips on how to DIY, and other products I love to support my holistic health strategy.
A formula for mocktail magic:
A great mocktail balances flavors, textures, and aromas. Here are key components for a delightful mocktail;
Base: Start with a simple base like fruit juices (citrus, berries), carbonated bevs, or hot/chilled tea. This forms the drink's foundation and of course in celebration of alcohol alternatives we are avoiding those bases.
Sweetness: Incorporate natural sweetness through simple syrups, honey, agave nectar, or fresh fruits to balance tartness or bitterness.
Acidity: Citrus juices or vinegar-based elements (like shrubs or infused vinegars) add brightness and complexity, enhancing flavors.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs (mint, basil, rosemary) or spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom) offer depth and aromatic qualities, elevating the drink's profile.
Bitters or Tinctures: Non-alcoholic bitters or herbal tinctures contribute complexity and a nuanced flavor profile to mocktails.
Texture: Consider elements like muddled fruits or crushed ice, enhancing the drinking experience.
Garnishes: A visually appealing garnish, like citrus twists, herb sprigs, or edible flowers, not only elevates presentation but also adds aromatic notes to the drink.
Creativity: Experiment with unique ingredients, infusions, or unexpected combinations to create a memorable and distinctive mocktail experience.
If you’re starting from scratch just have fun with it.
Healthy Detox Recipe Ideas
If you want to bypass the learning curve try some of my favorite holistic health beverage routines/recipes featuring Wildfire Elixirs and Zoom Out Mycology Mushroom Teas.
For a relaxing bedtime routine try a NightCap. Take a tablespoon or shot of ‘the Fighter’ followed by a hot cup of Reishi Red.
If you’re seeking more of a mid morning/day pick me up try the Berry Brain Double is crafted with nourishing elements like berries and ginger, and lions mane to nurture the nervous and immune system. Did you know that most shelf stable, store bought elderberry syrup is heated, heavily processed, full of sugar & preservatives? The Shield is none of those things!
The Shield is lovingly crafted with raw @humblebeehoney, fresh local elderberries from @handverkfarms, roots, functional mushrooms & herbs that work in synergy to support healthy immune function & boost your body's natural defenses.
Berry Brain Double - 3 TBS Wildfire Elixir Elderberry syrup + 1 pot of Berry Brain Mushroom Tea
For a cooling option try a Reishi Rosalita slush.
Reishi Rosalita - a floral slush
Ingredients
1 small pot of Brewed Reishi Rose tea (liquid) concentrate tea to 1 TBS per 1 cup.
1½ oz. fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tsp agave nectar or honey
Ice cubes
Special Equipment
Small Teapot
Blender
Citrus squeezer
The process
Step 1: Tea Making.
Use 1 TBS of dry to to 1 cup of water
Step 2: Putting together the mocktail.
Combine Reishi Rose tea, lime juice, honey or agave in jar. Secure lid and shake to combine. Freeze until ice-cold but not solid, at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
Step 3: Blend into Slush.
Transfer concoction to a blender and add up to 1.5 cups of ice. Purée at high speed until thick and smooth. (On a hot day you may need to blend in a few more ice cubes to thicken, but keep in mind that the more you add, the more diluted the drink will be.
Pour, share and enjoy!
Ultimately, I encourage you to experiment and find your favorite bevs and brews to get the most out of your holistic health journey. With diverse flavors and unique preparation methods, each cup becomes an indulgent ritual, offering not just a beverage but an experience to savor. Whether it's sipping a refreshing and mild Reishi Rosalita or indulging in the fruity and spicy flavor profile of a Berry Brain Double, I wish you well-being, variety, and sensory delight throughout to keep you smiling throughout your Dry January experience (:
Sources:
Goldman, R. (2017, October 12). Are mushrooms good for you? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/are-mushrooms-good-for-you
Johnson, A. (2024, January 3). Dry January health benefits: weight loss, better sleep, more energy. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/01/03/dry-january-health-benefits-weight-loss-better-sleep-more-energy/?sh=27b9c3f93650
Venturella G. et al., (2021). Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(2), 634. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22020634
