COURTESY FREELANCE COFFEE PROJECT
Lattes , including a Matcha latte , at Freelance Coffee Project in Newport Beach
berry with honey and steamed milk .
At Thrive Juice Lab near UC Irvine , adaptogen boosts such as antioxidant-rich goji berries , which can improve immunity , may be added to smoothies and acai bowls . Other options are adaptogen mushroom blends like the Mushroom Mocha , a super antioxidant that provides immune support and can increase brain function .
“ It ’ s really good to include things like this for your immunity , especially since people are getting sick this time of year ,” says Aileen Morga , general manager at Thrive Juice Lab in Newport Beach . “ Drinking a mushroom blend is healthier than drinking caffeine , but it still gives you a bit of a stimulant .”
At Gracias Madre , and sister restaurant Cafe Gratitude , located behind it , guests may order I Am Brave , the antiviral , immune-boosting shot made with ginger , lemon , cayenne , oregano oil and turmeric , an antioxidant that also reduces inflammation and contains curcumin , which is believed to have adaptogenic properties . Cafe Gratitude boasts a plethora of other adaptogenic drinks , too . Try I Am Cosmic , an antioxidant
48 SUMMER 2024 | LATITUDE33MAGAZINE . COM blue spirulina latte that also includes reishi , hemp seed milk and raw honey ; I Am Restored , a latte that mixes ashwagandha , cordyceps , maca , pine pollen and raw honey ; or I Am Stellar , a smoothie with blue spirulina , ashwagandha , cordyceps , reishi , goji fruit , coconut , almond butter , dates , vanilla and cinnamon .
Meanwhile , Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice in Dana Point and Newport Beach sells adaptogen add-ons such as cordyceps ( anti-aging , antiinflammation and possible anti-tumor effects shown in animal studies ) and reishi ( may boost immunity , improve sleep and help fight infections and cancer ) for smoothies . Or choose the Ironman smoothie , which blends homemade coconut milk or cold brew coffee , almond butter , banana , maca , cordyceps , ashwagandha , hemp seeds , cacao nibs , cinnamon , chocolate pea protein and creatine .
Jan ’ s Health Bar in Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach has an adaptogenic coffee smoothie that brings together Common Room Roasters ’ cold brew with almond butter , banana and super mushroom powder , a blend of reishi , lion ’ s mane , shiitake , king trumpet , cordyceps and turkey tail .
Parakeet Cafe , which recently opened in Crystal Cove Shopping Center , offers a full wellness drink section of the menu , including the Blue Mint Magic Latte with blue spirulina , dok anchan ( butterfly pea flower ), mint tea , milk and raw honey ; the Flat Black Latte with activated charcoal , house-made lavender honey and milk ; the Mushroom Cacao Chai Latte , which combines the Om mushroom blend , a mix of lion ’ s mane , reishi , cordyceps , chaga and ashwagandha , plus collagen , chai , coconut blossom cacao and milk ; and the Moon Milk Latte with ashwagandha , reishi , turmeric , cardamom , ginger , house-made lavender honey and milk .
Several cafes , including Freelance Coffee Project in Newport Beach , also serve matcha lattes for those seeking the benefits of matcha , a kind of green tea that provides increased energy , supports immunity and enhances brain function .
No matter what wellness aspect you ’ re looking to boost , there is likely an adaptogen to aid in that goal . So , next time you choose a drink , opt for one that not only tastes great , but helps improve your health , too .