As Serious Eats has been sharing with you for a decade, we believe that everyone should be able to cook delicious food. Today, we introduce a wonderful treat to our health-conscious readers: the Invigorating Adrenal Elixir. This delightful concoction is packed with adaptogenic herbs and raw cacao, providing you with a boost of energy and clarity. And with just a few minutes of preparation, it's easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
The tale of the Invigorating Adrenal Elixir traces back to ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese traditions, which have long relied on the restorative properties of herbs. In the Ayurvedic tradition, cacao is revered as a "food of the gods" for its energizing and mood-boosting effects, while maca and ashwagandha are renowned for their ability to support balance and vitality. In Chinese medicine, coconut milk is valued for its cooling and nourishing properties, and cinnamon and nutmeg are considered warming and invigorating spices.
Prep time: 5 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup cacao powder
1 tablespoon maca powder
1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into a glass and enjoy.
This elixir can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Why It Works
**Coconut milk:** Rich in electrolytes, coconut milk helps hydrate and replenish the body, making it an ideal base for this elixir.
**Almond milk:** A good source of vitamins and minerals, almond milk provides a creamy texture and adds a touch of sweetness.
**Cacao powder:** Raw cacao powder is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, which contribute to its energizing and mood-boosting effects.
**Maca powder:** Maca is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to support energy levels, hormonal balance, and stress response.
**Ashwagandha powder:** Another adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha is known for its ability to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and support cognitive function.
**Cinnamon:** A warming spice, cinnamon helps improve circulation and digestion.
**Nutmeg:** A stimulating spice, nutmeg adds depth of flavor and provides a touch of warmth.
**Sea salt:** A small amount of sea salt helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients and enhances the overall flavor.