The Rise of the Mindful Morning
In a world saturated with double espressos and high-octane energy drinks, a quieter revolution is brewing. More people are seeking morning rituals that nourish rather than jolt the system. This shift is less about demonising caffeine and more about embracing
mindful alternatives that offer comfort, flavour, and a gentler start. Enter the chicory brew, a drink that feels both ancient and perfectly suited for our modern wellness-focused lives. It’s part of a larger trend towards functional foods and beverages—items we consume not just for taste, but for the benefits they may bring to our bodies, from gut health to stress reduction.
So, What Exactly Is Chicory?
Chicory is a plant whose roots have been roasted, ground, and brewed as a coffee substitute for centuries. It has a flavour profile that’s remarkably similar to coffee—it’s dark, toasty, and slightly bitter—but it contains zero caffeine. Its history is particularly rich in places like France and New Orleans, USA, where it was popularised as a way to stretch coffee supplies or as a standalone beverage. But today’s interest is driven by more than just flavour mimicry. Chicory root is a fantastic source of inulin, a type of prebiotic fibre. This fibre isn’t digested by your stomach; instead, it travels to your lower gut, where it can feed the beneficial bacteria that live there, potentially supporting a healthy digestive system.
The Perfect Partner: Thick Coconut Milk
While you can drink chicory brew black, pairing it with thick, full-fat coconut milk elevates it from a simple coffee substitute to a luxurious treat. The coconut milk provides a velvety, creamy texture that beautifully balances chicory’s earthy bitterness. This isn't the thin, watery coconut milk you might find in a carton; this is typically the canned variety, which has a higher fat content and a richer consistency. The healthy fats in coconut milk not only contribute to a feeling of satiety, helping to keep you full and satisfied through the morning, but they also provide a dairy-free creaminess that’s perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based lifestyle.
How to Make Your Own Chicory Brew
Ready to try it for yourself? Making this comforting drink at home is incredibly simple. You’ll need roasted chicory root granules (available online and in many health food stores), full-fat canned coconut milk, and hot water.
1. Brew the Chicory: Start by brewing the chicory granules. You can use a French press, a drip coffee maker, or even just steep them in a mug like tea. A good ratio to start with is 1 to 2 tablespoons of chicory granules for every 250 ml of hot water. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
2. Prepare the Milk: While the chicory is brewing, gently warm about 60-80 ml of thick coconut milk in a small saucepan on the stove. You can also microwave it. If you have a milk frother, now is the time to use it to create a beautiful, airy foam.
3. Combine and Serve: Strain the chicory brew into your favourite mug. Gently pour the warm, frothed coconut milk on top. It will create a lovely layered effect. That’s it! No fancy equipment needed.
Customise Your Cup
The basic recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don't be afraid to make it your own. For a touch of sweetness, a small drizzle of maple syrup, date syrup, or a dash of jaggery powder works wonderfully. You can also add spices to enhance the flavour and benefits. A pinch of cinnamon can help with blood sugar balance, a dash of nutmeg adds warmth, and a tiny bit of cardamom gives it an aromatic, chai-like twist. Some people even add a scoop of collagen powder for extra protein or a teaspoon of maca powder for an adaptogenic boost. Experiment to find the combination that makes your morning feel just right.
