From Earthy to Energizing: The Many Flavors of Mushroom Drinks
Mushrooms have now transcended dinner plates and made their way to the drink menus. Instead of just being a topping on a pizza or an ingredient in a stir fry, functional mushrooms are now showing up in your morning mug, afternoon refresher, or evening wind-down drink. Introducing the wonderful world of mushroom beverages.
If you’ve heard about them but have yet to try one, you may be asking yourself do they actually taste good? Do all of them taste like dirt? (Spoiler alert: no). This post touches on the flavors of mushroom drinks, ranging from earthy and bold to bright and fruity.
Whether you’re mushroom curious or you already have lion’s mane stocked in your pantry, here’s a chance for you to discover how to find a drink that works for your taste buds, and perhaps even aids your wellness goals at the same time.
What Is A Mushroom Drink?
Let’s start with the basics. A mushroom drink is any beverage containing functional or medicinal mushrooms such as lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail. Unlike the mushrooms you cook with, these have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are just now beginning to be incorporated into modern beverages.
You can find mushroom drinks in variety of forms:
• Add to hot water or smoothies, powdered mixes.
• Bottled drinks and pre-packed liquid drinks.
• Syrups and concentrates.
• Teas and coffees that have mushroom extracts.
The drinks support mental focus, energy, immune health, or stress relief. And, of course, without the buzz or crash that high caffeine options bring. And tasting like mushrooms? Most certainly, no.
Earthy Flavors
For now, let’s focus on flavors that slant towards mushrooms. They usually feature reishi or chaga that have bold, strong grounding flavors. They may seem like herbal tea or dark roast coffee. Even unsweetened cocoa.
Flavors can range from smoky, bitter, nutty to woodsy. These are not unpleasant but bold. The drinks are usually calming and often consumed at night. Reishi supports relaxation and so is warm, soothing beverages meant to be sipped pre bed.
Who would enjoy these: Those that already enjoy herbal teas, dark chocolate, or dark coffee. Wild savory flavors that are rich and pungent, earthy mushroom drinks are for you, especially if you prefer robust nuanced flavors.
Smooth and Sippable: Mild and Balanced Mushroom Drinks
Does bold and bitter not appeal to you? There’s a whole spectrum of mushroom drinks that are mild and balanced.
These blends often include lion’s mane or cordyceps and cocoa, vanilla, or cinnamon. Some taste like hot chocolate, while others mimic the smoothness of a latte or chai tea. These are ideal for newcomers who want to explore the mushroom drink world without something that screams, “I’m drinking fungus!”
What to expect: The flavor profiles usually warm, creamy, slightly sweet, or a combination of these. Other functional ingredients such as ashwagandha, turmeric, or adaptogenic herbs may also be included.
Who will like them: If you enjoy golden milk, cozy hot drinks, and chai lattes, then these are your mushroom matches. Excellent for beginners.
Fruity and Fresh: The Bright Side of Mushroom Beverages
This is where it becomes exciting. Some mushroom drinks are downright refreshing, like sparkling waters, fruit-flavored teas, or juices that contain functional mushroom extracts.
You can find flavors like:
• Berry + chaga
• Lemon-lime + cordyceps
• Mango + lion’s mane
• Hibiscus or ginger blends with reishi or turkey tail
These beverages are best experienced chilled or lightly carbonated, and are best described as wellness sodas or flavored seltzers. They bear no resemblance to earthy or herbal concoctions.
Why this works: The extracts of mushrooms are best undetectable in low concentrations. This allows blending with bold, bright fruit flavors without detection.
Best for: Hot workouts, warm days, and anytime a light, refreshing drink is desired make these ideal. Perfect for those needing to quench their thirst without a sugary spike.
Energizing Mushroom Drinks
Looking for a boost but don’t want the crash that comes with caffeine? Lion’s mane and cordyceps have your back. They are often found in focus, endurance, and natural energy boosting beverages.
Commonly found with these drinks are:
• Green tea or matcha
• Yerba mate
• Citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit)
• Mint or berry for a refreshing twist
Other energizing components like ginseng, maca, and B-vitamins are often incorporated.
What to expect: The refreshing experience feels clean and uplifting, without the jittery side effects associated with coffee. Unlike typical energy drinks, these drinks are not overly sweet. Rather, they possess a more herbal and clean flavor profile.
Perfect for: As a pre-workout supplement, during mid-morning slumps, or in the afternoons when your to-do list is long but productivity feels low.
How to Pick the Right Mushroom Drink for Your Taste
The myriad of options available can be overwhelming. But here are a few helpful strategies:
- Identify your preferred flavors:
• Do you enjoy bold and dark? Check out those reishi or chaga blends.
• Do you enjoy mellow and sweet? Seek out the cacao and vanilla offerings.
• Light and fruity? Reach for sparkling drinks featuring citrus or berry.
- Match the benefits with your objectives:
• Focusing: lion’s mane
• Energy: cordyceps
• Relaxation: reishi
• Immune support: chaga or turkey tail
- Review the ingredients:
• Some drinks may contain sugar, caffeine, or certain herbs. Ensure the label aligns with your needs.
• For those sensitive to caffeine, steer clear of energy blends featuring matcha or yerba mate.
- Choose your format:
• Powders allow for enhanced control over strength and offer the versatility of being blended into smoothies or hot drinks.
• Grab-and-go convenience makes ready-to-drink cans ideal.
- Concentrates offer versatility and flexibility, often being more economical on a cost-per-serving basis.
Final Thoughts
Mushroom drinks are here to stay; they are an enjoyable and functional beverage to help you mix up your drink routine and support your body. A common misconception is that all mushroom drinks taste like mushrooms. In reality, there are mushroom drinks for everyone, ranging from earthy and robust flavors to sweet and sparkling.
For the curious but hesitant folks, we recommend starting with a mild cocoa blend or a fruity sparkling mushroom drink. From there, it is easier to expand into more adventurous flavors such as reishi nightcap (anyone?).
Whichever the goal—focus, energy, or simply something novel to sip on—there is a mushroom drink for everyone. Sample a few, trust your taste buds, and enjoy the journey—one functional fungi at a time.
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