Making mushroom coffee at home takes about 5 minutes: brew your usual coffee, then stir in a mushroom extract powder so it dissolves without clumps. Below is the basic method, how to make it as a latte or iced, how to keep the caffeine down, and an even quicker version with NeuroCoffee, our instant mushroom coffee.
Why this recipe works
Mushroom coffee is simply coffee with mushroom extracts added, most often lion's mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps or turkey tail. Extract powders are fine, but they tend to clump if you dump them straight into a full mug. Mixing the powder into a small amount of hot coffee first, then adding the rest, gives you a smooth cup. For what to expect from the flavor, see what mushroom coffee tastes like.
Ingredients (makes 1 cup)
- 8 to 12 ounces freshly brewed coffee (or 1 to 2 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in hot water)
- 1 serving mushroom extract powder, such as lion's mane, chaga or a blend (use the serving size on its label)
- Optional: a splash of milk or plant milk, a pinch of cinnamon, and honey or maple syrup to taste
Equipment: your usual coffee maker, a mug, a spoon, and a handheld milk frother if you have one.
Instructions
- Brew your coffee. Make coffee the way you usually do: drip, pour-over, French press or a shot of espresso topped with hot water.
- Make a paste. Put the mushroom extract powder in your mug and stir in 2 tablespoons of the hot coffee until smooth, with no dry lumps.
- Add the rest of the coffee. Pour in the remaining coffee and stir well, or use a handheld milk frother for 10 to 15 seconds for a smoother, foamy cup.
- Finish to taste. Add milk, cinnamon or sweetener if you like, and drink while warm.
Mushroom coffee latte
- Make the paste with the mushroom powder and 2 tablespoons of hot coffee or espresso.
- Add a shot of espresso or 4 ounces of strong coffee.
- Top with 6 to 8 ounces of steamed or frothed milk, and sweeten to taste.
Iced mushroom coffee
- Dissolve the mushroom powder in 2 tablespoons of hot coffee or hot water.
- Fill a glass with ice and add 8 ounces of cold brew or chilled coffee.
- Stir in the mushroom mixture and add milk if you like.
Quick version with NeuroCoffee
NeuroCoffee is an instant mushroom coffee, so there is nothing to brew. Stir one serving (2 tablespoons) into a mug of hot water until dissolved, then add milk or sweetener to taste; for a latte, dissolve it in 1/4 cup of hot water and top with milk. Each serving contains instant Arabica coffee, extracts of lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail, and 300 mg of Alpha-GPC, with 30 mg of caffeine and 25 calories (Product Facts).
Tips & variations
- Clumpy? Always make a paste with a little hot liquid first, or use a frother.
- Too earthy? Add a pinch of cinnamon, a little cocoa powder or a splash of vanilla, or use a darker roast.
- Less caffeine: the mushrooms add no caffeine, so your cup has as much as the coffee you use. A 12-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 113 to 247 mg (FDA). To cut back, use half-caf or decaf, a smaller cup, or an instant blend with less coffee per serving. For more, see does mushroom coffee have caffeine?
- Choosing a powder: see how to choose high-quality mushroom extracts.
- Timing: morning or early afternoon, since the coffee contains caffeine; see when to drink mushroom coffee.
- Check first if you are pregnant or nursing, under 18, take medication or have a medical condition; see mushroom coffee side effects.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do you make mushroom coffee at home?
Brew your usual coffee, stir one serving of mushroom extract powder into a little of the hot coffee to make a smooth paste, then add the rest of the coffee and stir or froth. Add milk or cinnamon to taste.
Can I just add mushroom powder to regular coffee?
Yes. That is essentially what mushroom coffee is. Use a mushroom extract powder made for drinks, and mix it into a little hot coffee first so it does not clump.
How much mushroom powder should I put in my coffee?
Use the serving size on your product's label. Extract strengths vary a lot between brands, so there is no single right amount.
Does homemade mushroom coffee have less caffeine?
Only if you use less coffee. The mushrooms add no caffeine, so a homemade cup has as much caffeine as the coffee you brew, about 113 to 247 mg in a 12-ounce cup of brewed coffee.
Can I use dried mushrooms from the grocery store?
Mushroom coffee products use mushroom extracts made for drinking, not ground culinary mushrooms. Grinding dried mushrooms into coffee is not the same thing and has not been studied as a drink.
Can I make iced mushroom coffee?
Yes. Dissolve the mushroom powder in a little hot coffee or water first, then pour it over ice with cold coffee or cold brew and your milk of choice.
What does mushroom coffee taste like?
Mostly like coffee, with a slightly earthy note that depends on the mushrooms used. Milk, cinnamon or cocoa can soften the earthiness.
The OurJrney difference
NeuroCoffee combines instant Arabica coffee with five mushroom extracts and Alpha-GPC in a single powder, so a cup of mushroom coffee takes one stir. It is a simple way to make mushroom coffee part of your morning routine.
Shop this recipe
Want the quick version? Get NeuroCoffee Mushroom Coffee with Alpha GPC delivered to your door.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Mushroom coffee contains caffeine; consult a qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, sensitive to caffeine, taking medication, or managing a health condition.
Learn more: read mushroom coffee: benefits, ingredients and research, mushroom coffee vs regular coffee, our Brown Sugar NeuroCoffee Latte and how to make iced coffee at home.
