When the weekend rolls around and I’ve got a little extra time on my hands, I love whipping up slightly more complex kratom tea recipes. A lot of people consume their kratom as quickly as possible primarily because it tastes bad. But with this decaf mocha kratom latte recipe, you’re bound to do the opposite.
I’m a huge proponent of integrating kratom into my day as more than just a means to an end to get the effects I want. Decaf mocha lattes are sippable and savorable—the process of drinking them can be just as great as the mind and body effects from the kratom.
This mocha kratom latte is rich and indulgent but not overly sweet. Like a dirty chai, it’ll remind you that being a tea person and a coffee person are not mutually exclusive traits.
So whether you just don’t love the flavor of kratom or you love it but want to shake things up a bit, give this recipe a shot. It’ll instill you with a whole new love for kratom—not to mention coffee beans, cacao, oats, maple trees, and the like.
Related: 4 Great Winter Teas That Do More Than Just Keep You Warm
This mocha kratom latte is rich and indulgent, but not overly sweet. Like a dirty chai, it’ll remind you that being a tea person and a coffee person are not mutually exclusive traits. It’s the best of both worlds of coffee and kratom.
Mocha Kratom Latte Ingredients
If you’re a coffee and chocolate lover, then everything you need to make this recipe is likely already in your pantry or fridge. You’ll need any type of milk (I used Silk Next Milk), instant coffee or espresso, a sweetener like maple syrup, and your choice of kratom tea bags.
The only thing I added to my shopping list for this recipe was whipped cream. However, I have a feeling that I’m the oddball here for not stocking whipped cream in my fridge at all times… Regardless, it’s completely optional.
Which Type of Tea Is Best?
Cacao Uplift: this blend of white vein kratom tea and cacao shells is a great choice, because it adds a light chocolatey taste to your latte with no extra effort. If you’re like me—a chocoholic—you can add some cocoa powder for even more richness and depth of flavor.
Plain Crushed-Leaf Tea: If you’re not huge on white vein kratom, you can swap out the Cacao Uplift with any plain kratom tea variety. To compensate for the lost cacao flavor, just add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder per serving.
Should You Use Caffeinated or Decaffeinated Coffee?
I love the flavor of coffee, but I’m not always keen on the effects. My experience isn’t unique by any stretch, so if you’re similar, then tune in to the advice below before you grab the regular espresso powder from your kitchen cabinet.
Personally, having kratom and caffeine together would be over the top for me. Coffee beans and kratom leaves have a lot it common—each can be energizing, so I like to choose one or the other.
That’s why I prefer to make this recipe with decaffeinated espresso powder. Decaffeinated tea and coffee products do still have caffeine in them, but only a tiny amount.
However, by all means, do what works for you. If you frequently add kratom powder or tea to your regular coffee, then you might want to opt for regular espresso powder to make your coffee kratom latte.
If you want to try kratom with caffeine but never have before, I’d recommend proceeding lightly. Try making this recipe with just a fraction of regular instant espresso and decaf for the rest.
Related: The Best Caffeine-Free Tea Options For Productivity
Other Equipment and Substitutions
This recipe is really adaptable. If you want to use only what you’ve got on hand, there are some really easy substitutions you can make.
Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change, especially when using kratom powder instead of kratom tea. Check the recipe notes below for instructions to make these easy substitutions in your mocha kratom latte:
- Kratom powder instead of crushed-leaf kratom tea
- Shots of decaf espresso or instant coffee powder instead of instant espresso powder
- Flavored coffee syrups instead of maple syrup
Lastly, you’ll need something to froth your milk. If you have a coffee machine with a steamer attachment, that’s your best bet. If not, a handheld frother, immersion blender, or even a heat-safe jar will do just fine. I used a handheld frother, and it worked really well.
Now, let’s get brewing!
Mocha Kratom Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Brew time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 cacao white vein kratom tea bags, (see notes for powder or plain white vein kratom tea)
- 1.5 cups cold water
- 1 tbsp decaf instant espresso powder
- 2 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or other coffee flavor syrup
- 1.5 cups milk of choice
- Whipped cream (optional)
Directions:
- Add tea bags and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Keep simmering for about 20 minutes, until half the liquid remains.
- When the tea is almost done steeping, warm your milk in a saucepan or in the microwave.
- Remove tea bags from the water. Add instant espresso powder, cocoa powder, and maple syrup to the saucepan, then whisk to combine. Remove the mixture from heat and divide it between two mugs.
- Steam your milk or froth it with a handheld frother. Alternatively, put it in a jar and shake vigorously until it’s foamy. Pour the steamed milk over the tea mixture, then stir to combine.
- Top with whipped cream and extra cocoa powder if desired.
Notes
- Kratom powder instructions: Add 2 servings of powder to 3/4 cup hot water. Follow the rest of the recipe from Step 2. Disregard the tea bag-related instructions in Steps 1 and 3.
- Plain kratom tea instructions: Follow all the same instructions, but add an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder (or cacao powder).
- Freshly Made Espresso Instead of Instant Espresso: A typical latte contains 1-2 shots of espresso, or 3-6 oz of liquid. For 2 servings, that’s 6-12oz total. In our recipe, the base of the latte, which is the cacao tea, amounts to about 6oz once brewed. That’s why we recommend using decaf instant espresso powder, so your final latte isn’t too thin. If you use shots of decaf espresso instead, you could simmer the tea for longer to reduce the water content so your latte isn’t diluted.
- Instant Coffee Instead of Instant Espresso: You can use decaf instant coffee, but just note that the flavor may be more bitter.
- Flavored Syrups: Feel free to swap out the maple syrup for a sweetened or unsweetened flavored syrup. Some great options are vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or peppermint.
Other Kratom Recipes You’ll Love
The mocha kratom latte is by no means our only recipe that goes above and beyond a basic tea. So if you thought this recipe hit the spot, here’s what you need to try next:
Looking back, the number of tea recipes I’ve created that involve chocolate compared to those that don’t is a little bit out of proportion…
Regrettably, it’s time for me to take a cocoa break and brew a few more bright and fruity teas to share with you. Find me back on the Better Brewing Blog soon with a new frozen hot chocolate recipe berry tea recipe.
Cheers to better brewing, everyone.
