Homemade Living Foods Alive Cascara Spice Adaptogenic Tea Recipe: A Healthier, Customizable Twist

Category: Beverage

Introduction

Living Foods Alive Cascara Spice Adaptogenic Tea by Adapt has gained a loyal following for its unique blend of flavors and health benefits. This tea combines the subtle sweetness of cascara—the dried fruit of the coffee cherry—with a medley of adaptogenic herbs and spices, creating a drink that's both soothing and invigorating. Fans of the product love its ability to promote relaxation and mental clarity while offering a delicious, caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea.

However, store-bought versions can be pricey and may contain added sugars or preservatives. Making this tea at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking, reduce sugar content, and enjoy the benefits of high-quality, organic ingredients. Plus, it's cost-effective and fun to experiment with different spice blends.

I discovered this tea during a wellness retreat, where it became my daily ritual. Inspired by its benefits, I decided to recreate it at home, tweaking the recipe to make it even healthier and more adaptable to personal preferences.

Why Make It at Home?

Making this tea at home offers several advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Buying ingredients in bulk reduces the cost per serving.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels, sweetness, and herb ratios to suit your taste.
• Healthier: Use organic, non-GMO ingredients and reduce or eliminate added sugars.
• Freshness: Blend and brew your tea fresh for maximum flavor and nutrient retention.

Personal Anecdote

During a particularly stressful period, I found solace in this tea. Its soothing yet energizing effects helped me navigate long days. When I couldn't find it in stores, I decided to recreate it at home, experimenting with various spices and herbs until I perfected the blend.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:10 minutes
• **Cook Time:5 minutes
• **Total Time:15 minutes
• **Yield:1 quart (1 liter)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (15g) dried cascara (coffee cherry tea)
• 2 tbsp (10g) ashwagandha powder
• 1 tbsp (5g) rhodiola powder
• 1 tbsp (5g) maca powder
• 2 tsp (4g) ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp (2g) ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp (1g) ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp (0.5g) ground cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy version)

Wet Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 liter) filtered water
• 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) plant-based milk (optional, for a latte version)

Instructions

• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the cascara, ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Steep the Blend: In a medium saucepan, bring the filtered water to a simmer. Add the dry ingredient blend and reduce the heat to low. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors and herbs to infuse.
• Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
• Sweeten (Optional): If desired, stir in honey or maple syrup while the tea is still warm.
• Cool and Chill: Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Floral Version: Infuse with dried rose petals or hibiscus for a floral note.
• Low-Sugar Version: Omit the sweetener or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
• Dairy-Free Latte: Mix with plant-based milk and a drizzle of honey for a creamy treat.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the brewed tea in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the dry ingredient blend in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment

• Saucepan
• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
• Glass pitcher or jug

Pro Tips

• Use High-Quality Cascara: Opt for organic, fair-trade cascara for the best flavor and ethical sourcing.
• Adjust Steeping Time: Steep longer for a stronger tea or shorter for a lighter flavor.
• Blend with Other Teas: Mix this blend with green or herbal teas for unique flavor profiles.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Can I use fresh herbs instead of powders?
  Yes, but you'll need to adjust quantities. Use 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs per teaspoon of powder.

• What if I don't have cascara?
  Substitute with rooibos or hibiscus tea for a similar caffeine-free option.

• How do I scale this recipe?
  Multiply the ingredients proportionally. For a gallon, use 4 cups of cascara and 4 times the spices.

• Can I make this tea hot?
  Absolutely! Serve it warm for a cozy, comforting drink.

• Is this tea caffeine-free?
  Yes, as it's made from cascara and herbs, it's naturally caffeine-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Iced Tea: Serve over ice with a splash of lemon or lime.
• Latte: Blend with plant-based milk and a drizzle of honey.
• Mocktail: Mix with sparkling water and a squeeze of orange for a festive drink.

Conclusion

This homemade version of Living Foods Alive Cascara Spice Adaptogenic Tea offers a healthier, tastier alternative to the store-bought version. With customizable ingredients and reduced sugar, it's a perfect choice for health-conscious tea lovers. Try experimenting with different spices and herbs to make it truly your own. Enjoy the journey of creating something nourishing and delicious!