Life

10 Morning Drinks Besides Coffee That Are Just As Good (If Not Better) Than Any Cup of Joe

With the stress of getting back to work after the holidays and reorganizing for a new year, it's easy to become even more dependent on your trusty morning cup of coffee — without knowing what caffeine really does to your brain. That's why January is the perfect time to give your coffee machine a little break and try out some new energizing beverages instead.

Whether you need a cup of something warm to wake up, or you just want an interesting drink to help you start the day, these 10 beverages are guaranteed to get you off on the right foot. And who knows? Maybe soon enough you'll ditch your coffee-loving ways and become a true tea devotee (or should we say devotea?).

by Rebecca Deczynski

Chai-Spiced Triple Citrus Tea

Get your vitamin C with Averie Cooks’ yummy chai-spiced citrus drink, which is infused with all kinds of good-for-you ingredients.

Image: Averie Cooks

Aztec Hot Chocolate

Sometimes, you just need something a little sweet to help you get by. We can’t get enough of this decadent Aztec hot cocoa by A Beautiful Mess.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

Maple Spiced Almond Milk

Step out of your favorite rut with something that’s got some zest, like Joy the Baker’s soothing maple almond milk.

Image: Joy the Baker

Lemon Balm Tea

Here’s a boost of lemony goodness that’s sure to brighten up any dreary winter morning. The Kitchn’s herbal tea mix honestly can’t be beat.

Image: The Kitchn

Horchata

This classic Mexican drink brings excitement to any boring morning. Averie Cooks explains how you can make it in your own home using white rice, cashews, and plenty of cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Image: Averie Cooks

Matcha White Hot Chocolate

For a drink that’s nourishing and comforting but still tastes like a dessert, look no further than Love and Lemons’ creamy matcha white hot chocolate.

Image: Love and Lemons

Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic

It’s important to keep your guard up during cold and flu season. Thanks to the The Kitchn, staying healthy just got easier with this flu-fighting tonic.

Image: The Kitchn

Warm Russian Tea

If you can’t start your day without a cup of something warm but want to stay away from anything caffeinated, Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s Russian tea is a hot cup of goodness.

Image: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Hibiscus Flower Tea

Hibiscus flowers are transformed into a lively herbal drink with the help of A Cozy Kitchen.

Image: A Cozy Kitchen

Thai Tea Frappe

If you’re weaning yourself off that Frappuccino addiction but still want to start your day with something fancy, this Thai tea frappe by A Beautiful Mess may just become your new go-to.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

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