This Roasted Dandelion Latte is not only delicious but also makes for a great coffee substitute and offers amazing liver support and detox properties! Keep reading to learn how to make one.
I have been on a real kick with yummy drinks this fall and winter and I don’t plan on changing that any time soon.
Today’s recipe continues in this obsessive way, but fortunately for all of us, it’s super healthy as well as delicious.
I first tried roasted dandelion tea a few years ago when I was on a major health kick (I mean, I always kind of am but this was a food-is-medicine, semi-Paleo, extreme clean-eating phase).
I came for the liver support but I stayed for the coffee-like, roasty toasty flavor.
If you haven’t tried it, it’s hard to describe so let me just urge to do that.
When I first sipped the frothed half and half mixture on top of this latte, my brain went “MARSHMALLOW”.
I use vanilla, honey and salt to give it a distinctive, delicious flavor. I also sprinkle cinnamon on top, not just for decoration, but also to bring out the cozy, roasted flavor of the tea.
Are There Different Kinds Of Dandelion Tea?
Yes. And they’re pretty much all great choices.
You can even harvest, dry and roast your own! I gave it a solid effort this summer but had a heck of a time harvesting the roots in tact without breaking them off in short little stubs. They do not want to come out of the ground!
I’ll give it another chance in future but for now my favorite option is Traditional Medicinals Roasted Dandelion Root Tea.
You can also get raw dandelion root, as well as dandelion leaf and flower teas. I haven’t tried the leaf or flower teas but as I understand it they each have their own unique flavor. I personally love the flavor of roasted dandelion root tea.
Dandy Blend is another popular option. I love that it’s instant and the flavor is great, but it’s actual a blend (as the name suggest) of dandelion, chicory, rye and barley and is made from extracts.
Is There Coffee Involved?
This recipe is purely herbal, although a shot of espresso might give a dirty chai vibe and I wouldn’t knock it!
Remember latte translates to milk. And while we obviously use the word to refer to espresso and steamed milk, it actually isn’t necessarily the case. Hence menu items like matcha lattes and so on.
In fact, this latte makes for a great coffee alternative.
You could even have one with your bedtime snack š
Can It Be Dairy Free?
Yes! Extra Creamy or Barista Style oat milk froths beautifully.
Sometimes I’ll even pick up a carton of the Chobani Extra Creamy stuff for a treat just because I like the flavor, though I’m a huge proponent of raw cow’s milk.
Experiment with any of your usual dairy alternatives.
One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of these (like the above mentioned option), while tasty, usually have lots of additives and gums, which doesn’t exactly aid in the detox process.
The closer to nature, the better. But I understand if there are real needs like a dairy allergy.
Simply Oat Milk is one of the cleanest I’ve seen, I believe just oats, milk and salt. Although, it’s not organic. Azure Standard would be a great place to check for organic, natural options like oat or almond milk.
Coconut milk is actually one of the more available options if you like the flavor. I’d opt for the Thai Kitchen organic coconut milk in the Tetra Pack (small, carton-like package with white cap) because for whatever reason they add guar gum to all the canned stuff, including organic full fat. However, they don’t add it to the Tetra Pack kinds, so it’s a great, affordable option!
How To Make A Roasted Dandelion Latte
- Heat a cup of water to boiling.
- Pour over one roasted dandelion root tea bag (1 1/2 tsp loose leaf) in a large mug.
- Steep 5-15 minutes (the longer, the stronger. But healthier too!)
- Meanwhile, steam and froth half and half (or alternative) with preferred method (handheld frother, French press, immersion blender, or shake in jar with lid on).
- Add 1/2 Tbs of honey to the tea, and 1/2 Tbs honey, 2-3 drops vanilla extract and a hefty pinch of salt to the half and half while frothing.
- Pour frothed milk mixture over tea, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle on cinnamon (if desired).
This drink is really cozy. I love having it this time of year, but it’s great iced for the summer too.
To make it iced, simply mix in your sweetener while the tea is still hot, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes then add lots of ice to a large glass and pour in your half and half.
If you’re going for the hot, frothy version, don’t skip the salt! I also highly recommend the vanilla but I don’t always keep it on hand, either.
That being said, the salt, vanilla and honey in the half and half all work together to make the most delicious latte.
Get the printable recipe below and enjoy a yummy latte without the jitters š
Roasted Dandelion Latte
This roasty, coffee-like tea is perfect for an herbal latte with all the flavor and none of the jitters. The frothed half and half tastes like marshmallow fluff, and with a spiral of honey and dusting of cinnamon, it's the perfect cozy drink- not to mention the amazing health benefits dandelion has to offer!
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 roasted dandelion root tea bag (or 1 1/2 tsp loose leaf)
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 2 Tbs honey, divided
- heavy pinch of salt
- 2-3 drops vanilla
- honey and cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mug, pour 1 cup of boiling water over tea bag.
- Allow to steep for 5-15 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be, but it will also increase the potency of the health benefits.
- In the meantime, add 1 Tsp honey, salt and vanilla to your half and half.
- Heat and froth half and half mixture with desired method: electric countertop frother, steam then use handheld frother, steam then add to French press and plunge rapidly, or steam and then shake vigorously in a lidded jar. To heat you can either simply microwave or heat in a small saucepan until just a few bubbles rise. You do not want to allow it to boil.
- Add remaining Tbs of honey to your steeped tea, discarding tea bag, and stir.
- Pour frothed half and half over sweetened tea.
- If desired, drizzle a spiral of honey and dust a smattering of cinnamon over foam.
- Sip and enjoy.
Notes
Whatever milk or alternative you choose, don't skip the salt and honey! Vanilla is optional but really adds a lot.
There are so many options for frothing milk. You don't need fancy equipment, although it can be useful.
Try Googling or YouTubing methods for frothing.
We use this frother. I love it for half and half, but heavy cream is too thick for it to do much and milk tends to get very large, overly airy foam bubbles instead of the silky froth that I prefer.
Immersion blenders are great for heavy cream , and the lidded jar works great for cream or half and half.
For milk or milk alternatives, I still prefer to steam then use a handheld frother that is fully submerged, with the mug tilted to the side, until it makes what's described by baristas as a "kissing" sound. You don't want the loud, blender type sound going on and you shouldn't be getting huge, airy bubbles. Just thick, silky foam with very tiny bubbles all throughout.
Suzanne
This looks so good! What a great coffee alternative!
Tara
Yes, I love it when I’m craving coffee but know I don’t need another!
Vanessa
Thanks for sharing! Can it be made iced?
Tara
Yes, I love it iced as well. I just make it like the instructions so everything infuses and incorporates then pour it over lots of ice in a large mason jar!