Curious About Adaptogens? Start with This Walnut Milk Mocha.

Have you noticed an influx in recipes featuring “adaptogens” lately? I’ve seen them popping up on some of my favorite blogs and Instagram accounts in recent months. Touted as magical herbs that help you adapt to new situations and decrease stress, adaptogens are naturally earning a coveted spot in the hearts of the wellness set. If you’re curious about experimenting with these herbs, this recipe for a walnut milk mocha is a very delicious place to start.

According to the Lauren Haynes of Wooden Spoon Herbs, there are only 12 classified official adaptogens. The ones used in this mocha recipe — ashwagandha, maca, and shatavari — are specifically geared towards the female reproductive system. But according to Beth, the blogger behind Local Milk, “While this walnut milk adaptogen elixir was formulated especially for the post-partum mother, it works equally well for anyone who needs some calm in their life.” I think we can all beenfit from some calm in our lives, no?

Besides the use of adaptogenic herbs, this mocha recipe is special because it calls for homemade walnut milk. While you can find all sorts of non-dairy milks at the grocery store these days, walnut milk is not typically one of them. Luckily, making it at home is easy! You just have to soak walnuts in water overnight; drain and rinse them; and then blend them with more water, some pitted dates, and a pinch of sea salt before straining it.

Once you have your walnut milk, you heat it gently in a saucepan and whisk in the three herbs, cocoa powder, tahini, and honey. To get some nice froth you can blend the warm mixture for about 10 seconds and then pour it into a mug. Garnish with some cinnamon and you’ve got your first adaptogenic elixir.

Have you tried cooking with adaptogens before? Tell us in the comments!

→ Get the Recipe: Walnut Milk Adaptogen Elixir from Local Milk