How To Make A Maca Latte

Make a big batch of this delicious chocolatey maca latte mix so you can make yourself a super tasty superfood drink whenever you like. Made with adaptogens, cocoa, coconut sugar, and warming spices, it's like a vegan hot chocolate meets mocha.

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Hands up if you're in the mood for a cozy, chocolatey, superfood-loaded afternoon pick me up! 

Today we're going to learn how to make a deliciously healthy maca latte at home, and I'm going walk you through the actual legit science of maca and other adaptogens. Science lesson and a delicious beverage? I'd call that a win win! 

Let's get right into things. 

What is maca? 

Maca is a root in the cruciferous family (related to broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc) grown in the Peruvian Andes. It is an ancient and resilient plant – it needs to be to grow in those harsh conditions.

Maca is an adaptogen, which means it can help to support hormonal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is also said to be quite effective for improving libido. 

While the concept of adaptogens may sound wishy washy, there's a growing body of research to back up those claims. Adaptogens are chemically complex, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in addition to polysaccharides, fatty acids, and active compounds that are unique to each plant. 

To make things more complicated, most adaptogens can impact a variety of systems in the body, and the effects can be individual. What they do have in common, however, is an impact on the stress hormone cortisol and other stress response factors. 

I've been dabbling in adaptogens lately, including maca, ashwagandha, and chaga, to see whether they will help me manage some stress and anxiety-related symptoms. Maybe it's a placebo effect, but I do think I'm rocking a mellower vibe, so who knows. 

Maca has a malty and sweet flavour, maybe a bit caramelly with hints of vanilla. It is delicious in smoothies, mixed into overnight oats, or, in a lovely chocolately Maca Latte like the one we're making today. 

It's kind of like a vegan hot chocolate with cocoa powder, only packed with warming spice and superfoods to take things to the next level. 

What's in a maca latte?

Ready to make a superfood latte? Here's what you're going to need:

• Maca --> I think this goes without saying.
• Cocoa powder --> Or cacao powder if you prefer.
• Coconut sugar --> A little sumthin' sweet.
• Cinnamon --> For that Aztec chocolate twist.
• Cayenne --> Totally optional, but just a pinch to spice things up.
• Black pepper --> Oooohhhh yeah.
• Salt --> A tiny, tiiiiiiiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt is what I do. 

Do you need any special equipment to make this recipe?

Not really. All you need to make the maca latte mix is a bowl to mix it in and something to store it in. For storage I like these Ball jars.

You don't really need anything special to make yourself a homemade maca latte either, other than a small heavy-bottomed pot (this is the one I used) and a whisk. 

How do you make maca latte mix?

Ok you guys, pay attention because this is about to get complicated. Are you ready?

Step 1: Get a bowl.

Step 2: Put all of the ingredients in a bowl.

Step 3: Use a fork or a whisk to stir it up. 

That's it! It'll take you all of five minutes to measure the stuff out and stir it together, and that's if you're a total slowpoke. 

This is a big batch of maca latte mix that will do up about 12 batches of this lovely adaptogenic hot chocolate. When you're ready to make a maca latte, this is how it goes:

Step 1: Measure out 2-3 tablespoons of maca latte mix into a small heavy-bottomed pot. 

Step 2: Pour in about ¼ cup of your favourite plant-based milk, and whisk into a smooth paste. This will help avoid a lumpy latte. 

Step 3: Pour the remaining milk in, and whisk to combine. 

Step 4: Place the pot over medium heat, and warm until it has reached your desired temperature.

Step 5: Pour into a mug, and enjoy! 

How long will a batch of maca latte mix last for?

Kept in an airtight container in a room temperature cupboard, your maca latte mix will be good for about 3 months. I sincerely doubt it will last you that long, however.

I only want to make a single maca latte

I like making a big batch of maca latte mix so I can just scoop and stir when the mood strikes, but perhaps you'd like to test the recipe with a smaller quantity first. 

No problemo. In the recipe card below, adjust the servings to "one" and it'll automatically adjust the measurements for you. 

Can you add other supplements to this mix?

Sure thing. I often add ½-1 teaspoon of ashwagandha to mine, and I find that it blends in nicely. I don't like mixing too many adaptogens together, so I usually add ashwagandha or chaga, but not both.

You could also add a ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or turmeric for a little more zing! Superfood lattes like this are also a good vehicle for MCT oil if you're into that. I use it in my Pumpkin Chai Latte most often, but it's great in a maca latte too. 

Can I omit / change the sweetener?

I like using coconut sugar here because everything is in except the milk, which makes latte time a breeze. But if you prefer a different kind of sweetener you can certainly add a bit of honey or maple syrup to taste.  

You could also omit the sweetener altogether, but I think it'd be pretty intense tasting without it. 

Is maca safe for everyone?

Due to its influence on the hormone system, people with thyroid issues should not take maca. I personally opted not to take maca when pregnant and breastfeeding, although that was based more on a lack of safety information than knowledge of any risks. 

Other recipes you might enjoy:

How to Make a Matcha Latte
Turmeric Latte Mix
Pumpkin Chai Latte
London Fog Latte from Sustainable Cooks