Recently, I've adopted a meat-on-the-side lifestyle, meaning I eat very limited amounts of animal products. Consequently, I end up feeling my best when fueling my body with mostly plant-based foods. Little did I know just how creative I could be with plant-based milks, while simultaneously introducing these nourishing, delicious, and really beautiful drinks into my diet as well.

Here are some of my top recommendations: 

Golden Milk

Over winter break I became fascinated with golden milk, which consists of any plant-based milk of your choosing, turmeric, and other warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, etc. This stuff is so soothing and satisfying, and became a replacement for coffee or regular tea for me while I was home. Besides golden milk, there are several other warming plant-based drinks that taste great and actually hide away wholesome and nutritive spices inside. 

Chai Tea

chai, tea, latte, chaitea
Rebecca Buechler

One of the accidental plant-based drinks I've been drinking forever is chai tea. I say "accidental" because I've always ordered my chai with almond milk just because I like the taste better, not to purposefully go along with a plant-based lifestyle. I love the autumnal notes of chai and my favorite place to get it is at Bluestone Lane, with oat milk and cinnamon. Any plant-based milk works in this, and it's perfect for a chilly winter day. 

Matcha Lattes

Ah, matcha. I'm sure you're not surprised by this one. Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing drinks you may be used to seeing on Instagram. Aside from being beautiful, matcha is packed with antioxidants, is rich in fiber, and has detoxifying properties to both naturally calm and soothe the body. I like my matcha with coconut milk, preferably with a pretty design on top. One can never be too extra when it comes to latte art. 

Vegan Hot Chocolate

Nothing screams winter like hot chocolate, but with the traditional whole milk, cream, and marshmallows, it becomes an overwhelming dairy fest. I recently made an almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple and cinnamon hot cocoa that certainly hit the spot. Not too sweet, not too heavy, and with the perfect chocolatey notes. 

Mushroom Elixir Coffee

Mushroom coffee? Yep, you heard correctly. Mushroom elixirs are one of the new health crazes, touting qualities such as preventing disease, boosting energy, and relieving anxiety. The brand Four Sigmatic sells all different kinds of mixes with different flavor profiles and healing properties. The process for this couldn't be simpler: mix the mushroom coffee powder with any plant-based milk and sweetener of choice. 

My Takeaway

It's awesome to find dairy-free drinks that taste amazing and make you feel good too. These fun, seasonal drink choices are perfect for people looking to transition to plant-based fuel!