Holy Basil + Licorice Root Latte
Holy Basil + Licorice Root Latte
A caffeine-free, skin-loving ritual born out of desperation—and now a daily delight.
Recently, I found myself deep in an elimination diet and was hit with the news: no caffeine for eight months. Yep—no coffee for eight whole months, and no, I’m not pregnant. 😅 As someone who lives for the ritual of my morning cup, this hit hard.
I was told I could enjoy holy basil and licorice root teas, and it sparked a memory—an ex I dated (who just so happened to be a celebrity chef) once made me a chicory root latte that was rich, grounding, and deeply satisfying. So, I thought, why not give this a twist?
What came next was pure magic.
Why Holy Basil + Licorice Root?
Licorice Root has a naturally sweet flavor, which makes this latte feel indulgent without adding any sugar. It’s also a skin-loving superstar—
It contains glabridin, known for its brightening and anti-inflammatory properties
Supports adrenal health, which plays a big role in skin vitality (especially if you're under stress)
Aids digestion, helping with the gut-skin connection
Holy Basil (Tulsi) is revered in Ayurveda as the elixir of life—
Rich in antioxidants to help fight premature aging
Adaptogenic, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress (a hidden culprit behind many skin conditions)
Naturally detoxifying, supporting clear, glowing skin from the inside out
Want to switch it up?
No Holy Basil on hand? You can also try:
Chicory Root – liver-supporting, great for detoxifying, and tastes like roasted coffee
Dandelion Root – another liver-loving root that supports clearer skin and healthy digestion
Both make great coffee alternatives and are packed with skin-clearing benefits.
Why Coconut Milk from a Can?
I use full-fat coconut milk from a can because it’s free from seed oils and gums that often sneak into boxed plant milks. These additives can trigger inflammation, which is not our friend when it comes to aging gracefully.
Boosting with Collagen
To make this a real beauty latte, I stir in Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which are AIP-friendly and contain hyaluronic acid—a hero for hydrating your skin from within. Collagen supports skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail growth, making this not just a treat—but a daily skin ritual.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bag Holy Basil tea
1 bag Licorice Root tea
½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk
3 tbsp Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional: dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
Steep both tea bags in hot water for 7 minutes.
While that’s brewing, heat your coconut milk in a saucepan.
Add collagen peptides + vanilla to the milk and whisk gently for about 30 seconds to dissolve completely. Let it froth slightly.
Pour ¾ cup of the steeped tea into your favorite mug.
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture over the tea.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top and sip mindfully.
This latte has quickly become my go-to coffee alternative, helping me feel grounded, energized, and nourished—without the caffeine crash. It's a skin-nourishing, soul-soothing addition to your self-care routine that tastes as good as it feels.
