DIRTEA Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Drink Recipe
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Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, But Make It Functional
Hot summer days call for something cold and satisfying. This chocolate hazelnut iced drink gives you the rich, creamy flavours you want while sneaking in some serious functional mushroom benefits.
The chocolate hazelnut spread swirls through like ribbons, creating these gorgeous marbled layers that look almost too good to drink. But here's the clever bit: it uses DIRTEA Cacao Super Blend, which means alongside the ceremonial-grade cacao, you're getting Lion's Mane mushroom for cognitive support and Tremella mushroom for skin hydration.
It's become one of those recipes that you make once and then find yourself craving constantly. Takes about 10 minutes to put together, serves four people, and tastes like something you'd pay far too much for at a trendy café.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons DIRTEA Cacao Super Blend
- 240ml water
- 4 tablespoons vegan chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1 litre hazelnut milk
- 240ml dairy-free whipping cream
- Ice cubes
- Shaved chocolate for topping
- Crushed hazelnuts for topping
Method:
Start with the base
Whisk the DIRTEA Cacao with water in a jar until smooth. Pop it in the fridge while you sort everything else out.
- Whip the cream
Get the dairy-free cream to soft peaks. This bit makes all the difference to the final drink.
- Prep the glasses
Spread chocolate hazelnut spread around the inside of four glasses. Be generous here. Fill them about three-quarters full with ice.
- Layer everything
Pour hazelnut milk into each glass, then slowly pour the chilled cacao mixture over the top. If you go too fast, you'll lose the layered effect, but it'll still taste excellent.
- Finish with style
Top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and crushed hazelnuts. Serve immediately before the ice melts and ruins your handiwork.
Why Functional Mushrooms Work in Cold Drinks
The idea of adding mushrooms to an iced drink might sound odd, but there's solid reasoning behind it.
Lion's Mane Mushroom Benefits
Lion's Mane supports cognitive function and may help with focus and memory. Studies suggest it promotes nerve growth factor production, which is important for brain health. Perfect for afternoon slumps when you need mental clarity.
Tremella Mushroom for Skin Health
Traditional Chinese medicine has used Tremella mushroom for centuries to support skin hydration. The polysaccharides help maintain cellular moisture, which is especially useful during hot weather when you're losing more water through sweat.
Cacao as a Functional Food
Cacao contains theobromine, which provides gentle energy without the crash you get from caffeine. It's also a vasodilator, helping improve circulation and nutrient absorption. The antioxidants in ceremonial-grade cacao support overall wellness.
Simple Variations
Iced Mushroom Mocha
Add 120ml cold brew coffee to the cacao base for extra caffeine alongside your functional mushroom benefits.
Protein Version
Blend in 30g vanilla protein powder with the cacao mixture for a post-workout drink that supports muscle recovery.
Coconut Twist
Use coconut milk instead of hazelnut milk and add coconut flakes to the garnish.
Tips for Best Results
- Chill all ingredients beforehand so ice doesn't melt too quickly
- The cacao base can be made up to 24 hours ahead
- Use barista-style hazelnut milk for creamier texture
- Pour slowly over a spoon to create nice layers
This is Exactly Why We Made DIRTEA Cacao
The kind of drink you’d expect to find on a fancy chalkboard menu, not in your kitchen. But here we are.
Try DIRTEA Cacao Super Blend and see how functional mushrooms can enhance your summer routine.
FAQs
Are mushroom drinks good for you?
Yes, functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Tremella offer cognitive and skin health benefits. They're rich in beta-glucans, which support immune function.
Does this taste like mushrooms?
Not at all. The ceremonial-grade cacao provides rich chocolate flavour that completely masks any earthy mushroom taste.
Can I make this hot instead of iced?
Yes, use warm hazelnut milk instead of cold and skip the ice. Serve in mugs with whipped cream on top.
How much caffeine is in DIRTEA Cacao?
DIRTEA Cacao contains minimal caffeine from the cacao itself, much less than coffee. The energy comes mainly from theobromine.
Can children drink this?
The functional mushroom extracts are generally safe, but check with a healthcare provider for children under 12 or those with health conditions.
What do functional mushrooms do?
Functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane support brain health, while Tremella helps with skin hydration. They're adaptogens that help your body manage stress.
Made in collaboration with Nourishing Amy.
References
- Martinez-Marmol, R., et al. (2023). Active compound from edible mushroom enhances nerve growth and memory. University of Queensland News. Available at: https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2023/02/mushrooms-magnify-memory-boosting-nerve-growth-0
- Docherty, S., et al. (2023). The acute and chronic effects of Lion's Mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive function, stress and mood in young adults. Nutrients, 15(22), 4842. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/22/4842
- Ma, X., et al. (2021). A review on the production, structure, bioactivities and applications of Tremella polysaccharides. Food Hydrocolloids for Health, 1, 100021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8172338/
- Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). Study on the structure characterization and moisturizing effect of Tremella polysaccharide. Food Hydrocolloids for Health, 1, 100021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453021000562
- Ried, K., et al. (2021). Cardiovascular health benefits of theobromine in cacao and chocolate. Circulation, 144(Suppl_1), A14006. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.14006
- Grassi, D., et al. (2011). Effects on peripheral and central blood pressure of cocoa with natural or high-dose theobromine. Hypertension, 57(2), 269-276. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.158139
