Cold brew has become one of the most beloved coffee trends of the past decade, prized for its smooth, low-acid taste and refreshing kick. But in 2025, coffee lovers are taking cold brew to the next level by merging it with another health-driven trend: mushroom coffee. Enter Mushroom Cold Brew—a fusion of smooth, chilled coffee and functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, and reishi. This drink combines the energizing benefits of coffee with the cognitive and wellness perks of mushrooms, offering a trendy beverage that’s both delicious and beneficial.
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If you’ve been curious about mushroom coffee but want something refreshing and modern, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mushroom cold brew. From what makes it unique, to its health benefits, to a step-by-step recipe you can try at home, you’ll leave with all the tools to master this 2025 coffee sensation.
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is not made from mushrooms alone—it’s typically a blend of ground coffee and powdered medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, or reishi. These mushrooms aren’t culinary mushrooms like portobello or shiitake; instead, they’re functional mushrooms used for their adaptogenic properties.
- Lion’s Mane: Known for boosting focus and cognitive function.
- Chaga: High in antioxidants, supports immunity.
- Reishi: Calming and stress-reducing.
- Cordyceps: Energy and stamina enhancer.
When paired with coffee, these mushrooms add earthy undertones while balancing out some of the jitters and acidity associated with caffeine.
Why Mushroom Cold Brew?
Cold brew on its own is smoother and less acidic than hot coffee because it’s brewed slowly with cold water over many hours. When you add mushroom powder, you create a beverage that not only refreshes but also supports focus, energy, and overall wellness.
Key Benefits of Mushroom Cold Brew
- Smooth Flavor: Cold brew naturally has a sweeter, chocolatey taste, which pairs well with the earthy notes of mushrooms.
- Energy Without Jitters: Mushrooms like lion’s mane and reishi balance out caffeine’s stimulating effects, creating a smoother energy curve.
- Gut-Friendly: Cold brew is lower in acidity, and mushrooms can support digestive health.
- Immune Support: Functional mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and adaptogens.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making mushroom cold brew is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
- Coarse Ground Coffee: Choose high-quality beans. Medium to dark roasts work beautifully for cold brew.
- Mushroom Powder: Lion’s mane, chaga, or a mushroom blend powder designed for coffee.
- Filtered Water: Cold or room temperature.
- Optional Additions: Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave; milk alternatives like oat or almond milk; spices like cinnamon or vanilla.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Mushroom Cold Brew
Step 1: Measure Your Coffee and Mushroom Powder
For every 1 cup of coarse ground coffee, add 1–2 teaspoons of mushroom powder. This ratio can be adjusted depending on how strong you want the mushroom flavor to be.
Step 2: Combine with Water
Place your coffee grounds and mushroom powder into a large jar or French press. Add 4 cups of filtered cold water, stirring to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Steep Overnight
Cover your container and let the mixture steep for 12–18 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The longer the steep, the stronger and more concentrated your cold brew will be.
Step 4: Strain
Using a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or French press plunger, strain out the grounds and mushroom particles. You’ll be left with a smooth, rich mushroom cold brew concentrate.
Step 5: Serve and Customize
Pour over ice and dilute with water or milk to taste. Add sweeteners or spices if you like. The earthy notes of mushroom coffee pair beautifully with creamy oat milk or a dash of cinnamon.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect
Mushroom cold brew has a unique taste compared to standard cold brew. The base is still smooth, chocolaty, and mellow, but with an earthy undertone from the mushroom powder. Lion’s mane adds a mild nuttiness, while chaga can bring a woody sweetness. With milk or cream, the flavor becomes rounder and comforting, making it an easy entry point for people new to mushroom coffee.
Variations to Try
Mushroom Cold Brew Latte
Add cold foam or frothed oat milk for a café-style experience. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup balances the earthiness.
Mushroom Mocha Cold Brew
Mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a decadent version that masks the mushroom flavor while boosting antioxidants.
Spiced Mushroom Cold Brew
Add cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for a warming twist that complements both coffee and mushroom notes.
Sparkling Mushroom Cold Brew
Top with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing take on this trendy drink.
Health Benefits of Mushroom Cold Brew
Mushroom cold brew isn’t just trendy—it offers real functional benefits:
- Enhanced Focus: Thanks to lion’s mane, many people report improved concentration and productivity.
- Sustained Energy: Cordyceps combined with caffeine provides longer-lasting energy without a crash.
- Stress Relief: Reishi helps balance the stimulating effects of caffeine, creating a calmer alertness.
- Antioxidant Boost: Both coffee and mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which support cellular health.
- Digestive Ease: Cold brew’s lower acidity makes it gentler on sensitive stomachs.
Tips for Perfect Mushroom Cold Brew
- Always use coarse ground coffee to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
- Adjust mushroom powder amounts slowly—start small if you’re new to the flavor.
- Brew longer for stronger concentration, but don’t exceed 24 hours or it may taste overly woody.
- Store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Mushroom Cold Brew vs. Regular Cold Brew
The main difference lies in the added functional benefits. While regular cold brew offers smooth caffeine, mushroom cold brew layers in adaptogens that support brain function, immunity, and stress balance. Flavor-wise, mushroom cold brew has a deeper, earthier profile, making it ideal for those who want a more complex beverage.
Why Mushroom Cold Brew Is Trending in 2025
Wellness trends and coffee culture have been colliding for years. With the rise of nootropics, adaptogens, and functional beverages, mushroom coffee fits right into the modern health-conscious lifestyle. Cold brew, already a favorite among younger generations, makes mushroom coffee more approachable by presenting it in a familiar, refreshing format. TikTok and Instagram have only accelerated this trend, with countless creators showcasing creative mushroom cold brew recipes.
Final Thoughts
Mushroom cold brew is more than just another coffee fad—it’s a thoughtful marriage of smooth cold brew and functional wellness. By combining the rich, mellow taste of cold brew with the earthy benefits of medicinal mushrooms, you get a beverage that’s energizing, balanced, and packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re chasing focus for work, looking for a pre-workout boost, or simply wanting to try something new, mushroom cold brew is a drink worth adding to your coffee repertoire. With its versatility, customizable recipes, and health-forward benefits, it’s no wonder this trend is making waves in 2025.
