The health benefits of dandelion tea are numerous. Dandelion root is a fantastic liver cleanser. When ground and roasted it makes a wonderful coffee replacement. I first introduced Dandelion Root Coffee as a substitute for traditional coffee here on my blog in early 2011, though this healing beverage has been part of my routine for far longer.
Usually, I make my dandelion coffee from scratch. If you’re wondering how to make dandelion coffee, it’s easy. I purchase dandelion root online, roast it in the oven, and then grind it in a coffee grinder or vitamix and steep it with ground chicory root
to make a wonderful coffee substitute.
While we were up in the mountains over the holidays I was without my usual supply of ground dandelion root. Instead, I used dandelion tea bags to make dandelion coffee and get my fix of this wonderfully healing hot drink. Compared to the method above (roasting, grinding, and steeping), the instant route, using tea bags, is a breeze. I use several dandelion tea bags to make a “black coffee.” When I want something fancy I whip up this Instant Dandelion Latte, a satisfyingly rich and creamy liver cleansing beverage. I often post photos of this scrumptious drink on Instagram and each time I do I get requests for this quick and easy recipe. Here you go!
- 4 dandelion tea bags
- 1 Teeccino tea bag, optional
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup full fat coconut milk
- sweetener of your choice, I use 6 drops vanilla stevia
- Bring water to a boil
- Place tea bags in a large mug
- Pour water over tea bags and steep 5 minutes (then discard bags)
- Heat coconut milk to a simmer
- Pour dandelion tea, coconut milk, and sweetener into vitamix; blend for 30 seconds
- Serve
I have made double and triple batches of this recipe all at once (I steep the tea bags in a big mason jar); the recipe is scaled up easily. If you are curious why I use 4-5 tea bags in this recipe it is because dandelion tea is just that, tea, and to get a nice strong coffee requires more product.
We drank this with our friends Meegan and Rob on New Year’s Eve instead of alcohol as all of us had started cleanses well before that night. The four of us went straight for the detox and skipped the retox entirely! If you want to spike this Instant Dandelion Coffee, I imagine it would be incredible with a shot of Kahlua.
I use four Traditional Medicinals dandelion tea bags and one Teeccino tea bag in the recipe above, however, you can use 5 Superherb dandelion tea bags
in place of the two aforementioned brands.
For truly wonderful liver cleansing, try making this healing drink with my Dandelion Root Coffee in place of the tea bags. When the dandelion in that recipe is brought to a boil and then simmered, even more nutrients and healing properties are released from the dandelion root. If you’re looking for other healing beverages for winter, try my Paleo Chai Latte. As always, if you are going to take herbs or supplements consult with your physician or medical practitioner prior, especially during pregnancy and breast feeding.














Shauna says
Dandelion root is estrogenic so can cause problems if you are trying to lower estrogen caused issues. Big caution!
MAGGIE says
PLEASE RESPOND!!!!I AM LOOSING TRACK…..I VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT DANDELLION LOWERS DECREASES THE ESTROGEN…….THATS WHAT I READ…..
Elana says
Hi Maggie, I do know that dandelion root is a potent liver cleanser.
Ryan says
Elana: I made this today. Amazing. I have been on an elimination diet to determine what may be triggering migraines…so no coffee.. Now I have a wonderful alternative. Thank you.
Elana says
Ryan, so glad to hear that you are enjoying this coffee alternative!
Lori says
This was FABULOUS!!! I’m off coffee due to hormone imbalance and adrenal issues and this is such a wonderful alternative! I was quite dubious about it, but what a pleasant surprise! The only thing I will change is the Teeccino I purchased. I bought the vanilla and it’s too sweet. I will exchange for the dark roast. I also have the Frontier bags of roasted dandelion and chicory on their way. I am so relieved to have this now!!! Cannot thank you enough for your ideas and recipes! Love your books as well. Kudos!!
Elana says
Lori, so glad to hear you are enjoying my dandi latte recipe!
Mindy says
Wow! This is amazing. I bought dandelion root and chicory root powder from Mountain Rose Herbs. I made the recipe in a pot using a mesh tea bag/filter. After boiling/simmering, I added a tablespoon of dried coconut powder, one date, a pinch of pink salt and a teaspoon of ghee. Stirred, strained off the teabag and cinnamon into my blender and blended for 30 seconds into a latte. It satisfies my coffee craving in the afternoon. Thank you!
Ps – some people may be put off by the ghee flavor, so you may want to leave this out. I like that it adds a touch of creaminess like half and half and I’ve adapted to the flavor. It’s just as good w/o it though.
Susan says
Thank you Elana. This is my new favorite drink. Yum!!!!!
Elaine says
Awesome website thanks so much. I used to drink heaps of dandelion tea, like 8 cups a day, but I thought it was the source of headaches. I tried googling if you can drink too much but did not find anything. Do you know? I suppose moderation is everything but I love the stuff. I just put one teaspoon of bought roasted and crushed root in a tea infuser and Sri I with coco quench,,,love it too much
Patricia McDaniel says
Elana- this is off subject but I want to eat paleo
and some of the ingredients are rather expensive. The coconut flour- etc. and I need breakfast ideas. Which book of yours would be best to buy??
Thanks so much!!!!!
Elana Amsterdam says
Hi Patricia, I would recommend my third book, Paleo Cooking. The recipes are simple and I think you’ll especially love the chapter dedicated to breakfasts! :-)
Trista says
I don’t like my coffee super strong, so I was surprised when I saw 4 tea bags for 1 serving. But I kow everyone has their own preference. I didn’t like dandelion tea at first. I’ve never tried making my own, but buy the same tea bags. But I just use 1 and steep it for almost 10 minutes and it’s strong enough for me. I usually have it in the evening when I’m wanting that coffee taste, but not the caffiene. Yum!
Sheena says
I’ve never tried dandelion but am now intrigued! I drink tea but not coffee so this would make a nice alternative
Judith says
Oh my gosh, this is wonderful. I did use an immersion blender, didn’t want to have to clean the vitamix for this little bit. It worked great! Thank you so much!
Annie says
would almond milk work or do you think it would be too strong and over power the tea? Thanks!
Fran says
I too would like to know how you roast your own dandelion root please????
Nancy Good says
Good Morning, I would love to know how to roast the dandelion root..The temp of the oven and how long to roast it..
Thanks for the info..
Nancy
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
I’m always surprised at the unique ways dandelion can be used. Our grocery store now carries all these new dandelion products/by-products. But I don’t spray my lawn with any pesticides just in case I can use my own. I’ve been reading about the health benefits. Sounds exciting! Must give this a whirl.
Sarah @ FitPlaza says
This looks great! Every year I have a dandelion infestation in my garden. Now I know what I’m going to do with them. Thanks for this wonderful recipe.
Tammy says
Interesting. I’m trying that.
Becky says
I had a blood test that showed liver enzymes raised … a mystery. I started drinking dandelion tea, and the liver enzymes returned to normal. The taste of Teeccino Dandelion Carmel Nut is very festive and delicious.