It’s iced coffee season (which, let’s be honest, is every season). And while we all love a little coffee treat, wouldn’t it be better if your iced coffee actually supported your health instead of just giving you jitters and anxiety if you chug it too quickly?

That’s why many people are turning to mushroom coffee. Whether you’re here for the health benefits, the lower caffeine content, or just a change in scenery, we’ll share how to make the best iced mushroom coffee without paying $8 a cup.

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

In its most basic form, mushroom coffee is a powdered mix that contains functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, or cordyceps. These mushrooms aren’t the kind you sauté for pasta — they’re medicinal or adaptogenic varieties that have been dried, extracted, and blended in small (but powerful) amounts. 

Beyond the mushrooms, things get a little dicey. Many brands of mushroom coffee include different ingredients to help boost the benefits of their functional mushrooms, and while some include actual coffee, others contain no coffee at all. 

Our Mushroom Coffee+ contains Arabica coffee extract, as well as lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms. Plus, you can also experience the relaxing benefits of L-theanine and the gut-friendly support of collagen protein with every Dose. The earthy, slightly nutty notes from the mushrooms are subtle (especially in iced coffee), so you won’t feel like you’re drinking a salad. 

How Is Iced Coffee Different From Iced Mushroom Coffee?

Iced coffee is simply brewed coffee (hot or cold brew) poured over ice. It’s delicious, straightforward, and powered entirely by caffeine from coffee beans. 

Iced mushroom coffee takes that exact base and adds a kick of powdered mushrooms, giving it a slightly different flavor and different health benefits like laser-sharp focus, Zen relaxation, and even high-quality sleep. 

While traditional iced coffee delivers a sharp caffeine kick, mushroom coffee blends may have slightly less caffeine depending on the brand. For instance, our Mushroom Coffee+ contains 45 mg of caffeine per serving. It’s enough to wake you up and get you going without giving you coffee nausea. However, some other brands skip the coffee entirely, while others include up to 150 mg per serving.

Flavor-wise, you might notice a touch of earthiness, but in most cases, the milk, sweetener, and ice mellow it out so it tastes almost identical to the standard version. And for those who get jittery from too much caffeine, mushroom coffee can be a gentler alternative without sacrificing the ritual of your daily cup.

How To Make the Best Iced Mushroom Coffee

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 1 tablespoon Mushroom Coffee+
• 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water
• 6 to 8 ounces cold water or cold brew
• 4 to 6 ounces milk of choice 
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sweetener
• Ice cubes
• Pinch of cinnamon or cacao powder for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by dissolving 1 tablespoon of our Mushroom Coffee+ in 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water, whisking until smooth. This creates an espresso-like concentrate that’s earthy, rich, and amazingly clump-free.
2. Fill a tall glass with ice.
3. Pour the dissolved Mushroom Coffee+ concentrate over the ice.
4. Add 6 to 8 ounces of cold water or cold brew to reach your desired strength. If you use cold brew, be prepared for a kick of caffeine and an extra coffee taste.
5. Stir in 4 to 6 ounces of milk and 1 to 2 teaspoons of sweetener if you like a touch of sweetness.
6. Optional: sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cacao on top to elevate the flavor and aroma.
7. Mix gently, sip, and enjoy.

Pro Tip : For a café-style frothy texture, shake the mixture in a jar before serving. 

How To Customize Your Cup

This is the basic recipe we use to get the most amazing iced mushroom coffee, every time. However, there’s plenty of room to customize your brew. Here are some of our favorite ways to switch things up.

Flavors

If you’re a purist, you might stick with the natural, slightly earthy notes from the mushrooms. For everyone else, flavor add-ins are where the fun begins. 

A dash of vanilla extract can make your drink taste like dessert without spiking your blood sugar, while cinnamon or nutmeg can add some extra flavor (and benefits, too). Maple syrup gives a subtle caramel sweetness, while a little cocoa powder turns your cup into a mushroom mocha. You can even lean into seasonal trends like pumpkin spice in fall, peppermint in winter.

Just remember that while sweeteners are delicious, you don’t want to overdo it on sugar. Check in with your doctor to find out how much sugar you should have in a day, and try to plan accordingly.

Milk

Milk choice is basically the backbone of your iced mushroom coffee’s texture and taste. Dairy milk offers rich creaminess and a little natural sweetness, making it a great base if you like a more indulgent drink. 

Meanwhile, oat milk brings a silky texture and mild flavor that complements earthy mushroom notes beautifully, while almond milk keeps things light and slightly nutty. Coconut milk can add a tropical flair, but it might compete with subtler mushroom tones. Personally, we love using macadamia nut milk to add some extra richness. Just make sure you keep an eye on the carb counts of different milks if you struggle with unstable blood sugars.

If you’re avoiding milk entirely, try blending your coffee with a spoonful of cashew butter and cold water — it might sound weird, but trust us, it’s like dessert in disguise. Whatever you choose, the milk you use can add a little extra flavor and texture.

Ice

Ice isn’t something you normally think of as an ingredient, but you can’t have iced coffee without it. Regular ice chills your drink but melts into watery disappointment if you’re a slow sipper. That’s why many people use coffee ice — frozen cubes of leftover brew that keep your drink cold without diluting flavor. 

This is especially helpful for mushroom coffee, which can lose some of its complexity when it gets watered down. You can make a batch in an ice cube tray, pop them into your glass, and watch your drink get more flavorful as the ice melts. If you’re feeling extra, you can also try freezing coffee mixed with a splash of milk or a pinch of cinnamon. 

The Bottom Line

Iced mushroom coffee is a delicious twist on a classic. With the right blend of flavors, milk, and ice tricks, you can make a drink that feels totally your own. 

Whether you go minimalist or café-level fancy, every cup can be a small daily ritual worth savoring. And if you need more mushroom coffee recipes, just check out our blog.

Sources:

The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study | PMC

Doctor Warns "Free Sugars" Could Lead to Health Problems | Kaiser Permanente

How Much Sugar Is Too Much? | American Heart Association

Going nuts about milk? Here’s what you need to know about plant-based milk alternatives | American Society for Nutrition