MUD \ WTR :rise Cocoa

Who? Başak Ulubilgen
For how long? 1 year

I’ve been a coffee drinker since I was about thirteen. It’s been a journey I’ve embraced, never once thinking of giving it up—and I doubt I ever will. Coffee is more than a drink; it’s my morning ritual. From grinding the beans to that first rich sip, it’s a moment of calm in my day. So, if something’s going to replace it, it needs to come with a similar vibe. Enter MUD \ WTR, my new favorite discovery.

MUD \ WTR’s :rise Cocoa blend is a spiced cocoa and mushroom-based beverage designed to deliver energy and focus without the jittery side effects of coffee. It’s caffeinated but with only a fraction of what’s in coffee, which means no midday crashes. The powder mixes easily with hot water or milk, and with a quick froth, it’s ready to go. The ingredients? A wellness powerhouse: cocoa, masala chai, turmeric, Himalayan salt, black pepper, cinnamon, black tea, ginger, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, reishi, and lion’s mane mushrooms. Mushrooms are everywhere in beauty and wellness these days, and MUD \ WTR makes good use of them, crafting a drink that boosts focus and gives you that smooth, lasting energy we all crave. The founder, Shane Heath, wanted to create a coffee alternative without the usual downsides, and as a daily user, I’d say he nailed it.

Full disclosure: I’m not giving up coffee anytime soon, but MUD \ WTR has definitely helped me cut back. On the days I swap it in, I still feel just as energized, which is a game-changer! It’s also pretty versatile—you can add it to smoothies or even mix it into pancake batter. Just one heads-up: the taste is unique and earthy, so it might take a little getting used to.