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We live in an era characterized by constant notifications, multitasking, and a wealth of information that our brain is called upon to process every day. In this context, many people are looking for strategies to create moments of greater mental presence, attention, and continuity in work.
This is where drinks come into play to help concentration and regain focus. Preparing a matcha, frothing milk for a hojicha latte, or dedicating a few minutes to a cup of ceremonial cacao means interrupting the flow of distractions and creating a small intentional break within the day.
It's no surprise then that drinks from Japanese, Chinese, South American, or Ayurvedic traditions are experiencing a new popularity. Beyond taste, many of these preparations have become an integral part of the routines of students, creatives, freelancers, and professionals who wish to build a more mindful relationship with their moments of work and study.
When looking for drinks for concentration, the first recommendations almost always involve tea and herbal teas. This is no coincidence: for centuries, drinks like green tea, black tea, yerba mate, and herbal infusions have been consumed during moments of study, work, and reflection. Some ingredients in these preparations have been of interest to scientific research, while others are part of herbal and cultural traditions that span countries and generations.
In recent years, however, the landscape has expanded. Alongside classic herbal teas and teas for concentration, new preparations inspired by Asian coffee shops and the culture of functional cafés have appeared: matcha latte, mushroom latte, ceremonial cacao, hojicha latte, moon milk, and golden milk have become the stars of a new generation of drinks that combine taste, ritual, and curiosity towards ingredients from different traditions.
These drinks do not replace tea and herbal teas but represent an evolution in how many people experience their break. If green tea can accompany a morning of study, a hojicha latte can become the ideal choice for the afternoon, while moon milk or golden milk often find a place in evening routines.
Similarly, preparations like matcha latte or ceremonial cacao are winning over students, professionals, and creatives looking for new alternatives to more traditional rituals.
Many of these drinks are chosen by those who wish to create a dedicated moment for study, concentration, or deep work. Some ingredients in these preparations frequently appear in scientific literature dedicated to topics such as attention, memory, and cognitive performance, while others belong to cultural traditions that have accompanied intellectual activities, contemplative practices, and daily rituals for centuries.
In this guide, we will explore some of the most interesting beverages to prepare at home, delving into ingredients, traditions, and recipes to help you find the one best suited for your moments of focus, study, and concentration.
Not all beverages used during study or work have the same effect. Some naturally contain caffeine, others have lower amounts, while some are completely caffeine-free.
In many cases, what makes a beverage interesting is not just the presence of stimulating substances, but also the overall experience it offers: the time spent preparing it, the aroma, the warmth of the cup, the opportunity to create a break that separates one activity from another.
For this reason, ingredients like matcha, cacao, guarana, ginseng, mushrooms used in Asian tradition or botanicals studied by contemporary research often appear in conversations about focus rituals and study beverages.
It's important to remember that effects can vary from person to person and that concentration, memory, and cognitive performance depend on numerous factors, including sleep, nutrition, stress management, and daily habits.
One of the most important differences is the caffeine content. Some people look for an energizing drink to tackle an intense morning of work, while others prefer more delicate preparations to consume in the afternoon or evening.
The best choice therefore depends on your needs, habits, and the time of day you wish to consume the beverage. In the following sections, we will look at some of the most interesting preparations to try at home.
Among all the concentration beverages, matcha latte is probably the one that has gained the most popularity in recent years in specialized coffee shops, coworking spaces, and on the desks of students and professionals. Born from the fusion of the Japanese tradition of matcha tea and the contemporary culture of frothed milk, it has become one of the symbols of the new generation of functional and ritual drinks.
Matcha is a Japanese green tea obtained from the fine grinding of leaves. Unlike a common infusion, the powder is completely dispersed in water and consumed entirely.
Research has long been interested in the compounds naturally present in green tea, including caffeine and L-theanine. For this reason, matcha is often mentioned in conversations dedicated to concentration, attention, and mental work. Beyond the studies, what makes it particularly appreciated is also its preparation ritual, which invites you to slow down and take a few minutes for yourself before starting a study or work session.
Research continues to explore the role of the compounds naturally present in green tea, while students and professionals increasingly choose it as an alternative to the classic energy drinks consumed during study sessions.
Ingredients
Procedure
Want to learn more? Also read our complete guide to Matcha Latte and discover how to prepare it according to Japanese tradition.
If matcha latte is the classic study beverage, the The Mind Latte, crafted with a Terzaluna blend is its contemporary evolution. This blend combines matcha, bacopa, and mushrooms in a single preparation designed for those who love to experiment with new rituals and flavors.
In recent years, ingredients like bacopa and mushrooms used in Asian traditions have become increasingly popular within the functional beverage category. Research continues to explore the role of many of these botanicals, while the specialty culture has begun to use them in lattes, drinks, and preparations dedicated to work and concentration moments.
Although belonging to different traditions, today they are often brought together in contemporary drinks designed to accompany study, creative work, and prolonged focus moments.
The Mind is born from this meeting of tradition and innovation, offering a simple solution for those who wish to prepare a drink different from the usual.
First came mushroom coffee, then mushroom lattes arrived. Today, these beverages are among the stars of the functional café culture and new Asian coffee shops, where mushrooms are used to create preparations with a complex and original taste.
The growing interest in the mushroom kingdom has led many people to discover ingredients traditionally used in different cultures around the world. Some of these adaptogenic mushrooms are now used in the preparation of lattes, coffees, and other beverages that seek to go beyond the classic models of Western cafés.
More than a passing trend, it is a true category of beverages that continues to grow and evolve.
### How to Prepare a Mushroom Latte **Ingredients** - 1 teaspoon of [Adaptogenic Mushroom Powder](https://www.terzaluna.com/funghi-boost-mix-di-funghi-adattogeni) - 200 ml of oat plant-based milk - 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa - Cinnamon to taste **Method** 1. Warm the milk over low heat. 2. Add Mushroom Boost and cocoa. 3. Stir vigorously with a whisk. 4. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and serve hot. If you want to delve deeper into this world, you can also read our article dedicated to [Mushroom Coffee](https://www.terzaluna.com/blog/mushroom-coffee), where we discuss the history, ingredients, and curiosities of this international trend. #### To prepare a mushroom latte at home, you can use [Terzaluna Mushroom Boost](https://www.terzaluna.com/funghi-boost-mix-di-funghi-adattogeni), a blend designed for those who want to experiment with new beverages inspired by functional culture.  ## Hojicha Latte While matcha is the most well-known star of contemporary Japanese coffee culture, the [houjicha latte](https://www.terzaluna.com/blog/hojicha-latte) is probably one of its best-kept secrets. Made with roasted green tea, it stands out for its amber color, aroma reminiscent of freshly baked bread, and notes of hazelnut, cocoa, and grains. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in specialty cafes in Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei, where it is offered as a milder alternative to classic matcha lattes. ### Why Hojicha is Appreciated During Study and Work **Houjicha** is made from green tea leaves that are roasted. This process profoundly changes the beverage's aromatic profile and makes it different from other Japanese teas. Many people choose it in the afternoon or in the hours leading up to the evening because its milder character makes it particularly pleasant to sip during study sessions, reading, or creative work. **If you want to learn more about this Japanese tea, you can also read our guide dedicated to the [Houjicha Latte](https://www.terzaluna.com/blog/hojicha-latte).** ### How to Prepare a Houjicha Latte **Ingredients** - 1 teaspoon of [houjicha powder](http://www.terzaluna.com/houjicha-bio-in-polvere) - 60 ml of hot water - 180 ml of milk or plant-based beverage - Sweetener to taste **Method** 1. Dissolve the houjicha in hot water. 2. Stir until you get a smooth cream. 3. Heat and froth the milk. 4. Pour the milk over the houjicha and serve hot. #### To prepare an authentic houjicha latte, you can use [Terzaluna Houjicha Powder](https://www.terzaluna.com/houjicha-bio-in-polvere), made from roasted and finely ground Japanese green tea. ## Ceremonial Cocoa Long before coffee arrived in Europe, various Central American cultures prepared cocoa-based beverages during social, spiritual, and community occasions. From these traditions comes the modern interest in **ceremonial cocoa**, now rediscovered by those seeking slow and intentional rituals. Unlike classic chocolate bars, ceremonial cocoa is prepared in a simple way, allowing the aromatic characteristics of the raw material to shine. ### Why Cocoa Has Returned as a Star of Contemporary Beverages In recent years, cocoa has been rediscovered by roasters, specialty cafes, and communities dedicated to wellness rituals. Its complex aromatic profile and the natural presence of compounds like theobromine and caffeine have fueled interest in this ancient beverage. Many people choose it as an alternative to more intense drinks or as a moment of pause during days dedicated to study, writing, or creative work.
To delve deeper into the history and traditions of this beverage, you can also read our article dedicated to the cacao ceremony.
Method
When it comes to energy drinks for studying, the mind often jumps to industrial energy drinks. However, there is a much broader universe of preparations inspired by ingredients traditionally used in South America, Asia, and the herbal practices of various cultures.
Among these is guaraná, a plant native to the Amazon that has long sparked interest for its natural caffeine content.
Ingredients like guaraná, red ginseng, and eleuthero often appear in drinks designed for moments of heightened mental intensity. Research continues to explore the characteristics of these plants, while their traditional use has spanned centuries and different cultures.
Today, they are often used in drinks, milk, and preparations that aim to offer a more interesting alternative to classic industrial energy drinks.
When it comes to natural energizing drinks, red ginseng is probably one of the most well-known ingredients worldwide. Used for centuries in various Asian traditions, it continues to be a key ingredient in drinks and preparations dedicated to study, work, and intense mental activity.
When talking about natural energizing drinks, red ginseng holds a special place. Unlike white ginseng, it undergoes a traditional steaming and drying process that changes its color, aroma, and organoleptic characteristics. This preparation is particularly widespread in Korea, where red ginseng has been part of the food culture and wellness traditions for centuries.
Today, red ginseng continues to be a key ingredient in drinks, milk, and contemporary preparations dedicated to study, work, and intense mental activity. Its intense and slightly bitter taste pairs well with plant-based milks, cacao, vanilla, and spices, making it an interesting ingredient for those who wish to experiment with drinks different from the usual.
Scientific research continues to be interested in red ginseng and its characteristic compounds, helping to keep the interest alive in conversations about memory, concentration, and energizing drinks. Beyond studies, it remains primarily an ingredient deeply linked to Asian tradition and the culture of contemporary functional beverages.
### How to Prepare a Red Ginseng Latte **Ingredients** - 1 teaspoon of [red ginseng powder](http://www.terzaluna.com/ginseng-rosso-in-polvere) - 200 ml of plant-based milk - Cinnamon to taste - Optional: honey or maple syrup **Method** 1. Heat the milk. 2. Add the red ginseng and mix thoroughly. 3. Finish with cinnamon and sweetener to taste. 4. Serve hot. #### **To prepare this drink, you can use [Terzaluna Red Ginseng Powder](https://www.terzaluna.com/ginseng-rosso-in-polvere), ideal for milk, smoothies, and preparations inspired by Asian tradition.**
Another beverage that has taken over contemporary cafes is moon milk, a preparation with a soft and velvety taste that often combines plant-based milk, spices, and ingredients from Ayurvedic tradition.
More than an energy drink, moon milk represents an evening ritual that invites you to slow down and create a space dedicated to personal well-being.
If you want to learn more about this preparation, you can read our article dedicated to Moon Milk.
In short: if you prefer a beverage to consume in the morning, you can opt for matcha, guarana, or The Mind. If you're looking for something more suitable for the afternoon or evening, houjicha, golden milk, moon milk, and ceremonial cacao are interesting options to explore.
Concentration drinks do not replace sleep, good organization, or a balanced lifestyle. However, they can become a useful element within a routine that promotes mental presence and continuity in work.
Many students and professionals associate the preparation of a beverage with a specific moment of the day: the start of a study session, a break between two activities, or a moment of reflection before tackling an important project.
In this sense, the value of the beverage lies not only in the ingredients it contains but also in the very act of preparing it. Taking a few minutes for a cup of matcha, cacao, or houjicha can become a simple way to create a separation between distractions and deep work.
From Japanese matcha to ceremonial cacao, including mushrooms, spiced milk, and preparations inspired by traditions from around the world, there are many alternatives today for those who wish to explore new study, work, and wellness rituals.
The Healthy Mood collection by Terzaluna was created with this very goal: to gather selected ingredients and preparations for those who love to experiment with new beverages, discover different cultures, and transform a simple break into a more mindful moment.
