Lion's mane is the most popular mushroom for coffee, thanks to its mild, slightly sweet and savoury flavour, which barely changes the taste of your cup. Here are four easy ways to make lion's mane coffee at home, whatever coffee you usually drink.
UK law only allows authorised health claims to be made about foods, so this guide sticks to taste, preparation and how to use each product.
What you'll need
- Lion's mane in some form: lion's mane powder, lion's mane extract, or lion's mane coffee pods.
- Your usual coffee: pods, a cafetière, filter, espresso or instant.
- Optional: milk or oat milk, a milk frother, cinnamon, cacao or coconut sugar.
1. The quickest: lion's mane coffee pods
If you have a Nespresso® Original machine, this is the easiest way. The GoMush® Lion's Mane Mushroom Coffee Pods combine dark roast Arabica coffee with lion's mane extract. Brew as an espresso or lungo and you're done.
2. The everyday: stir it into your usual coffee
- Brew your coffee as normal: cafetière, filter, espresso or instant.
- Put half to one teaspoon of lion's mane powder in your mug (or a smaller amount of extract).
- Add a splash of the hot coffee and stir into a smooth paste first. This stops it clumping.
- Pour in the rest of the coffee and stir well.
Tip: powder won't dissolve completely, so a little may settle at the bottom. An extract dissolves fully if you prefer a smoother cup.
3. The café-style: lion's mane latte
- Brew a shot of espresso, or 100ml of strong coffee.
- Whisk in half a teaspoon of lion's mane powder or extract.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon and a little coconut sugar or maple syrup if you like it sweet.
- Froth 150ml of warm oat milk (or any milk) and pour it over.
For a lion's mane mocha, add a heaped teaspoon of cacao powder in step 2.
4. The summer one: iced lion's mane coffee
- Make a shot of espresso or 100ml of strong coffee, and stir in lion's mane extract while it's hot so it dissolves.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee over.
- Top up with cold milk or oat milk, stir and serve.
Using cold brew? Shake the powder or extract with the coffee in a jar with a lid, as it won't dissolve as easily in cold liquid.
What does lion's mane coffee taste like?
Very close to your normal coffee. Lion's mane adds a gentle, slightly savoury roundness that most people barely notice, especially with milk. It's the best mushroom to start with if you're new to mushroom coffee.
Lion's mane coffee FAQs
How much lion's mane should I add?
Start with half a teaspoon of powder and adjust to taste. For extracts, follow the recommended daily amount on the label.
Does it work with decaf?
Yes. Lion's mane doesn't contain caffeine, so it works with decaf coffee, hot chocolate or even tea.
Can I add it to instant coffee?
Yes. Mix the powder with a little hot water first, then add the rest.
More ideas: 5 ways to use lion's mane powder, our mushroom coffee guide, and mushroom extract vs powder.
Coffee contains caffeine. Don't use mushroom products if you've ever reacted to mushrooms, and speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication or have a health condition.
Nespresso® is a registered trade mark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. GoMush® pods are not made by, affiliated with or endorsed by Nespresso®.
