Whip up our easy Lion’s Mane coffee recipe for better focus & mental clarity! Perfect for a productive morning. Get Eva’s tips & tricks.
Why I Swear by Lion’s Mane Coffee
I first heard about Lion’s Mane coffee when I was juggling work deadlines, homeschooling our three kids, and trying to remember if I had actually fed the dog or just talked about it. My brain felt like a browser with too many tabs open.
A friend mentioned she’d started drinking this “focus coffee” with mushrooms in it. I raised an eyebrow — mushrooms? In my morning cup? But honestly, I was willing to try anything that might help me think clearly and stop losing my keys every other day.
Fast forward a few weeks: I was hooked. Not on caffeine, but on how calm and sharp I felt. It was like my brain had more room to breathe. No jitters, just clarity. That’s when my love for this Lion’s Mane coffee recipe really began.
It’s now part of my weekday routine — and if you’re curious about other mushroom blends, check out my Ultimate Mushroom Coffee Recipe Guide too!
Why Add Lion’s Mane to Coffee, Anyway?
Here’s the short and sweet: Lion’s Mane = your brain’s BFF.
Lion’s Mane (also known as Hericium erinaceus) is a funky-looking mushroom that’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries. But the real magic? It’s been linked to supporting the growth of nerve growth factor (NGF) — that’s science-speak for helping your brain stay sharp and sprightly.
Some of the reported benefits of Lion’s Mane mushroom coffee include:
- Improved focus
- Better memory
- Mood support
- Mental clarity, without the crash
Source Note: According to research summaries from Examine.com, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and studies like Mori et al., 2009 (PubMed), Lion’s Mane shows promise for neuroprotection and cognitive support when taken consistently.
Eva’s Tip: Look for organic, third-party tested powders — your brain deserves the good stuff!
Curious about the broader picture? Read my full guide on Mushroom Coffee Benefits for more insight.
Eva’s Top Tips for a Perfect Lion’s Mane Brew
If you’ve ever tried mushroom coffee and thought, “Um… earthy much?” — you’re not alone. But with a few cozy upgrades, you can turn it into a warm, comforting ritual you actually crave.
The Secret to How to Make Lion’s Mane Coffee Taste Amazing
Here’s how I prep my daily Lion’s Mane mushroom coffee and make it taste like something I’d serve a guest (yes, even the skeptical ones):
- Start Small: ¼–½ tsp of powder is plenty to begin with.
- Blend, Don’t Stir:
“I use my little handheld frother. Otherwise, the powder just floats around like a lava lamp!” - Pair it with…
- A dash of cinnamon for coziness
- A splash of milk (oat, almond, regular)
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- A spoonful of cacao for a mocha note
Eva’s Note: Add the cinnamon while it’s brewing to bring out warm, spicy notes — it’s like a little hug in a mug.
Still adjusting to the flavor? My guide on How to Make Mushroom Coffee Taste Good has tons of tips.
The Lion’s Mane Coffee Recipe
How to Make Lion’s Mane Coffee at Home
Alright, gather your brain-boosting goodies! For one supercharged cup, you’ll need:
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee (your fave method — drip, French press, etc.)
- ½–1 tsp Lion’s Mane mushroom powder (start with ½ tsp!)
- Splash of milk (optional): oat, almond, or regular
- Drizzle of sweetener (optional): maple syrup, honey, or your fave natural pick
- Flavor boosters: dash of cinnamon or sprinkle of cacao
- Optional creamy boost: ½ tsp MCT oil or coconut oil
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee.
- Add Lion’s Mane powder and flavorings to your mug.
- Pour hot coffee over the mix.
- Add milk or sweetener if desired.
- Blend well — I use a handheld frother for a creamy, smooth sip.
- Sip while warm. Smile. Feel focused.
Eva’s Note: I always tell newbies: less is more! I started with ¼ tsp and worked my way up. My sweet spot is ¾ tsp.
Level Up Your Lion’s Mane Latte (Optional!)
Feeling fancy? Here are two fun twists on your basic nootropic coffee recipe:
Frothy Upgrade
- Froth warm oat or coconut milk before adding to your mug.
- Top with cinnamon or cacao for that café-style foam.
Extra Brain Fuel Boost
- Add 1 scoop collagen peptides
- Stir in ½ tsp cacao powder + maple syrup for a “Lion’s Mane Mocha”
Eva’s Favorite: I love this on rainy days when I’m writing or journaling. It feels like self-care and productivity in a cup.
Troubleshooting: “Help! My Coffee Tastes Like Dirt ”
Real talk: Lion’s Mane isn’t exactly caramel drizzle. But don’t give up just yet!
Q: Why does it taste so earthy?
- It’s the mushroom powder. Some brands are bolder than others.
Three Quick Fixes:
- Blend with a frother — not just a spoon!
- Add cinnamon, vanilla, or cacao
- Try a different brand with smoother taste
Need more ideas? Check out my guide on How to Make Mushroom Coffee Taste Good — tons of flavor-boosting tips inside!
Frequently Asked Questions about Lion’s Mane Coffee
What does Lion’s Mane coffee taste like?
It has a slightly earthy, nutty flavor — but with cinnamon, cacao, or milk, it’s rich and cozy.
My First Sip Moment: I remember thinking, “Okay, it’s mushroomy… but not in a bad way!” Cinnamon and oat milk helped seal the deal.
When is the best time to drink Lion’s Mane coffee?
Morning or early afternoon. It boosts focus without overstimulating.
I sip it before writing, meal-planning, or doing “deep work.”
How much Lion’s Mane powder should I put in my coffee?
Start with ½ teaspoon and work up to 1 tsp max.
My Routine: I find ¾ tsp is my sweet spot — clear, not wired.
Can I drink Lion’s Mane coffee every day?
Yes, most people tolerate it well. If pregnant or nursing, always check with your doctor.
I drink it Monday–Friday. Weekends? That’s for pancakes and plain ol’ coffee!
Does Lion’s Mane coffee actually work for focus?
As mentioned earlier, some research supports this — and many users (myself included!) notice real benefits.
One Monday, I sipped it, opened my laptop, and outlined three posts in one go. That never happens without Lion’s Mane!
Thanks for reading, friend. If you give this recipe a try, tag me @notedrecipes — I love seeing your creations.
Here’s to cozy mornings and clear minds. ☕💛
With love and cinnamon-dusted fingers,
Eva

Delicious Lion’s Mane Coffee Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
A warm, brain-boosting cup of Lion’s Mane coffee that supports mental clarity without the jitters. Cozy, simple, and easy to customize. Perfect for busy mornings or focused work sessions.
Ingredients
-
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee (any method you love)
-
½–1 teaspoon Lion’s Mane mushroom powder (start with ½ tsp)
-
Splash of milk (optional): oat, almond, or regular
-
Drizzle of sweetener (optional): maple syrup, honey, or natural sweetener
-
Dash of cinnamon or cacao powder (optional flavor boosters)
-
½ teaspoon MCT oil or coconut oil (optional creamy boost)
Instructions
-
Brew a fresh cup of your favorite hot coffee.
-
Add Lion’s Mane powder and any flavor boosters to your mug.
-
Pour the hot coffee over the mixture.
-
Stir in your milk or sweetener, if using.
-
Blend well using a handheld frother or immersion blender for a smooth finish.
-
Enjoy warm.
Notes
Start with a small amount of Lion’s Mane (½ tsp) and increase slowly over time.
Blending is key—stirring alone may leave the powder floating.
For extra flavor, add cinnamon while the coffee is brewing.
Optional upgrade: Mix in a scoop of collagen and a spoonful of cacao for a homemade Lion’s Mane mocha.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Comfort, Wellness
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes about only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement or wellness routine.