Need a Coffee Alternative to Ease Your Jitters? Start Here.

You've landed here for one of a handful of reasons: Maybe you've tasted our canned Barley Tea drinks and want to see what other tricks we have up our sleeves; possibly you're craving a healthy alternative to soda and alcohol; or perhaps you’re a tea/coffee lover in search of a caffeine-free option without sacrificing flavor.

However you got here, you’re in the perfect place to explore a satisfying and comforting substitute to coffee. A little known secret is that our unique blend of roasted grains can be brewed strong and dark, to create a rich, chocolaty, aromatic substitute to your favorite morning beverage without all the caffeine jitters. Try it neat (as is) or transform it into a latte by adding your favorite milk—whole, skim, soy, oat, almond, or anything in between. Craving something more decadent? Add a little simple syrup or flavoring like vanilla, caramel, pumpkin spice, or hazelnut for a more personalized treat.

If you’ve ever made a cup of coffee at home, you can brew the perfect Dark Barley Tea. For a strong, coffee-like experience (or Caffé d'Orzo), simply use ~6 Tbsp (36g) of Loose Barley Tea in 12 fl oz of water. You can use a percolator, French press or try our insulated infuser Mug with Coaster/Lid. The concentration can also be adjusted with hot water - like a classic American. Steep for ~10 minutes, then strain the grain solids and enjoy the liquid!

• For a hot drink: Enjoy as is.
• For a cold drink: Chill and pour over ice.
• For a cold brew: Steep the tea in cold water, refrigerate for 24 hours, then strain.

With Loose Barley Tea, the possibilities are endless—brew it your way, enjoy it your way, and savor a drink that’s both versatile and deeply satisfying without the buzz from alcohol or caffeine.

That said, we realize certain occasions call for a delicious cocktail recipe. Here are three of our favorites for a dressed-up version of dark barley tea with your favorite alcohol brand or zero-proof spirit:

1. Midnight "Coffee" Old Fashioned (Dark Barley Tea Based)

A sophisticated, bittersweet cocktail perfect for dark coffee/tea lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon, dark rum, or zero-proof spirit
• 1 oz strong, freshly brewed dark barley tea (or cold brew concentrate)
• 1/4 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 1/4 oz simple syrup (or demerara syrup)
• 2 dashes chocolate or aromatic bitters
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the bourbon, dark barley tea, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express an orange twist over the glass, then drop it in for garnish.

2. Vanilla Latte Martini 

A creamy, balanced cocktail that blends the smoothness of a barley tea latte with a hint of vanilla.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka (or zero-proof spirit)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur or similar)
• 1 oz freshly brewed dark barley tea 
• 1 oz steamed or frothed milk (whole, oat, or almond)
• 1/2 oz vanilla syrup

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, dark barley tea, steamed/frothed milk, and vanilla syrup with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

3. Caramel Cream Dream (Sweet Latte-Based Cocktail)

A rich, indulgent cocktail that combines caramel sweetness with a creamy barley tea latte base.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys)
• 1 oz caramel vodka (or regular vodka with 1/2 oz caramel syrup)
• 1 oz freshly brewed dark barley tea
• 2 oz steamed or frothed milk (whole, oat, or almond)
• Caramel sauce, for drizzling
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Drizzle caramel sauce inside a glass (e.g., an Irish coffee glass or tumbler).
2. Combine Irish cream, caramel vodka, dark barley tea, and steamed/frothed milk in a shaker with ice. Shake lightly to combine.
3. Strain into the prepared glass.
4. Top with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet, luxurious finish.

Each recipe balances the bold dark barley tea flavors with complementary spirits, creating unique and delicious cocktails. Perfect for after-dinner drinks or cozy holiday celebrations!