The Happy Drink

By Mollee Rucker

I shared a story about how I would make “Happy Drinks” for my staff (sometimes customers too!) and more than a few of you reached out asking for the recipe!

Soooo….here it is. It’s quite simple and you can get creative with it in many ways depending upon your personal preference:

1. Two to four mounded tablespoons raw cacao *I personally prefer MORE cocoa (aiming for something like a thick Italian Hot Cacao beverage), but depending upon the cacao you have, the beverage can get a bit gritty with 4 tablespoons.

2. 200-400mg L-Theanine *I get 200mg capsules of L-Theanine and open 1 or 2 depending up the amount of “calm/happy” I’m desiring.

3. 8-12 oz hot water (just depends upon mug size) 

4. Heavy Cream

5. Vanilla extract (liquid or powder) 

6. Sweetener of choice 

7. Pinch of sea salt

  • Add Cacao, L-Theanine, sweetener and pinch of salt to your mug. 

  • Add enough hot water to thoroughly blend with a hand blender. 

  • Add vanilla, more hot water and heavy cream or creamer of your choice. 

  • Add whipped cream if you're in need of extra happy. ;)

WHY is the Happy Drink "Happy?"

Firstly, cacao is delicious! But, more importantly than that, cacao is a big part of the “Happy.” Raw Cacao contains a trio of mood-boosting compounds: anandamides, theobromine, + dopamine precursors.

Anandamides, dubbed the "bliss molecule," mimic THC by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, promoting calm and euphoria.

Theobromine, a mild stimulant, boosts energy and mood without caffeine’s jitters while relaxing blood vessels for better circulation and a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Dopamine precursors like tyrosine and phenylethylamine (PEA) support the brain’s production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation, delivering a natural emotional lift.

L-Theanine contributs to feelings of happiness by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. It achieves this by elevating levels of calming neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.

Wrapping It Up: Keep the Curiosity Alive!

Our Quite Frankly chats are all about connecting the dots between science, life, and the mysteries of the universe, and I’m so grateful to be part of it. Want to keep the conversation going? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 

Stay Curious!

Mollee Rucker is the co-founder of Keto Brainz Nootropics with her brother Kiel (pictured above). To learn more, click here and use promo code FRANKLY. 

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