It’s getting warmer and warmer outside and for many people this means running to the nearest Starbucks and indulging in a high-calorie frappuccino full of ingredients that are less-than-healthy. I love to wake up and enjoy Mud Tea every morning, but I live in Texas and a hot drink to kick off a hot day doesn’t quite cut it for me. So, I present this Mud Tea inspired COLD drink that will sustain your energy in a delicious way with only good ingredients. You’ll love it. No crappuccino.

I know that it’s a tall (make that Venti) order to ask you to give up your beloved frappuccino, but trust me when I say that you are doing yourself NO favors gulping one of those down. It’s a whipped heart-attack with crazy amounts of sugar and expensive add-ons to make it even worse for you! Plus, the more expensive you make it, the worse it is for you! It’s literally the most expensive drink on the menu and if you are still buying fraps, it may be time to rethink that and call it what it is. Crap.

So, let’s get down to why this NO CRAPpuccino is the answer.  It’s full of protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and good taste. Also, your cup of it won’t cost you your health, waistline and savings. The building block of this delicious get-up-and-go drink is Young Living’s Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete, which is amazing! It smells like a cinnamon roll and tastes similarly divine. Let’s delve into the recipe, then read on below to find out why we chose the ingredients we did and what they’re going to do for you!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 2-3 TBSP Young Living Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete
• 2 oz hot water, hot chai tea or hot espresso
• 1 cup ice or coffee cubes (just freeze your coffee in ice cube molds)
• 1/2 cup homemade coconut creamer (or your milk/cream of choice)
• 3 TBSP unfiltered maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• a pinch of sea salt

optional add-ons we highly recommend:

• 2-3 TBSP cacao
• 1 TBSP coconut cream concentrate
• 2 TBSP grassfed gelatin
• 2-3 drops of your favorite Young Living Vitality essential oil (Peppermint Vitality, Thieves Vitrality, Lavender Vitality or Orange Vitality would all be delicious)
• 1 TBSP maca
• coconut flakes for garnish

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Put your Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete, salt, and any recommended add-ons (except the essential oils & coconut flakes) into the blender and cover with the hot water, tea, or espresso. Let it run until it’s mixed up nicely.
2. Add the coconut creamer, raw maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and ice and blend until it’s thick and frothy.
3. Adjust. Taste and adjust amounts to your liking! I cook like I’m sprinkling fairy dust and do not measure a thing. Dump things in and experiment.
4. Pour into your glass, add essential oils, garnish with coconut flakes and enjoy!

notes: I use a VitaMix, which is a powerful beast of a blender. I cannot guarantee the perfect frappuccinno texture in other blenders. Also, be sure you do NOT add essential oils to your blender unless it is made of glass. Oils and plastic do not mix. If your blender is plastic, add the oils to your glass and stir to incorporate.

What’s so great about this No Crappuccinno anyway?

• Pure Protein Complete – A comprehensive protein supplement that combines a proprietary 5-protein blend, amino acids, and ancient peat and apple extract to deliver 25 grams of protein per serving. Its foundation of protein from whey, goat’s milk, peas, egg whites, and organic hemp seed provides a full range of amino acids, including D-aspartic acid, threonine, L-serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, arginine, proline, hydroxyproline, cystine, tryptophan, and cysteine, along with a proprietary enzyme blend. Ancient peat and apple extract, along with a powerful B-vitamin blend, complete the formula. Together they support ATP production, the energy currency of the body. This innovative formula makes Pure Protein Complete the perfect option for those looking for a high protein supplement that features a full range of amino acids.

Excellent source of protein (25 grams) • Provides a balance of amino acids • Supports ATP production* • Protein metabolism support • No trans fat • rBGH-free whey • Soy free

Ingredients Protein blend (rBGH-free whey protein concentrate, Goat whey protein concentrate, Egg albumin, Pea protein isolate, Organic hemp seed protein, and Sunflower lecithin), Organic evaporated cane juice crystals, Natural flavors, Xanthan gum, Amino acid blend (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-methionine, L-lysine, and L-glutamine), Sodium chloride, Ancient peat, Apple extract, Zinc (Zinc picolinate), Enzyme complex (Alpha and Beta amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, Lactase and L. acidophilus, Papain, and Bromelain), Rebaudioside (Stevia rebaudiana), Biotin, Organic ground nutmeg, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (d-Calcium pantothenate), Orange (Citrus sinesis)† rind oil, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride), Vitamin B1 (Thiamin hydrochloride), Lou han guo (Siraitia grosvenori) Fruit extract, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin), and Folic acid † 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil

• Maple Syrup – Antioxidant rich with a lower glycemic index than most other sweeteners. Also provides zinc and manganese which support a healthy immune system, maintain a good metabolism and healthy blood sugar regulation!
• Sea Salt – Includes vital minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bromide, chloride, iron, copper, and zinc among other beneficial elements. The benefits for your well-being are seemingly endless. Plus, it adds rich flavor!
• Cacao – Full of flavonoids and may lower your risk of serious disease. Also higher levels of antioxidants than black or green tea, and red wine. Also highly beneficial in promoting a healthy cardiovascular system. Not to mention that it contains magnesium, and other essential minerals such as calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and manganese , as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, and E. Pass the cacao?
• Coconut Cream Concentrate is whole coconut meat in concentrated form. It is sometimes referred to as “coconut butter.” It contains no additives* (not even water). The dried coconut meat is ground very finely, giving it a creamy consistency due to its high fat content, much like other nut butters. Since it is 70% fat, it is a rich source of pure coconut oil.
• Gelatin (collagen hydrolysate) – Loaded with protein and easily digested, gelatin is supportive of gut and joint health. Contains millions of essential amino acids and peptides which regulate cell function. Feeling of alertness, improved concentration, balanced mood, improved energy and increased sense of well-being have been reported! Because collagen hydrolysate dissolves in cold water, as well as hot, and will not congeal like regular gelatin, you can use this high-protein powder in endless ways!
• Maca – Wonderfully supportive of balanced hormones, which could prove helpful for fertility, menopausal symptoms and PMS. Also supports happy skin, overall mood and sexual function. Maca is rich in vitamin B, C, and E. It provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. Because of all this, it gives a nice energy boost that can even improve athletic performance!

So, if you’re looking for a frap, be sure there is no crap. You’re sure to find it yummy and nourishing to your tummy. Okay, enough with the rhymes. It’s good. The ingredients are good. The benefit for your body will be good. Let’s all be good and drink No Crappuccinos. OR, if you’d rather drink something hot, delicious and nutrient dense, try my Creamy Mud Tea. It will not disappoint!

Don’t have a Young Living Membership yet? Contact me (bottom right of the screen) or the person who sent you here for more info on how to get your own. Want some right now? I don’t blame you. CLICK HERE and be sure to choose “wholesale” to get 24% off all your YL oils and products, as well as a bunch of other cool stuff!

A great base for any essential oil tea is homemade coconut creamer. It’s very easy to make and so much cheaper than store bought coconut milk. Also, it’s just coconut with water and none of the preservatives and thickeners. Simplicity is the name of the game!

The ratio of coconut to water makes a big difference in achieving a creamy consistency or having hard fat rising to the top when refrigerated.  After much experimentation, I found a ratio that works for me every time. Thick and creamy with zero separation! It takes a little patience, but there’s very little hands-on time involved. I promise the results will be worth the wait! **This recipe is a great way to give essential oils to kids. (See instructions at bottom)

YOU WILL NEED:

• 4 cups COCONUT FLAKES – I buy coconut flakes from Tropical Traditions because of their quality and care for the environment. They are reasonably priced and offer free shipping one Monday a month.
• 6 cups hot filtered water – the amount used will vary slightly depending on your coconut flakes so you may not use all of it.
• a high-speed blender – I recommend the VitaMix
• a nut/rice milk bag – THIS is my favorite bag. It is very sturdy and durable. You can also substitute the bag with layers of cheese cloth.

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Place coconut flakes into blender pitcher.  I shake the pitcher a little so flakes are more compact.
2. Pour hot or steaming water over flakes up to the  5-1/2 cup measurement line.  Note: you are not adding 5 1/2 cups of water, just filling the blender to that point.
3. Blend for about two minutes on high then let sit for 30 minutes to an hour minimum. Letting it sit longer won’t hurt. Blend again for two minutes then sit for 30 minutes to an hour before finishing it off by blending for two minutes one more time. I let the flakes soak for up to three hours. Two will work also but I have tried 1/2-1 hour and results are not as creamy.
4. Place your nut bag into a bowl or 8-cup measuring cup and pour the pulp into bag. Squeeze the milk out of the bag into bowl or measuring cup. You may need to let it sit a short time to cool a little first as the blending heats it up.
5. Refrigerate. Give it a quick shake or stir before using and enjoy! This will keep nicely for 5-6 days.

NOTE:  If the measurements are off by just a little, the blender may not be incorporating all of the mixture. If that happens, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to ensure it is mixing well.  I have not had to add more than 2  tablespoons.

I use this as is but you can sweeten or flavor any way you like. This recipe can easily be made into coconut milk by adding more cold water prior to drinking. You can also just make coconut milk by using the ratio 1 part coconut flakes to 2-1/2 parts water, but you will end up with the fat floating to the top and hardening in the fridge and it will likely have to be blended smooth before drinking the first time.

Pro tip: Don’t throw away that pulp! Use a 1:1 ratio and pour water onto the pulp then go through the same soaking and blending process again. You’ll get a nice coconut milk out of it!

**This recipe is a great way to give essential oils to kids – big and little alike. Just drop a drop of essential oil into the bottom of a glass, cover with coconut cream and stir. Because it naturally has lots of good fats in it, the oils will be well diluted so as not to irritate their mouth or stomach. It will also keep away the oily burps. That’s a real thing!