A cup of coffee today almost seems passé thanks to the influx of caffeine-free drinks emerging. Now the wellbeing-focused side of the community has another ally when it comes to the warm beverage market: moon milk. 

You may have already come across the aesthetically pleasing brew scrolling through your social channels. In fact, the drink has become so popular in the past six months alone that it’s jumped 746 per cent in Pinterest saves.

But what exactly is moon milk? Essentially it’s a warm bedtime drink made from a concoction of milk, spices, and adaptogens. With ties to Ayurvedic medicine, moon milk is designed to balance hormones, reduce anxiety, and aid in relaxation, helping you to sleep like a baby.

“The end of each day is made mindfully medicinal with a concoction of warmed nut milk with holy basil and ashwagandha spiced with cardamom, cinnamon and a dash of local honey,” naturopath and Orchard St founder Kirsten Shanks explained to Vogue Australia. “Adaptogens can act as valuable preventive medicine when you know you have a perceived stressful time coming up.”

Recipes for moon milk vary but typically integrate a cup of milk (dairy or nut-based depending on your preference), combined with turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, honey and the important addition of ashwagandha (or a similar adaptogen such as Shatavari). Simmer ingredients together, serve warm and prepare for a dreamy slumber.