In a world filled with trendy superfoods, exotic detox teas, and countless health hacks, few things surprise us anymore. But there’s one drink that continues to raise eyebrows, spark curiosity, and inspire skepticism: garlic coffee. Yes, you read that right. Garlic, the same pungent bulb you add to pasta sauce or rub on toast, combined with the morning staple we know and love—coffee.

While it may sound like a culinary misstep or a bizarre internet trend, garlic coffee is neither new nor invented for shock value. In fact, in some families, this peculiar combination is a time-honored tradition, passed down from generation to generation. For me, it was my mother who introduced me to it—and she learned it from her great-grandmother, a woman known for her unconventional but surprisingly effective home remedies.

The First Sip: From Curiosity to Routine
The first time I saw my mom prepare garlic coffee, I thought she’d lost her mind. She carefully minced a small clove of raw garlic, added it to her coffee grounds, and brewed the mixture like it was the most normal thing in the world. The aroma was sharp, earthy, and slightly sweet. When I finally worked up the courage to ask her why she drank it, her answer was simple: “It works.”

According to my mom, her great-grandmother lived well into her 90s, rarely visited a doctor, and swore by a cup of garlic coffee every morning. “It keeps the blood clean,” she used to say. As someone skeptical of old wives’ tales but fascinated by traditional remedies, I decided to dig a little deeper.

Historical Roots: More Than a Family Tradition
What I discovered surprised me. Garlic coffee may be unusual, but it’s not unique to my family. Versions of this drink appear in various folk medicine traditions around the world. In the Philippines, for example, garlic tea or garlic-infused drinks have long been used to treat coughs and digestive issues. In parts of Eastern Europe, roasted garlic is sometimes added to beverages as a tonic.

Historically, garlic has been valued not only as a seasoning but also as a powerful medicinal herb. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used garlic for its health-promoting properties. It was believed to boost strength, ward off illness, and even protect against evil spirits. Combining it with coffee—another ingredient rich in antioxidants and natural stimulants—may not be as random as it seems.

What Happens When You Combine Garlic and Coffee?
Let’s be honest: the idea of garlic in your latte might sound revolting. But the chemistry between these two ingredients is more complementary than you’d expect.

Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports cardiovascular health, helps regulate blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. Coffee, on the other hand, provides antioxidants, boosts metabolism, and improves mental alertness.

Together, they create a drink that’s not only energizing but potentially therapeutic. Some proponents claim that garlic coffee:

Helps detoxify the liver

Improves digestion

Boosts circulation

Strengthens the immune system

Enhances metabolic function

While these benefits haven’t all been confirmed by modern science, there’s enough anecdotal evidence to suggest it might be worth a try—especially for those looking for a natural health boost without adding another pill or supplement to their routine.

How to Make Garlic Coffee at Home
If your curiosity has been piqued and you’re ready to experiment, here’s how my mom prepares her daily dose:

Ingredients:

1 clove of fresh garlic (peeled and minced or finely grated)

1 cup of your favorite ground coffee

2 cups of water

Instructions:

Add the minced garlic directly to the coffee grounds before brewing.

Brew using your usual method (drip, pour-over, French press).

Optionally, add a touch of honey or milk if you want to mellow the flavor.

Drink warm and fresh.

Some people prefer roasting the garlic slightly before adding it, which softens its bite and brings out a nutty sweetness. Others swear by black garlic, which is aged and fermented, resulting in a flavor profile closer to balsamic vinegar than raw garlic.

Reactions and Real-Life Experiences
Not everyone is going to love garlic coffee, and that’s okay. The flavor can be intense, and the idea itself is polarizing. Some friends I’ve introduced it to were immediately turned off. Others were pleasantly surprised and even started incorporating it into their morning routine after noticing they felt more energized and less bloated.

My own experience? After a few weeks of drinking it regularly, I noticed I was getting sick less often, and my digestion improved. Whether it was placebo or something more, I’m not sure—but the ritual became part of my life. And just like my mother and her great-grandmother before her, I now find comfort in the unexpected.