Bean There, Drank That: India’s Coffee Craze Goes From Filter to Fungi with the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Coffee

Brew Love
There are two kinds of people: those who seize the day, and those who need coffee just to recognize their own reflection. I’m the latter—useless until I’ve hugged a dark, overpriced mug of magic.

Coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a ritual, a mood, a coping mechanism. If you’re nodding, welcome to the cult. P.S. We don’t do decaf here.

Coffee and India: The Bean Scene
Let’s start with the story of ‘The Bearded Smuggler Who Birthed a Brew’

Long before India fell for cold brews and mushroom lattes, it began with one man and seven beans. In the 17th century, Sufi saint Baba Budan smuggled coffee seeds from Yemen, tucked them into his beard, and planted them in Karnataka’s Giri hills. Boom. India’s coffee story began.

Today, from filter kaapi to almond milk pour-overs, coffee is everywhere. “Chai peene chalein?” is now “grab a single-origin with notes of vanilla and existential dread?” Wild.

If coffee has taught me anything, it’s this: no two cups are the same. Some days need an espresso punch; others, a cappuccino hug. But before we sip on mushroom brews, let’s see what else is out there.

The Beans Behind the Buzz
Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a full-blown personality parade. You’ve got Arabica, the poetic mountain bean who only drinks pour-overs, and Robusta, the no-nonsense filter kaapi uncle with caffeine for blood. Then there’s Liberica, the moody hipster in all black, and Excelsa, the quirky brunch guest with a ukulele.

The brews? Equally dramatic. Espresso slaps you awake, Cappuccino is your fluffy friend, Mocha is dessert in denial, Flat White runs a startup, and Iced Coffee is the underrated icon.

And if you’re feeling bold, here are some off-beat brews you should try.

• Mushroom Coffee: Lion’s Mane meets Arabica. Brain-boosting, mood-lifting, and way healthier than most decisions I make before noon.
• Nitro Cold Brew: Coffee on tap infused with nitrogen. It's creamy and frothy and gives off the vibe of “craft beer, but make it 8 a.m.”
• Dalgona Coffee: The whipped wonder of lockdown fame. Great arm workout. Still looks amazing on Instagram.
• Butter Coffee (Bulletproof): Coffee + butter + oil = brain fuel. Tastes like ambition, with a side of “I’m on keto, don’t ask.”
  

Mushroom Coffee: Fungi Meets Froth (and Science)
Let’s get trippy! No, not that kind. Mushroom coffee is the brain-boosting brew of the moment, and no, it won’t make you hear colors. But it will kick your productivity into high gear, like a TED Talk in a cup.

The latest buzz? Maverick & Farmer, India’s cutting-edge artisanal coffee brand, has teamed up with Nuvedo, the country’s top functional mushroom experts, to launch India’s first whole bean-infused Lion’s Mane coffee. No powdered gimmicks; just Arabica beans infused during roasting with Lion’s Mane, a mushroom famed for cognitive benefits.

Rich, smooth, and suspiciously brainy, it delivers clean energy, sharp focus, and mental clarity, maybe even enough to finish your passion project (or clear your inbox).

Perfect for high performers, creatives, overthinkers, and even your multitasking cat. It’s vegan, organic, pesticide-free, and sustainably grown. Grab a bag online or sip it fresh at Maverick & Farmer cafés. Just don’t blame me if your regular latte starts feeling basic.

Barista at Home: DIY the Dream
Making coffee at home isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s a power move. Go, Boss Girl (or guy)! There’s real joy in sipping a brew you made yourself. Here’s your crash course in DIY caffeine wins:

• Grind it fresh: Pre-ground? Unfair. Invest in a grinder or get beans ground fresh at your local café.
• Nail the ratio: For pour-overs, a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio hits the sweet spot.
• Let it bloom: Don’t rush. Let the coffee sit for 30 seconds post-pour to unlock full flavour.
• Mind the heat: Boiling water burns beans. Aim for 90–96°C for the perfect, non-bitter cup.
  

Final Sip
Coffee isn’t just a morning fix anymore; it’s a cultural flex, a sensory ritual, and for some, an obsessive hobby. From mushroom lattes to home brews, the bean boom is real.

So go ahead, invest in that grinder, try the fungi brew, and maybe even outshine your barista. Let’s face it, coffee might just be your most committed relationship.