Cherico. A break with a twist

I have my coffee routine, and I rarely wish to disrupt it – not the ritual, nor the daily amount I’ve set for myself. Truly, I do not desire to compromise. But there are days – those long, stretched afternoons – when a meeting in a café is a part of the job or a much-needed moment with a friend. Especially when all the usual limits have been reached and you find yourself craving something different.

That’s exactly when Cherico comes in – particularly when that coffee break happens in one of Lyon’s top spots, Mokxa. That’s where I first discovered the beauty of this particular chicory drink – a taste that struck something deeply nostalgic. It instantly brought me back to one of the most beloved ice creams from my life in Soviet-era Latvia: chicory. Yes, that same unique flavour, now reborn in a cup.

Cherico is made in France, using only chicory grown locally and from selected farms in Europe. It’s a careful blend of different chicory varieties, mixed to perfection so that you don’t just tolerate switching to a caffeine-free drink – you actually enjoy it. And that, when it comes to chicory, is no small feat.

Ten years after perfecting the flavour of a beer already loved by many French drinkers, the same team has turned their attention to chicory. And now, this once-forgotten plant is making a true comeback – starting with vibrant, inviting packaging, but above all with a flavour so perfectly balanced it makes your taste buds tingle with every sip.

Beyond the simple, classic chicory mix, Cherico offers more blends to explore. There’s one with guarana – a plant with naturally occurring caffeine – perfect for when fatigue starts to creep in. The blend with 20% coffee is ideal when your mind needs a gentle nudge and your body a little treat. And the one with cacao, barley, and wholegrain sugar feels like a warm hug – nourishing and comforting, especially on colder days.

You might ask – but how do you prepare it? Simply mix it with water or your favourite milk. I love it with oat milk – the nuttiness of the chicory pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of oats. Almond or hazelnut milk works wonderfully, too. And sometimes, just plain water is all you need. The classic blend is even perfect for desserts – especially those with a creamy base or a touch of milk chocolate.

www.cherico.fr
Instagram: @cherico_chicoree