What Are the Best Drinks for Study Sessions at Home

Studying at home may sound like the best idea you’ve had in a while, but it’s not that easy. Between resisting the siren song of your bed and trying to decode what your professor really meant by “optional reading,” it’s easy to let the day pass away.

Luckily, you don’t have to rely on just willpower to fight the urge to start that Netflix series now rather than later; you also have tools. Besides burying your phone in the deepest drawer and removing any other distractions, you can prepare foods and drinks that’ll keep you awake and energized.

In this article, we’re here to suggest a few clever and brain-boosting, easy-to-make beverages that support your ability to focus, stay calm, and retain what you just read three times. You’ll learn faster and train your skills as a future mixologist — now, that’s a win-win!

Why What You Sip Matters During Study Time

You wouldn’t fuel a race car with cooking oil, right? Same logic applies to your brain during study sessions. What you drink (and eat, but that’s a story for another time) while you work has a direct effect on your cognition, energy levels, and even your stress response.

First, you must maintain optimal levels of hydration. Even mild dehydration (we’re talking just 1–2%) can tank your alertness , memory, and mood, especially if you’re a woman. Second, you should reconsider your caffeine intake.

Caffeine is a double-edged sword. Too much and you’re jittery, distracted, and stressed, but drink just enough and you get into that magical flow state. That’s where L-theanine, found naturally in green tea, comes in. Studies show that L-theanine + caffeine can improve attention and reduce the mental chaos that comes from overstimulation.

If you’re not big on teas and mixing a fancy drink (delicious as it may be) is not your thing, then you may want to try some supplements to enhance focus and memory , also known as nootropics. These are substances (natural or synthetic) that enhance cognitive functions like memory, focus, and mental clarity. Think of them as brain boosters.

Brain-Boosting Drinks to Try at Home

If you’re ready to give this a try, here are some flavorful drinks you can make at home without too much of an investment.

Adaptogenic Teas

Adaptogens are herbs and roots that help your body adapt to stress (hence the name). In tea form, they’re like a cozy hug for your nervous system. Here’s what you should try and why:

• Ashwagandha: Known for reducing cortisol levels and promoting calm focus. Great for late-night cram sessions when your brain’s wired but your soul’s tired.
  

• Holy basil (a.k.a. Tulsi): Supports mental balance and gently lifts mood.
  

• Rhodiola rosea: Boosts mental stamina and fights fatigue without the caffeine crash.
  
  

Pro tip: Keep steep times short (3–5 minutes max). Overbrewing makes them bitter, not better.

Green Tea or Matcha

Green tea is basically the OG nootropic. It contains just enough caffeine to keep you alert, and it's naturally packed with L-theanine, which smooths out the stimulation so you stay focused without getting the jitters.

If you like matcha, you’re in luck. Matcha is green tea in powder form, which means you get all the antioxidants, more L-theanine, and more chill energy.

You can consume both green tea and matcha hot or iced, but avoid adding too much sugar or milk as it can dull the benefits.

DIY Brain Smoothies

Smoothies are breakfast, lunch, or dinner in liquid form, so you get the best of both worlds. To make your smoothie as smart as possible, add the following:

• Blueberries: Packed with anthocyanins that support memory and neuroplasticity.

• Spinach or kale: Rich in folate and magnesium, both essential for brain function.

• Flaxseed or chia: Omega-3s support cognitive sharpness.

• Cocoa powder: Flavonoids for increased blood flow to the brain (and yes, it tastes amazing).

Try this combo: Blueberries, banana, almond milk, spinach, flaxseed, and a dash of cinnamon. Blend until genius-level smooth.

Mocktails (To Feel Fancy)

Just because you’re skipping alcohol doesn’t mean your drink has to be boring. Mocktails can be refreshingly delicious and include ingredients that support cognition or relaxation. Again, the best of both worlds.

Here’s what to try:

• Lemon-Ginger Mint Sparkler: Ginger reduces inflammation, mint sharpens your senses, and lemon keeps things fresh.

• Lavender & Chamomile Cooler: Great for winding down study sessions while keeping your head clear.

• Cucumber Lime Spritz: Hydrating and alkalizing, with a crisp flavor that refreshes your brain mid-session.

Wrap Up

With the right drinks, you can boost focus, calm your nerves, and actually enjoy studying (even if there are more fun things to do at home). So grab your favorite glass, mix something brilliant, and let your next study session be your most refreshing one yet.