Inside Phil Mickelson's Performance-Enhancing Coffee
Phil Mickelson's journey to late-career success is a testament to his dedication to health and wellness. Faced with psoriatic arthritis and low energy in his 40s, he embarked on a mission to optimize his diet and performance. This led to a complete overhaul, with his daily coffee transforming from a simple beverage into a potent, nutrient-dense elixir. In collaboration with his performance coach, Dave Phillips, Mickelson co-founded the brand 'For Wellness' to share his proprietary supplement blend, known as 'The Good Stuff,' with others. The special mix turns his morning brew into a powerful tool for sustained energy, mental focus, and physical recovery. This specialized formula is the secret behind what does Phil Mickelson put in his coffee.
The Core Ingredients of Lefty's Brew
Mickelson's coffee is far from a standard cup of Joe. It's a carefully crafted blend of several functional ingredients, each chosen for a specific purpose to support his rigorous athletic demands.
- Ethiopian Coffee Beans: Mickelson has a preference for stronger, quality coffee beans, and has specified Ethiopian varieties in the past, appreciating their robust flavor profile.
- MCT Oil (or XCT Oil): A coconut-derived fat, MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) oil is included to promote fat burning and provide clean, fast-absorbing fuel for both the body and brain. This ingredient also helps suppress appetite, which is crucial for Mickelson's occasional intermittent fasting routine.
- Collagen Protein Powder: To support joint and connective tissue health, a large scoop of unflavored, hydrolyzed bovine collagen is added. Given the repetitive stress golf puts on a player's body, this helps repair muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- L-Theanine: This amino acid, naturally found in green tea, is included to counteract the negative side effects of caffeine, such as jitters and anxiety. L-Theanine promotes a state of calm focus and mental clarity, providing sustained, smooth energy.
- Himalayan Pink Sea Salt: A dash of Himalayan salt is added to replenish electrolytes lost during physical exertion and help the body stay hydrated. It also helps to balance the coffee's acidity.
- Cinnamon: A strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, cinnamon also enhances the coffee's flavor. For Wellness's cinnamon blend is a specific Ceylon variety known for its health benefits.
- Manuka Honey: A tablespoon of Manuka honey is sometimes added for its purported anti-allergy and antibacterial properties, in addition to a touch of natural sweetness.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Mickelson prefers unsweetened almond milk to add a creamy texture without the inflammatory effects of dairy creamers or added sugar.
The For Wellness 'Good Stuff' Blend
For those who don't want to measure out individual ingredients, Mickelson and Phillips' 'For Wellness' brand offers pre-packaged blends called 'The Good Stuff.' This product provides a convenient way to replicate Mickelson's health-boosting coffee without a complex routine. The key ingredients of The Good Stuff are grass-fed collagen, MCT powder, L-theanine, Ceylon cinnamon, and Himalayan pink salt. It comes in different formulations, such as a Cinnamon Performance blend and a Mocha Focus blend.
How Mickelson's Coffee Stacks Up Against Standard Brew
The table below compares Phil Mickelson's enhanced coffee recipe with a typical morning coffee to highlight the key differences in nutritional value and purpose.
| Feature | Phil Mickelson's Coffee (For Wellness Blend) | Typical Morning Coffee (Black) | Typical Morning Coffee (with Creamer & Sugar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Sustained energy from MCT oil and balanced caffeine from L-theanine. | Immediate caffeine spike, followed by a potential crash. | Immediate sugar spike, followed by a crash. |
| Nutritional Profile | Rich in protein (collagen), healthy fats (MCT oil), and minerals (salt). | Minimal nutrients beyond coffee's inherent antioxidants. | Often high in inflammatory sugars and unhealthy fats. |
| Flavor | Complex, with cinnamon notes and balanced acidity. | Depends on bean quality, but often bitter without additives. | Sweet and creamy, but often artificial and unhealthy. |
| Mental Focus | Enhanced and calm focus due to L-theanine. | Heightened alertness, but can lead to jitteriness. | Can cause mental fogginess due to sugar crash. |
| Long-Term Benefits | Supports joint health, reduces inflammation, and aids recovery. | Provides antioxidant benefits but lacks joint or cognitive support. | Contributes to inflammation and weight gain. |
| Hydration | Aids hydration with electrolytes from Himalayan salt. | Can be dehydrating due to caffeine's diuretic effect. | Can be dehydrating, and adds unhealthy sugars. |
Making Mickelson's Blend Your Own
For those interested in adopting Mickelson's coffee habits, there are two primary options: purchasing the pre-made 'For Wellness' blends or sourcing the individual ingredients. The individual ingredients can be found at most health food stores or online. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to prepare a similar cup at home:
- Brew a Quality Coffee: Brew 12-16 ounces of high-quality, strong coffee. Ethiopian beans are a great choice for flavor, though any good dark or medium roast will work.
- Add Your Ingredients: While the coffee is hot, combine the core ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons of MCT or C8 oil, a large scoop of unflavored collagen protein powder, a dash of Himalayan pink sea salt, and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a hand-held electric blender or a standard blender to mix the ingredients. This helps to emulsify the oils and create a frothy texture.
- Add Milks or Sweeteners: Once blended, pour into a cup and add a small glass of unsweetened almond milk. Optionally, add a teaspoon of Manuka honey for sweetness.
This blend transforms a basic morning beverage into a strategic part of a wellness routine. The benefits extend beyond the golf course, offering anyone looking for improved energy, focus, and physical support a viable, healthy alternative to sugary energy drinks.
Conclusion
What does Phil Mickelson put in his coffee is more than a simple recipe; it's a foundation for a high-performance wellness strategy. By combining high-quality coffee with targeted supplements like MCT oil, collagen, and L-theanine, he has crafted a drink that enhances his physical and mental performance, helping him stay competitive at the highest level of professional golf into his fifties. Whether through his 'For Wellness' brand or by sourcing the ingredients individually, adopting this approach can offer significant benefits for anyone seeking sustained energy, improved focus, and better overall health. It shows that small, consistent changes to one's daily routine can lead to remarkable results over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Phil Mickelson develop his special coffee blend?
Phil Mickelson developed his signature coffee blend with his performance coach, Dave Phillips, after a health scare revealed psoriatic arthritis. They sought a healthy, non-inflammatory way to boost energy and recovery, leading to the creation of the blend and the 'For Wellness' company.
Does Phil Mickelson drink this coffee every day?
Yes, Mickelson has stated that his coffee blend is the foundation of his daily wellness routine. He begins his day with this drink, particularly when following his intermittent fasting regimen, to sustain energy and curb appetite.
What are the main benefits of Mickelson's coffee recipe?
The main benefits include sustained energy, improved mental focus without jitters, support for joint health and recovery (from collagen), reduced inflammation (from cinnamon), and better hydration (from Himalayan salt).
Can I make Phil Mickelson's coffee at home?
Yes, you can make a version of his coffee at home by sourcing the individual ingredients such as high-quality coffee, MCT oil, collagen protein, L-theanine powder, Himalayan salt, cinnamon, and unsweetened almond milk.
Is 'The Good Stuff' the exact blend Mickelson uses?
'The Good Stuff' is the branded supplement blend developed by Mickelson and Phillips for their 'For Wellness' company. It contains the core ingredients Mickelson puts in his coffee, making it a convenient way for others to replicate his recipe.
What does MCT oil do for the coffee?
MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) oil is a type of healthy fat that provides a quick source of energy for the brain and body. It also promotes fat burning and helps to curb appetite, which aligns with Mickelson's wellness goals.
Why does Mickelson use L-Theanine in his coffee?
L-Theanine is an amino acid that helps balance the effects of caffeine, promoting a calm and focused state. This prevents the jitteriness and anxiety that can sometimes come with a high dose of caffeine.
Is this coffee recipe only for athletes?
No, while it was developed for a professional athlete, the benefits of Mickelson's coffee blend—including improved energy, focus, and joint support—can be beneficial for anyone seeking to upgrade their morning routine for better health and performance.
