I've never been a morning person [1], and as a mom to three boys, I need all the energy I can muster, so I have to rely on coffee [2] to get me going for the day. Although I've always preferred to sweeten my coffee, I was intrigued when I came across Humblemaker Coffee Co. Cold Brew Shots [3] ($28 for eight).

Last year I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and since then, I've been a lot more cognizant about what I'm putting into my body. I battle pain and crippling fatigue every day, like I'm always coming down with a nasty bug. Sometimes I have a bad flare up where it feels like every joint in my body is aching simultaneously, and sugar seems to only make these flares worse [4].

Although I've always preferred to sweeten my coffee, I do enjoy premium cold brew and figured that these 2-oz. shots would be a perfect sugar-free pick-me-up, with the added benefit of vitamins [5] and antioxidants. Humblemaker's cold brew shots are made with responsibly sourced, organic coffee that is brewed cold from start to finish. They come in three unique flavours [6]: Boomtowne, a triple strength, black cold brew with B complex vitamins, biotin, and folate; Black Sea, a Turkish cold brew with cardamom and clove, as well as L-theanine and ginseng; and my personal favourite, La Fonda, a Mexican cold brew with cinnamon and cacao, blended with vitamin C, selenium, and antioxidants from green tea.

These shots can be added to your morning coffee or smoothie, but I prefer to drink them straight up — a no-fuss, tasty way to power up while I make breakfast for my kids. My body tends to be stiff and sore in the morning, and these cold brew shots help to at least clear the brain fog while my joints loosen up. I also find them to be helpful later in the day [7], a much healthier option for getting over that early-afternoon slump than a sugary snack or drink.

I didn't think I could give up my hefty dollop of sweetener, but Humblemaker's cold brew shots have changed my mind. Drinking a full cup of cheap, hot black coffee isn't my thing, but adding these yummy little drinks to my morning routine feels like a no-brainer.