Iced Guarana: The Refreshing Alternative to Hot Espresso

Arnaud Sion founder of Le Comptoir de Toamasina in a Guarana plantation

Iced Guarana: The Refreshing Alternative to Hot Espresso

When the weather gets hot, a piping hot espresso isn't always the best reflex. Here is the tip I share in my videos: guarana powder mixed with ice-cold water for lasting energy without overheating.

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By Arnaud Sion

Founder of Le Comptoir de Toamasina · Traveler between Madagascar and Brazil

A major coffee lover, I have been living in Brazil since 2015, where guarana is a daily staple. This is the simple tip I regularly share in my videos, which has found a wide audience.

Key Takeaways

  • During high heat, hot drinks like espresso can cause an extra sensation of warmth, whereas a cold drink feels far more comfortable.
  • Guarana powder, mixed into ice-cold water, provides a thirst-quenching and energizing alternative.
  • Guarana is naturally rich in caffeine, with a more gradual release than coffee thanks to its natural tannins.
  • The recipe is extremely simple: one teaspoon of powder, cold water, and it's ready.

Why I Prefer Iced Guarana over Hot Coffee in Summer

When temperatures rise, drinking a hot espresso isn't always the most comfortable choice: the heat of the beverage adds to ambient temperatures, and caffeine has a mild diuretic effect that doesn't help with long-term hydration. Nothing alarming in small doses, but in summer heat, I prefer a cooler solution.

That is where guarana comes in. This seed native to the Brazilian Amazon is naturally very rich in caffeine, with a significantly higher concentration than coffee beans weight-for-weight5. Unlike coffee, it also contains tannins that slow caffeine absorption in the body, providing a smooth, sustained boost of energy rather than a sudden spike.

What Research Says About Guarana and Heart Health

A systematic Brazilian review conducted at the University of São Paulo looked into the effects of guarana on cardiovascular health2. This type of research compiles existing studies rather than offering definitive clinical proof on its own: its primary purpose is to highlight promising avenues, without turning guarana into a therapeutic treatment. As with any herbal supplement, caution remains essential, especially for individuals with known heart conditions.

The Recipe as I Make It

Ingredients (for 1 glass)

  • 1 teaspoon of guarana powder
  • 200 ml of ice-cold water
  • A few ice cubes (optional)

The Steps

  1. Pour the guarana powder into a glass.
  2. Add the cold water gradually, stirring well to prevent clumping.
  3. Add ice cubes if desired.
  4. Drink immediately to enjoy full freshness.
Why mix gradually. Guarana powder tends to clump if added all at once to a large volume of water. Pour it into the bottom of the glass first, then add water bit by bit while stirring for a smooth texture.
A genuinely caffeinated drink. Because guarana is highly concentrated in caffeine, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals sensitive to caffeine. Do not exceed the doses indicated on the packaging and space out your intake from other caffeine sources during the day.
My Personal Tip

I always keep a jar of guarana powder in the fridge during summer: the water used for the drink is already cold, and the result is even more refreshing. It has become my go-to choice on hot afternoons instead of another cup of coffee.

▶ Watch me demonstrate this tip on video: Summer freshness and energy tip with Guarana powder, on Le Comptoir de Toamasina's YouTube channel.

Guarana and Headaches: What Is Reported

The caffeine in guarana has a recognized effect on pain perception, which explains why it is found in some commercial painkillers. For this reason, some people report a positive effect of guarana on mild headaches. However, this response varies greatly between individuals: for others, caffeine can instead trigger or worsen headaches, especially with irregular use or withdrawal. The only way to know how you react is to observe your own body.

Guarana and Digestive Comfort

Guarana contains tannins, which are astringent compounds that absorb water in the intestine. When consumed in small quantities, they are traditionally associated with a binding effect that helps with overly rapid transit. Conversely, at higher doses, guarana's caffeine stimulates natural bowel motility, which can encourage transit during constipation. These two nearly opposite effects illustrate why dosage makes all the difference with this plant: it's best to start small and adjust gradually.

Can You Drink It Every Day?

Guarana can be consumed daily, but like any caffeinated beverage, prolonged use can build tolerance: you may occasionally need slightly higher doses to feel the same initial effect. That is a good reason not to exceed recommended amounts and to take occasional breaks.

The generally recommended daily dosage does not exceed 2 g of powder per day, which equals about 2 level teaspoons1,4. The recipe in this article, using 1 teaspoon per glass, remains well within this limit for occasional use.

Possible side effects from overconsumption. Excessive intake of guarana powder can cause anxiety, nervousness, tremors, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, muscle tension, increased heart rate, stomach irritation, and increased urination4. Because guarana can also disrupt sleep, avoid consuming it within 8 hours of bedtime3.
Who should avoid guarana. According to Brazil's health regulatory agency (ANVISA), guarana powder is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals suffering from hypertension, gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or arrhythmia4. It is also advised against in cases of insomnia, anxiety, migraines, tinnitus, or balance disorders such as labyrinthitis. If you are under medical treatment, always seek advice from your doctor before consuming.

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FAQ — Iced Guarana

Does guarana contain more caffeine than coffee?

Gram for gram, guarana seeds are significantly more concentrated in caffeine than coffee beans, which is why it is used in small quantities.

Why does guarana's effect last longer than coffee?

Its natural tannins slow caffeine absorption in the body, providing a smoother, longer-lasting boost of energy compared to an espresso.

Can I completely replace coffee with iced guarana?

Many people do, especially during hot weather, but everyone reacts differently to caffeine: adjust based on your personal sensitivity.

Are there precautions to take with guarana?

As with any caffeine-rich drink, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or caffeine-sensitive individuals. Follow the recommended dosage on the label.

Can you develop a tolerance to guarana?

Yes, as with any caffeine source, prolonged use can require slightly higher doses to achieve the same effect. It is best not to exceed 2 g per day and take regular breaks.

Which health conditions are incompatible with guarana?

Hypertension, gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and arrhythmia are among the most frequently cited contraindications, along with insomnia, anxiety, and migraines.

Sources Cited in This Article

  1. ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency, Brazil). Formulário de fitoterápicos: farmacopeia brasileira, 2nd edition, 2021.
  2. Campos, A. Efeitos do guaraná (Paullinia cupana) na saúde cardiovascular: uma revisão sistemática. Graduation thesis, University of São Paulo, 2018.
  3. Sleep Foundation. Caffeine and sleep. sleepfoundation.org
  4. ANVISA. Monograph Paullinia cupana Kunth ex H.B.K. var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke, semen, 2021.
  5. Brazilian Food Composition Table (TBCA), University of São Paulo. Composition of guarana powder.