What are you sipping on while reading this? Coffee, tea, or water? Your daily drink choices can influence your life expectancy—and it turns out, mixing them up might be the best approach.

A major long-term study from the University of Cambridge suggests that combining certain beverages can contribute to better long-term health.

The research tracked over 180,000 adults in the UK for 13 years

Over 13 years, the study compared the drinking habits of 180,000 UK adults with their overall mortality and risks for certain diseases. Participants shared details about their daily intake of coffee, tea, and water, along with other lifestyle and health information. The findings revealed that people who spread their daily fluids across several drinks—especially water, coffee, and tea—had a lower mortality risk than those who mostly stuck to just one type.

One standout pattern was combining coffee and tea. In moderate amounts, along with enough water, this mix was most common among participants with the best long-term health markers. Balance was key: neither excessive coffee nor drinking only water or tea performed as well as varying drinks throughout the day.

The most favorable ratio worked out to about two cups of coffee for every three cups of tea. So if you’ve already had one of each and want another, reach for tea next.

What makes this combination effective?

The study authors note that these findings are observational—they show a link but don’t prove direct cause and effect. Still, the results align with what we already know: coffee and tea provide natural plant compounds, while water supports essential bodily functions. Together, they may help keep the body well-hydrated while delivering antioxidants from coffee and tea, which have been tied to anti-inflammatory benefits, improved blood vessel function, and a steadier metabolism—all factors that can support longevity.

Interestingly, drinking water alone wasn’t automatically linked to the best outcomes. While staying hydrated is crucial, water appears most beneficial as part of a varied drink routine.

For daily life, this means variety matters—much like with a balanced diet. A morning coffee, afternoon tea, and water in between is a simple ritual to adopt, especially with the potential reward of a longer, healthier life.

Thirsty after all this talk? Maybe it’s time for a cup of tea or coffee.

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re wondering about? We’d love to hear. Email Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the topic Drinking These Two Beverages Together Could Extend Your Life based on common studies

Beginner Core Questions

Q Which two beverages are we talking about
A Most studies pointing to this benefit refer to drinking both coffee and tea regularly

Q What did the study actually find
A Large observational studies have found that people who drink moderate amounts of both coffee and tea have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke and may have a slightly lower risk of early death from all causes

Q Does this mean drinking them together will make me live longer for sure
A Not for sure The studies show a strong association not direct proof of cause and effect It suggests that people with these healthy habits tend to live longer but many other lifestyle factors are also at play

Q How much should I drink to see benefits
A The research typically points to moderate intake A common finding is benefits from drinking 23 cups of coffee and 23 cups of tea per day Cups mean standard 8ounce servings

Q Do I have to drink them at the exact same time
A No Together in this context means making both beverages a regular part of your overall diet not necessarily mixing them in the same cup or drinking them simultaneously

Advanced Detailed Questions

Q Why might this combination be beneficial
A Coffee and tea contain different but complementary bioactive compounds Coffee is rich in antioxidants and chlorogenic acid Tea provides catechins like EGCG and Ltheanine Together they may offer broader protection against inflammation improve blood vessel function and offer protective effects for the heart and brain

Q Does the type of tea or coffee matter
A Yes generally
Coffee Both caffeinated and decaf show benefits suggesting the compounds not just the caffeine are key
Tea Green tea and black tea are most studied and show strong benefits Herbal teas were not typically included in these major studies

Q What are the potential downsides or risks
A The main risks come from overconsumption