Must-Try Healthy Hot Drinks for Cold Days at Home
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Winter is coming, the chill is nipping at your fingertips and all you want is something warm to wrap your hands around. Whether you’re watching the snow fall from your window or powering through your to-do list, a cozy drink can help you get through the frosty days.
Hot drinks aren’t just about comfort, they can be energizing, uplifting, relaxing, or nourishing. From creamy indulgences to health-focused sips, the right drink can help you feel warm, productive, and ready to take on anything the season throws your way, or relaxed at the end of the day, setting you up for a comfy night’s sleep.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite recipes for healthy, cozy beverages that are perfect for cold hands and chilly days. Grab your favorite mug, and let’s dive in!
Benefits of Hot Beverages in Winter
Hot beverages are more than just a way to keep warm, they offer a blend of physical comfort, mental relaxation, and even productivity perks that make them a must-have during the colder months!
- Physical comfort: They increase the body temperature and improve circulation. There is nothing out there like the immediate warmth you feel in your heart when you take a sip of a hot drink, it makes those frosty days much more bearable.
- Mental comfort: The process of making your drink and sipping the streaming concoction you created can be a calming ritual, whether you’re easing into your work day or winding down after a long one.
- Productivity boost: Besides comfort, they can keep you energized too! Options like matcha, coffee, or certain herbal blends can provide a gentle energy lift to improve your focus, helping you stay productive and motivated when the weather tempts you to nest under the blankets and binge TV shows.
Classic comforts
Sometimes, you can’t beat the classics! Hot chocolate and herbal teas have been winter staples for so long, offering indulgence and wellness in every sip!
Hot Chocolate
A rich, creamy hot chocolate is the ultimate comfort drink in my book! You can get creative with variations; add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a spiced twist or try mint extract for a refreshing and nostalgic take.
If you’re looking for a healthier version, use dark chocolate (75% and above) for its low sugar content and antioxidants or 100% pure cocoa powder. For a creamy texture without the heaviness I recommend oat milk, especially barista oat milk, the smooth texture is UNREAL!
Pro tip: If you want to skip refined sugar, dates are lifesavers. Check out this recipe for a date-sweetened hot chocolate:
Herbal teas
Super versatile and packed with benefits, herbal teas are perfect for the season. For calming moments try chamomile, peppermint, or lavender to ease tension and promote relaxation at the end of your day. If you need a little more energy, try lemon and ginger tea for a warming kick or yerba mate for a natural boost without the jitters. There’s a tea for every mood, explore and find your favorite 🙂
Energy-Boosting Favorites
When you need a little extra pep in your step during the winter months, you can try some of these to have the perfect balance between flavor and function.
Coffee
Give your routine coffee a festive twist with seasonal spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. If you’re feeling fancy, add in some turmeric! not only is coffee a natural energy booster, the addition of these particular spices are anti-inflammatory and healthy for your gut microbiome!
Matcha Latte
Matcha is a powerhouse for sustained energy and focus, thanks to its mix of energyzing caffeine and calming L-theanine. To make a cozy matcha latte, whisk matcha powder with a splash of hot water until frothy, then add warmed plant-milk of your choice. It’s delicious as is, but if you need a touch of sweetness, try honey, agave, or date syrup.
Chai Tea Latte
Chai teas are a warm spiced treat for chilly days. You can go traditional by brewing chai with loose-leaf tea, milk, and spices, or opt for a quicker version using a teabag. The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves not only warms you up but offers health benefits like better digestion and anti-inflammatory properties.\
Nutrient-packed options
For those who love to experiment, these nutrient-dense drinks combine creativity with health benefits! Perfect for adding variety to your cozy winter rituals.
Golden milk (Turmeric latte)
Golden milk is a creamy, vibrant drink with anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the turmeric. Typically made by simmering turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon in plant-milk, and lightly sweetened with honey for a warm, soothing drink. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance the benefits of turmeric and you got yourself a fine drink for your body AND soul! Here’s my favorite recipe:
Hot apple cider
Timeless winter favorite! Heat apple juice with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a fragrant warming treat. Try out mulled cider by adding slices of orange, star anise, and a splash of vanilla or brandy for a festive spin. Keep in mind that apple cider is high in sugar and calories, so it’s best to enjoy no more than one cup at a time to avoid a sugar crash. This drink is all about warming your heart rather than fueling your body, enjoy it in moderation!
Superfood Hot Cocoa
Take your classic hot cocoa to the next level with adding adaptogens! They help adapt the body to stress, leading to improved energy and a better supported immune system. You can try maca powder, reishi, ashwaghanda, or lion’s mane in your hot cocoa blend.
Ponche (Latin American Hot Fruit Punch)
Ponche is a festive, traditional hot fruit punch enjoyed throughout Latin America during the holidays. It is made by simmering a mix of fruit like apples, coconut meat, grapes, pineapple, papaya, raisins, and plum along with whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and star anise to create a rich, aromatic drink. I skip the sugar since the fruit brings its own sweetness to the drink, but you can add a touch of honey or agave syrup if needed. For adults, add a splash of rum for extra warmth. You can substitute fruits for what you have available locally, like pears or dried apricots. I have a recipe for you down below!
Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Drink
Creating the perfect cozy beverage is an ART. I have some tips for upping your drink game!
- Choose the right mug: Use a mug with thick walls or a double-walled design to retain heat longer. A well-insulated mug keeps your drink warm and your hands toasty. Bonus tip: invest in an electric mug warmer for your desk! Here’s a few of my staples:
– Made of mouth-blown borosilicate glass known for its insulating qualities.
– Dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 350°F.
– 10 oz. Capacity.
– Mug is microwave and dishwasher safe for easy reheating and cleaning.
– Holds up to 12 ounces.
– Warm your beverage at a desirable temperature of 176℉/150℉/130℉.
– The coffee warmer automatically turns off after 4 hours by default, and you can customize the shutdown time from 2 to 12 hours.
– Waterproof heating plate for safe and easy clean.
- Experiment with homemade syrups and flavorings: Skip the store-bought syrups and try making your own! Infuse honey or maple syrup with orange peel, lavender, cinnamon, ginger, or even a hint of chili for a unique twist that matches your mood. You can also try boiling frozen or fresh berries with some water and fresh lemon juice, cooked down until syrup consistency.
- Stock up your drink station: Set up a dedicated space for your hot drink essentials! Include your favorite teas, spices, a jar of cocoa powder, vanilla extract, your favorite mugs and teaspoons, a coffee maker, and even some decor if you’re feeling up to it.
Wrapping It All Up
Winter days don’t have to be about battling the cold! These hot drinks are my personal invitation to you to slow down, sip, and savor the moment. Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty classic, an energy booster, or something creative and nutrient-dense, there’s a drink for everybody!
I can’t wait to hear from you 🙂 What’s your go-to drink for cold days? Share your favorites or own recipes in the comments down below!
If you loved these recipes, don’t miss my other seasonal posts and tips for staying healthy and happy this winter! And for even more inspiration, sign up for The Level Up Club newsletter, you’ll get fresh ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Stay cozy!
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Feeling Inspired? Here’s Some Extra Fun Stuff!
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