Winter brings a lot of warmth and coziness with its arrival. But, it can get hard to survive the harsh climate every once in a while. And for that, we will cover some of the most tasty and healthy winter drink options from sweet to spicy, tea to coffee, and more that will inspire you to have a warm cuppa yourself!
Best Winter Drinks with Recipes:
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Hot Cocoa is a winter drink champion! Though it is generally made with full-fat milk, cream, and marshmallows, we will cover a healthier version. This will inspire you to mix different ingredients into your hot cocoa yourself!
Recipe:
Incorporate the properties of coconut or almond milk in an unsweetened cocoa powder to make a healthier version of this warm winter drink. Use natural sweeteners like winter traditional maple syrup. Use a cinnamon stick to infuse with milk to get the spices’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Apple Cider Winter Drink
Apple Cider Winter Drink is a warm hug in a cup! It is a must on any winter drinks list! You can just heat it or take it the traditional way: mulled. The hot cider is made up of various spices that contain different favorable properties. Since it is traditionally made without sweeteners, the drink is healthier.
Recipe:
Apple Cider is a refreshing drink made with apples and cider, as the name suggests. But now, we can add spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg to the boiling mixture of sliced apples and cider. You can also use vanilla pods to add more depth to the cider! Make it a cocktail with the use of any alcohol!
3. Refreshing Citrus Water
Citrus Water in the winter can make us feel refreshed with just a sip. It is full of vitamins and nutrients! As the name suggests, we use different types of citruses to infuse water for some time and make this a healthy drink!
Recipe:
Mix water with sliced lemons, oranges, and any other seasonal citrus (subject to availability). Just a few minutes and you’ll see that the water has infused with the warm citrus flavors. Get a cup and pour your healthy, refreshing drink. You can use mint as garnish!
4. Cinnamon and Honey Winter Coffee Drink
Winter coffee drink ideas typically include lots of sugars and syrups. But there are many healthy variations as well that are super tasty! We can use honey and the immunity-boosting spice cinnamon to prepare coffee and make it a cinnamon winter drink. It will not only make coffee healthier but also something new to try!
Recipe:
Heat vegan or skim milk as we do for other healthier winter coffee drink ideas. Add cinnamon stick and coffee to infuse milk for a few minutes. After boiling, add honey according to taste. Serve the cinnamon winter drink alongside cinnamon sticks as garnish.
5. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk)
Golden Milk is one of those winter drinks that has gained popularity in the last few years. The tasty yellow-colored drink has many anti-inflammatory properties from using different spices. The comforting drink can be made in minutes and without any electric machine!
Recipe:
Aside from using turmeric and milk, you make this best hot winter drink with just a few ingredients like ginger, a dash of black pepper, cinnamon, and a natural sweetener! After a few minutes on the pan, the golden milk is ready!
6. Elderberry Tea
We have all heard about chamomile and peppermint tea as popular organic teas. But why not try a different and underrated flavor? Say… Elderberry! Its tea is known for its immune-boosting properties and goes a long way with a dash of honey!
Recipe:
Brew elderberry tea for some 3-4 minutes. (If available, you can also use dried elderberries) Afterward, add honey as required and enjoy the easy yet effective warm winter drink!
7. Apple Maple Winter Tea
Maple is a seasonal flavor that must be used in as many foods and beverages as possible! The apple and maple winter tea is not only sweet from its natural properties but is also healthy. Since Apples are full of antioxidants, they are very healthy!
Recipe:
Gather ingredients like your favorite tea bags, thinly sliced apples, and spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Boil some water and add all the ingredients on the stove. Your tasty and healthy tea will be ready after they simmer for 5-8 minutes and infuse! Pour into cups and add maple syrup accordingly. You can use an apple slice or cinnamon stick to garnish.
8. Ginger Tea with Honey or Maple Syrup
Ginger tea is a must for some people, especially in winter. Ginger is a fantastic ingredient of winter that helps the body by providing immunity. A cup of this aromatic winter drink should be tried at least once!
Recipe:
The tea can be made with a blend of loose-leaf black tea or tea bags, spices, fine ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a dash of cardamom powder. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then mix it with honey or maple for sweetness.
9. Winter Bourbon Drink
As an old-fashioned drink, the winter bourbon drink is a classic non-alcoholic warm winter drink! You can make this good winter drink with just a few ingredients, and it’ll help you keep your body warm from the inside, which is necessary for harsh winters!
Recipe:
Mix bourbon with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a dash of cloves in water for 15-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy the warm apple-cinnamon infusion!
Tips on making the drinks healthier:
- Remember to use natural sweeteners like stevia, honey, maple syrup, and other similar ingredients instead of processed sugars to make the drink as healthy as possible without extra fat intake.
- Try to play with the recipes and give the drink your unique touch! Use the fruits, herbs, spices, and other ingredients as much as you like. There is no need to stay rigid in a recipe if you dislike the ingredients or know you can improve it with your alterations!
- You can use organic or plant-based milk like soy or almond milk for healthier results.
