Winter is a time when many people seek the comfort of drinks to warm you up. These soothing beverages not only keep us warm but also provide a sense of cheer and tranquility during the cold winter days.
This blog will explore a variety of non-alcoholic drinks to warm you up that are perfect for warding off the chill. Whether you’re heading out the door or grabbing a cozy blanket by the fire, these beverages will keep you toasty from the inside out.
NUMEROUS WARM DRINK OPTIONS
Thankfully, there are many options these days for warm drinks. If you need a boost of energy, a drink to improve your health, or something to aide your sleep, we’ve got you covered. Try these with family and friends or cuddle up by yourself for some stress relief.
Hot Chocolate
Nothing screams winter comfort quite like a mug of hot chocolate. This classic drink, made from milk, cocoa powder, and sugar, is a favorite among people of all ages. Some variations include adding marshmallows or whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence. Click here for some great add-in ideas. I love sitting by the fireplace or outside under the stars with a mug of hot chocolate. It’s a family favorite!
Tea
Teas are a fantastic choice for those looking for a warm, comforting drink with health benefits.
Chamomile tea, for instance, is known for its calming properties, making it a perfect evening drink. Peppermint tea can aid digestion, while Ginger tea can help fight off colds — a common occurrence in January and February. There are many herbal teas for about any ailment you’re looking for. Not to mention, you can make your own!
Matcha tea is full of antioxidants that aid your heart, weight, and other aspects of health. Another favorite is Chai tea with its many variations. Irene‘s favorite is Sweet & Spicy, by Good Earth. The originator of this blog loves the orange and cinnamon combined with spicy ingredients like ginger and anise.
Warm Apple Cider
Warm apple cider is a delightful drink that brings the taste of fall into winter. Made by heating apple juice with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this drink is both warming and comforting. It’s like a cozy blanket in a cup. My son absolutely loves apple cider. When he lived at home, he wanted it every winter!
Wassail
This traditional communal Yuletide drink, can be enjoyed all winter long. Wassailing was the precursor to caroling. It has turned into a Christmas drink but is basically a toast to a healthy and prosperous harvest the following year. (Anyone from England who knows the great backstory and current tradition, feel free to comment. We would love that!)
Although it appears as a glorified version of apple cider, the taste combinations are varied and complex — orange, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cranberries. It can contain wine, ale, or other liquor, but it doesn’t have to. Although I’ve never had it, Irene’s Mom fixed it during the holidays to have after they came home from caroling. Her mom taught them this song:
Hot Lemon Water
Hot lemon water is not only warming but also incredibly beneficial for your health. The Vitamin C in the lemon boosts your immune system, and combined with honey, helps fend off winter colds, while the warm water aids digestion. Singers should use this drink to break down mucus and aid in reducing inflammation. This drink is an absolute must anytime of the year! It is so good for you, hot or cold.
Coffee
For many, a hot cup of coffee is a morning staple. There’s so many options where coffee is concerned. Ground or whole beans, caffeinated or decaf, dark, medium or blonde roast, latte and espresso. The options are endless. You can get a wide variety of flavors now, too. Personally, I am not a coffee drinker. You’ll have to share your favorites in the comments.
Coffee Alternatives
If you’re sensitive to caffeine or trying to cut back, there are plenty of coffee alternatives.
Chicory coffee
This caffeine-free substitute tastes remarkably similar to coffee and is made from chicory root. Studies suggest it can help bowels, blood sugar, and inflammation, but can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
Budget Friendly
I don’t know if any of you have heard of Postum, but my mom loved to drink it on a chilly day. Irene’s mom made Pero. Both these can be found at grocery stores or on Amazon.
Mushroom Coffee
There are a variety of new alternatives out there like Mushroom Coffee, known for its many vitamins and nutrients that promote heart, brain, gut, and immune health without the affects of caffeine.
Cacao
This chocolaty version of coffee has a slower energy boost without the slump afterward. It has a track record of boosting cognitive function and enhancing mood. It’s rich in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Warm Milk and Honey
This is one of my Grandpa’s favorites! I think every turn of the century book I’ve read mentions having warm milk before bed. Experts can’t explain exactly why warm milk helps sleep, but milk contains a large amount of tryptophan which your body needs to make melatonin and serotonin, two chemicals that aid in sleep. So does it have to be warm? Perhaps it’s the ritual of “bedtime”. Anything warm and comforting helps me sleep better. Give it a try and see if your sleep improves.
Golden Milk
Another option is golden milk, a warm drink made with turmeric, milk, and a touch of sweetener. Turmeric is a wonderful anti-inflammatory, so people with chronic inflammation will benefit greatly from this great drink.
Warm Drink Must-Have: Honey
If you want your warm drink a little sweeter, add some honey! Mmmm, delicious!! AND Studies have shown that honey produces anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimetastatic, and antiproliferative effects.
DRINKS TO WARM YOU UP
This blog has covered a wide variety of drinks to warm you up. Hopefully they will brighten your day and help you get through the chill and blues that accompany the dark days of winter. Whether you’re a fan of the classic hot chocolate, the health-boosting herbal teas, or the comforting warm apple cider, there’s a drink for everyone. They are wonderful memory makers to have with the ones you love. So, the next time the winter chill hits, why not try one of these beverages? They’re sure to keep you cozy all winter long.
YOUR TURN
I am sure you have family drink favorites. What is yours? Have you noticed any health benefits? If there’s a drink others must try, tell us what it is and why.
