Tasty Hot Drinks For This Winter

‘Tis the season for some delicious hot beverages to help warm you up this winter. From hot chocolate recipes, hot tea and festive winter drinks, you can brew up healthy hot drinks that won’t add to that holiday weight. Here are a few winter drink recipes you’ll want to sip all season long.

Holiday Spiced Tea

• 8 cups water
• 2 teaspoons whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 8 black tea bags
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Mulled wine is a common treat during the holidays. If you want to do a non-alcoholic version that’s similar in spices and flavor, try brewing a holiday spiced tea. Add water, cloves and cinnamon sticks to a pot. Bring to a boil and add black tea bags. After steeping for 10 minutes, remove the tea bags, cloves and cinnamon sticks. In a separate saucepan, stir together orange juice, sugar, pineapple juice and lemon juice and stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour together the juice mixture and spiced tea. It’s got the fruity flavor notes of mulled wine with signature holiday spices that won’t have you missing the alcohol part one bit.

Warm Ginger-Lemon Water

• 1 thumb ginger, sliced
• 1 lemon, halved
• Honey, to taste

Aside from the many hot tea recipes to choose from during the winter, you can get a boost of natural energy from a hot cup of ginger and lemon infused water. Boil a pot of water and add ginger, let simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the ginger to release its properties and flavors thoroughly. Squeeze the juice of one lemon and add honey for a touch of sweetness.

This drink is especially fitting for cold and flu season because the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the ginger may help to boost the immune system and fight off sickness. The lemon further maintains high energy levels by incorporating key electrolytes into your system.

Healthier Hot Chocolate With A Kick

• 4 cups water
• 8 ounces of chocolate (60% cacao)
• 3 teaspoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt

Nothing says wintertime like a nice mug of hot chocolate. It’s also the time of year when eating in excess tends to sky rocket. But how can you resist all the festive meals and treats surrounding you during the holiday season? There are ways to cut corners and calories, and it can start with what you sip on. Try making hot chocolate that’s water based instead of with milk.

To make it just as delicious as the richer version, use quality ingredients including real chocolate. Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Bring a small pot of water to a simmer and whisk in the chocolate. Then add cayenne, vanilla, powdered sugar and salt, and whisk until all the chocolate has melted. This warm cup of cocoa will get you in the holiday spirit without bringing any eater’s remorse to the table.

These winter drink recipes will work to warm you up and keep you feeling lighter as you dive into the coldest time of the year. Using the best quality water to make these tasty recipes is key, and Culligan’s water solution services can get you there. So, sip up and celebrate the magical season of winter as you warm up with a steaming cup of deliciousness.