Cozy Drinks for Chilly Nights

There’s nothing like a hot drink to take the chill off an afternoon playing in the snow or to warm up while streaming the next season of your favorite show. These are some of our favorite drinks, with a twist! You’ll never get bored of the same cocoa or tea when you try these fun additions. By adding a boost to your hot drink of choice, you’ll open up a  new world of flavors and benefits.  

HOT TIPS 

• Check out the bulk options in grocery + wellness for herbs, spices and teas to add to your beverage pantry.  

•  Don’t skimp on steeping. Many herbal teas and infusions need 5-10 minutes to extract the  most benefits from the plants.  

• Adjust to your taste, using whole food ingredients. Sweet tooth? Add maple syrup or raw honey. Craving tartness? Experiment with citrus juice or zest! 

Golden Milk  
The warming spices and earthy turmeric set golden milk apart from your traditional winter drinks. For the ultimate creamy experience, replace 4 oz of your milk with 4 oz of canned coconut milk. Simply combine everything in a small pot and whisk over medium heat, until hot but not boiling, about 4 minutes.   

½ tsp ground turmeric, fresh or dried  
½ tsp ground ashwagandha powder  
¼ tsp ground cardamom  
Pinch of ground black pepper 
8 oz milk of your choice  
1 tsp honey  

Teetotaler Toddy 
A great option for a dry January. Combine tea, honey and cinnamon in a mug and steep in hot water for 2-4 minutes. Squeeze in lemon and enjoy! 

2-3 tbsp loose leaf or 1 sachet earl grey 
1 tbsp honey 
1 cinnamon stick 
1 thick lemon wedge 
Hot water to fill the cup 

Beet Hot Chocolate  
Beets add a natural sweetness, plus a boost of minerals. Combine your favorite hot chocolate ingredients plus ¼ cup of steamed beets or 1 tsp beet root powder in a blender and blend until combined.   

2 Tbsp Equal Exchange Hot Cocoa mix  
1 tsp beet powder or 2 tbsp steamed beets  
8 oz milk of your choice, heated 

 Matcha Latte  
There are more than three times the antioxidants in matcha than your highest quality green tea. Adding coconut oil makes this extra creamy and filling. Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until combined and frothy. You’ll get a layer of foam, just like your favorite latte!  

8 oz milk of your choice, heated  
1 tsp honey  
1 tbsp coconut oil  
½ tsp matcha powder  

Magnesium Night Cap  
Magnesium is an essential mineral for many of your cell’s processes, and we don’t always get enough of it from leafy greens and seeds. This recipe is perfect when you’re ready to settle down for the night. In your cup or mug, add 2-3 oz hot water to the Calm powder and stir. It will bubble and foam and fizz like crazy! After the fizzing stops, add the tea bag and honey to the cup and top with hot water.   

1-2 tsp Natural Vitality Calm, lemon flavor  
2-3 oz hot water  
1 sachet chamomile or mint tea  
A spoonful of local honey  
Hot water to fill the cup 

Fire Cider 
This will take a few weeks to infuse, but can be stored in a cool, dark place for about one year. If you love the Hot Lemon Ginger from our coffee bar, this one is for you! You can drink the cider hot or cold as a 1 oz immune-boosting shot or can be substituted for vinegar or shrubs in everything from cocktails to dressings or marinades. 

1 4-inch horseradish root  
8 cloves of garlic, peeled  
1 medium onion, ends removed and peeled  
1 4-inch piece of ginger  
1 2-inch piece of fresh or 1 Tbsp ground turmeric  
1 habanero chili  
1 large orange  
1 medium lemon  
1 teaspoon black peppercorns  
2 to 3 cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (at least 5% acidity)  
¼ cup raw honey, or more to taste 

Work in a well ventilated area, because horseradish root is very strong! Grate the horseradish, ginger and turmeric (if using fresh). Roughly chop garlic, onion, habanero, orange and lemon. Stuff prepared produce and peppercorns into a quart-size or larger glass jar and top with ground turmeric, if using. Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar until the contents are covered. Cover with a plastic lid if you have one, or layer parchment paper under a screw top lid. Store in a cool, dark place and shake periodically. After 4 weeks, strain the liquid from the jar into a clean glass container, squeezing all the liquid from the produce. Add honey to taste, seal and store.