Hot & Healthy Beverage Recipes You Need To Try

There’s nothing quite like warming up by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa on these chilly February evenings. However, traditional hot chocolate is often loaded with sugar and relies on dairy as a base, both of which can have a negative impact on your health and are best consumed in moderation, if at all. We’ve come up with some warm beverage recipes that are delicious, healthy & dairy-free, and will help keep you feeling your best in the midst of winter. Let’s get cozy & healthy this winter with these delicious recipes:

Golden Milk (turmeric elixir)

Ingredients:

·       1/4 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup almond milk

·       1 cup hot water

·       1 tbsp coconut oil

·        1 tbsp raw turmeric

·       1 tsp maca powder

·       1/2 tsp cinnamon

·       1 pinch of black pepper (necessary to activate healing properties of turmeric )

·       1 tbsp of maple syrup or honey

Directions: Boil water separately from other ingredients. Once the water has boiled, combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Serve with a dash of cinnamon on top and enjoy!

Why it’s good for you: Tumeric is touted as the anti-inflammatory superhero of the natural world. It also increases the anitoxidant capacity of the body, is linked to increased brain function and can help prevent cancer.

Aztec Cacao (chocolate elixir)

·       1/4 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup almond milk

·       1 cup hot water

·       1 tbsp coconut oil

·       2 tbsp raw cacao

·       1 tsp maca powder

·       1/2 tsp cinnamon

·       1 pinch cayenne pepper

·       1 tsp vanilla

·       1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

Directions: Boil water separately from other ingredients. Once the water has boiled, combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend for 20 seconds.

Why it’s good for you: Cacao is the purest form of chocolate you can consume, and therefore is a greater source of antioxidants than traditional chocolate (it has 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries!). It is also the highest plant-based source of iron, contains more calcium than cow’s milk and is a natural antidepressant.

Matcha Latte

·       1/4 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup almond milk

·       1 cup of hot water

·       1 tbsp coconut oil

·       2 tbsp matcha powder (Matcha Ninja is our fav)

·       1 tsp maca powder

·       1 tsp vanilla

·       1 tbsp honey

Directions: Boil water separately from other ingredients. Once the water has boiled, combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Serve with a dash of cinnamon on top and enjoy!

Why it’s good for you: Matcha, which is essentially finely ground green tea leaves, is high in antioxidants and rich in chlorophyll and vitamins. It boosts your energy and enhances mood & concentration all while calming the mind and relaxing the body. It’s the perfect mid-day pick me-up!

Can’t enjoy your hot bevy without some marshmallows? Try out this delicious & healthy marshmallow recipe and add some to any of the above beverages!