Hot Mugs and Mocktails to Induce Calm and Boost Health

Whether you live in a still-winter place or one with a more temperate climate, hot beverages are good for you. According to Community Health Network, consuming hot and warm drinks has a measurable calming effect on our bodies and minds.

[Read: “Anxious Right Now? 8 Helpful Tools.”]

Hot beverages must be enjoyed slowly, forcing us to slow down and sip mindfully to avoid a scalded tongue. Additionally, the heat radiating from the mug gives us a sense of comfort and security. Together, these factors elicit a sense of wellbeing that helps us feel soothed and relaxed.

Hot drinks are also good for our circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, says wellness writer Kathryn Watson. Warmth helps dilate our blood vessels, enabling blood to carry oxygen and nutrients more freely through our bodies.

Beyond Coffee and Tea

What we choose to put in our mugs can also benefit our health. Many of us sip a variety of herb- and spice-infused concoctions to support our immune systems—and with good reason. Ingredients like ginger, citrus, cinnamon, and even chocolate have been shown to have real health benefits for the body and mind.

[Read: “Is Lemon Water Really Good for You?”]

Hot mocktails can also be made with plenty of water to help keep us hydrated. Of course, water is key to supporting nervous functions and helps us digest food more easily. Enjoy the following recipes that are as delicious as they are nourishing!

4 Hot Drinks to Stay Cool, Calm, and Hydrated

1. Lemon Ginger Toddy Mocktail

A soothing nightcap without the buzz, this toddy mocktail will not only warm your bones but also provide a healthy dose of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that’ll help chase away the end of cold and flu season.

You’ll need:

• 1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled
• 1 c. water
• ¼ c. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey

Directions:

1. Chop the ginger and add it to the water in a small saucepan. Simmer for about five minutes, or until the water is very fragrant and a touch cloudy.
2. Strain the ginger-infused water into a mug. Discard the ginger pieces.
3. Add the lemon juice and honey to the mug, stir to combine, and enjoy!

2. Coconut Almond Matcha Latte

Matcha has successfully made the leap from fad food to holistic health staple, for good reason. It contains compounds that benefit the brain, liver, heart, and more. Combined with the healthy fats and electrolytes in coconut milk, they make a truly indulgent latte that will warm you to your toes.

You’ll Need:

• ½ c canned coconut milk
• ½ c almond milk
• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 1-2 drops almond extract
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp honey

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients except the honey to a small saucepan. Don’t turn on the heat, yet.
2. Whisk vigorously until everything is combined. It should be a uniform grassy green color.
3. Warm slowly over medium-low heat, whisking frequently to prevent it from boiling over. Warming the mixture through should take about 3 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and whisk in the honey to sweeten.
5. Pour into a mug, let cool slightly, and sip.

3. Masala Hot Cocoa

Chocolate’s flavanol-rich deliciousness blends with masala spice’s myriad health benefits to create a hot cocoa deep in flavor and nutrients!

You’ll Need:

• 1 c. almond milk
• 1 oz. unsweetened dark chocolate
• Pinch each of: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Add the milk, spices, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a small saucepan.
2. Warm the milk on medium heat while you roughly chop the chocolate. This helps infuse the milk with the spices.
3. Add the chocolate to the milk and let it warm and melt for about 30 seconds.
4. Whisk frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and blended into the milk. The cocoa should be glossy and uniform in color.
5. Pour into a mug, let cool for about five minutes, and enjoy.

4. Cranberry Cider

Mulled cider isn’t just for fall. This hot, vitamin-rich antioxidant beverage combines cranberries’ health-boosting qualities with cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory benefits to create a delicious cider blend you can enjoy anytime.

You’ll need:

• 1 c. apple cider
• ½ c. cranberry juice
• 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 orange, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Add the apple cider, cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, and maple syrup to a small saucepan.
2. Heat the ingredients until almost boiling, but try not to boil them.
3. Keep the blend at a very light simmer for a few minutes, or until the cinnamon sticks are very fragrant.
4. Turn off the heat, discard the cinnamon sticks, and sweeten with the maple syrup.
5. Garnish with a slice or two of orange and sip slowly.

Still thirsty? Kindle the inner fires, promote healthy circulation, and hydrate the tissues with lemony ginger winter immune tonic.