As the months get colder, we all reach for a steaming hot beverage. The warmth always seems to lift our spirits and makes the day seem brighter. But are there ways of making hot drinks healthier? Are you choosing the right ones? We’ve found some fabulous options for you to try out today.
Organic Mint Tea – Take some fresh mint leaves and tear them into a clean mug. Top with boiling water and add a spoonful of honey (if you like a bit of sweet). It is delightfully low in calories and very refreshing.
Lean Hot Chocolate – Mix up unsweetened cocoa powder, a dash of Stevia (if desired) and hot skim milk into a mug. Top with a few extra dashes of cocoa powder for a lower-calorie version than you’d get at Costa.
Black Coffee with Cinnamon – Brew or mix instant coffee granules with hot water, then dash on a bit of cinnamon for a hint of sweet. You’ll skip all the added calories of milk and sugar while still getting a pleasing flavour.
“But indeed I would rather have nothing than tea" - Jane Austen
Chai Tea Latte – Buy the best quality chai teabag you can find and top it with hot water, a stick of cinnamon and a dash of skim milk. You’ll get all the taste of a high street option without the high calorie count.
Warm Almond Milk – Hot milk is not just a drink for children. The modern, mature version adds a dash of coconut oil and ginger to a base of warm almond milk for a pleasing low-calorie beverage.
Lemon Steamer – Add a dash of honey to hot water and lemon for a soothing drink for cold, winter days. It will help with any touch of sniffles that may be coming on too.
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me" - C.S. Lewis
London Fog – Combine earl grey tea, hot water, a dash of almond milk and a spoon of honey into a mug for a frothy, warming treat. Plus, earl grey has calming benefits can help reduce stress too. Just remember to froth the milk.
Hot Apple Refresher – Warm up apple juice with a stick of cinnamon over the hob for a steaming mug of alcohol-free cider. The antioxidants in the apple will help your overall health too.
Savoury Sage Tea – Mix a bit of sage, lemon, thyme and hot water for a savoury and earthy tea that is great for brain health. Add a bit of honey if it’s too bland for you.
“Tea! Bless ordinary everyday afternoon tea!” – Agatha Christie
Turmeric Latte – Simply combine milk, a bit of turmeric, ginger, vanilla extract and maple syrup in with some hot water. With all the health benefits of turmeric, this is a superfood drink.
Matcha Green Tea – Combine some matcha powder, green tea, sweetened almond milk and hot water in a tall mug and stir till frothy and lime green in colour.
Beetroot Latte – Not as bizarre is it sounds. You simply need to mix into hot water a bit of beetroot with soy milk, honey, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla extract. The result will be a foamy, pink confection. Here’s another variant to try too.
Read more nutrition and fitness advice from the Audley Club.
