Cozy Warm Drinks That Aren’t Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate
This time of year brings so many wonderful things, and one of those is cooler weather! I can’t help but start to crave warm drinks. But sometimes it seems that the only options are hot chocolate or drinks that are loaded in caffeine! Neither are super healthy for you, so it can seem like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. But there’s a lot of options for those who are looking to limit their caffeine intake and those who don’t want to drink something high in sugar like hot cocoa! Read on for ideas and recipes!
Apple cider. It’s warm, sweet, and if you control the sugar that is added, it can definitely be a healthier option than hot chocolate! And what’s more autumny than apple cider?
Broth. This won’t hit the spot if you have a sugar craving, but if savory is more your thing, a cup of broth can be filling and cozy! Many companies actually have single servings of broth that are packed with protein and supplements for a healthy warm drink alternative. (Just be wary of added sodium!)
Pero. If you like the taste of coffee, this is a great alternative, without the caffeine! And you don't have to spend the time brewing or stewing- it just instantly dissolves in hot water!
Hazelnut Toddy. Mix hot milk with a non-alcoholic hazelnut syrup and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. So cozy and tasty! You could use water and a sugar-free syrup to cut back on the calories even more.
Protein powder. There are so many varieties out there, and a chocolate flavor mixed with hot milk is a great alternative to hot chocolate! More protein and way less sugar.
Warm Grapefruit Tea. It’s not actually a tea, but a warm, fruity drink that would be perfect for when you’re coming down with something! Just juice 2 grapefruits, add a couple tablespoons of honey and some cinnamon!
Cacao Powder. There are cacao nibs or cacao powder, and both are a much healthier way to get your hot chocolate fix! Here’s a tasty recipe that includes a spiced option!
Warm Carob Milk (with Spiced Option)
The Mexican spice option that I included with this recipe is subtle and warming. If you want a bigger spice hit, double the cinnamon and add both ginger and cloves.
Prep time:
Cook time:
Yield: 2 servings
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 50
Ingredients:
Cook time:
Yield: 2 servings
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 50
2 cups unsweetened almond milk, beverage (I used Silk; see post above for nut-free options)
2 tablespoons carob powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or your liquid sweetener of choice)
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Dash ground ginger or cloves (optional)
Pinch salt
Directions:
Place all of the ingredients in your blender, and blend for about 30 seconds.
Pour the carob milk into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until hot, but not boiling. For a richer, sweeter drink, you can simmer the carob milk for a few minutes.
Divide the warm carob milk between two mugs and serve.
Source: sgodairyfree.org
Pour the carob milk into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until hot, but not boiling. For a richer, sweeter drink, you can simmer the carob milk for a few minutes.
Divide the warm carob milk between two mugs and serve.
Source: sgodairyfree.org
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
This 5 Minute Vegan Golden Milk is cozy, tasty, and packed full of nutrition!
5-Minute Vegan Golden Milk
Creamy, easy golden milk with dairy-free milk, ginger, turmeric, and coconut oil. Naturally sweetened, incredibly healthy, and so delicious. Ready in just 5 minutes!
Prep time:
Cook time:
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 402
Ingredients:
Cook time:
Serving size: 2
Calories per serving: 402
1 1/2 cups light coconut milk (or sub other dairy-free milk of choice)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk, (DIY or store-bought)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tsp freshly grated ginger*)
1 whole cinnamon stick (or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon)
1 tablespoon coconut oils (optional for richness // see notes for oil-free)
1 pinch ground black pepper
light sugar, or stevia to taste)
Directions:
To a small saucepan, add coconut milk, almond milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, coconut oil (optional), black pepper, and sweetener of choice (I usually add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup // adjust amount if altering number of servings).
Whisk to combine and warm over medium heat. Heat until hot to the touch but not boiling – about 4 minutes – whisking frequently.
Turn off heat and taste to adjust flavor. Add more sweetener to taste or more turmeric or ginger for intense spice + flavor.
Serve immediately, dividing between two glasses and leaving the cinnamon stick behind. Best when fresh, though leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Source: sminimalistbaker.com
Whisk to combine and warm over medium heat. Heat until hot to the touch but not boiling – about 4 minutes – whisking frequently.
Turn off heat and taste to adjust flavor. Add more sweetener to taste or more turmeric or ginger for intense spice + flavor.
Serve immediately, dividing between two glasses and leaving the cinnamon stick behind. Best when fresh, though leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Source: sminimalistbaker.com
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
This Vanilla Almond Steamer sounds so delicious and perfect for a rainy fall afternoon!
Vanilla-Almond Steamer
Make the steamer mixture up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then reheat when ready to serve.
Ingredients:8 cups 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Ground cinnamon (optional)
stick Cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
Combine the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Add cinnamon sticks to milk mixture; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes. Stir in extracts. Place pan over medium-high heat; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Source: smyrecipes.com
Source: smyrecipes.com
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
Pumpkin Spice Turmeric Latte is the perfect way to get your pumpkin spice craving fixed in a non-caffeinated way!
Pumpkin Spice Turmeric Latte (Caffeine-free, Vegan, Dairy-free)
Love pumpkin spice? Try this Pumpkin Spice Turmeric Latte for anti-inflammatory benefits. It's Paleo, AIP, and Whole30-friendly. Get the PSL flavor you love junk-free!
Prep time:
Cook time:
Ingredients:
Cook time:
3/4 cup non-dairy milk ( coconut milk, almond, etc.)
3 tablespoons pumpkins puree
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coconut oils, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free or omit for AIP)
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (omit for AIP)
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (omit for AIP)
pinch of black pepper to activate tumeric (omit for AIP)
optional: sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk for topping
Directions:
In a small saucepan or butter warmer, add all ingredients (except coconut milk for topping) and whisk over low heat.
Mix it for approx. 5 minutes or so until well heated and somewhat combined (the puree should be dissolved, the spices will probably still be allover the place).
Add mixture to a blender and blend on high until you have a thicker orange milk with spices combined well.
Pour into your mug(s) and separately, steam coconut milk in a frother, using a hand-held frother, or you can heat it separately, rinse your blender and use that on high until you have a nice foam.
Pour coconut milk on top of your pumpkin spice turmeric milk and add a little more cinnamon over top and serve!
Source: sfoodbymars.com
Mix it for approx. 5 minutes or so until well heated and somewhat combined (the puree should be dissolved, the spices will probably still be allover the place).
Add mixture to a blender and blend on high until you have a thicker orange milk with spices combined well.
Pour into your mug(s) and separately, steam coconut milk in a frother, using a hand-held frother, or you can heat it separately, rinse your blender and use that on high until you have a nice foam.
Pour coconut milk on top of your pumpkin spice turmeric milk and add a little more cinnamon over top and serve!
Source: sfoodbymars.com
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.
What’s your favorite warm beverage this time of year? I’d love to hear about them! (Whether they belong on this list, or not!)
Camille Hoffmann
Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
Email the author! camille@dvo.com
Sources:
- https://cottagelife.com/entertaining/10-hot-drinks-that-arent-hot-chocolate/
- https://www.marthastewart.com/316580/warm-grapefruit-tea
- https://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/caffeine-free-drinks-to-keep-you-warm
- https://www.rmhp.org/blog/2020/february/5-healthy-hot-chocolate-alternatives
- https://www.rmhp.org/blog/2020/february/5-healthy-hot-chocolate-alternatives
- https://govegga.com/2018/11/11/5-caffeine-free-alcohol-free-hot-drinks/
- https://www.rawpixel.com/image/3282934/free-photo-image-coffee-drinking-wallpaper
- https://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-golden-milk/
- https://foodbymars.com/pumpkin-spice-turmeric-latte-caffeine-free-vegan-dairy-free/
- https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/vanilla-almond-steamer
- https://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/warm-spiced-carob-milk
- https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-flu-season-ginger-honey-lemon-tonic-drink-recipes-from-the-kitchn-38574
