Coming off of the coldest week of our winter thus far here in Iowa, there are very few things that can make you truly warm when the wind chill is -30. A cozy hot beverage is definitely one of those things. Not only does it warm you from the inside out, but a nutrient dense hot beverage topped with a homemade marshmallow and paired with a shortbread cookie also has a way of warming your soul during this time of year.
When I was in college, we usually kept the house we rented at 58-60 degrees (broke college kid life). This was the time of life that I discovered the power of the warm beverage. As we sat typing papers on our computers with gloves on, I knew I needed something to warm me up on a deeper lever. Enter: the hot beverage. There is nothing like drinking something to warm you from the inside-out. While in college the hot beverage was mostly limited to coffee, my love for warm drinks has led me to branch into many different ingredients and ways of dressing them up.
Warm Winter Drink Recipes
So often warm beverages get loaded with sugar, but that doesn’t have to be the case. The recipes below are nourishing and can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness level. Since they contain nutrient-dense ingredients, they will still leave you satiated without the mountains of sugar.
Why Choose a Warm Winter Drink?
Not only do hot beverages warm you on even the coldest of days, but I truly feel they are also warming and comforting to the soul. There is something wonderfully relaxing and cozy about wrapping up in a blanket with a book to read or project to work on while sipping on something warm and satiating.
5 Best Warm Winter Drinks
1.)Matcha Latte: This has become my go-to hot beverage this winter. I love the vibrant green color that the matcha brings to the drink. Some people may not like the idea of drinking something green, but I promise this one is delicious! Plus, matcha contains a compound called L-theanine which is known for easing stress and anxiety and improving sleep.
- 1 cup of milk of choice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup coffee or hot water
- 1/2 tsp matcha tea powder
- Instructions: Pour the milk into a small sauce pan and heat to desired temperature. In a mug, add the maple syrup, salt, and the coffee or water. Sift or sprinkle the matcha powder on top. Use a whisk or immersion blender to mix the powder in. Pour the warmed milk over top.
2.)Yolky Latte: This is undoubtedly the creamiest drink I have ever had. The egg yolk not only creates the creamy texture but also adds nutrients to the drink
- 1 cup of milk of choice
- 1 egg yolk (preferably pasture-raised)
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- pinch of salt
- Instructions: Pour the milk into a small sauce pan and heat to desired temperature. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a mug. Make sure to mix the egg yolk in well or it will form clumps when pour in the warm milk. Pour the warmed milk over the mixture and enjoy.
3.)Hot Cocoa: A classic drink with a little twist to make if even more creamy and delicious.
- 1 cup of milk of choice or hot water
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- pinch of cardamom
- pinch of salt
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients together except for the coconut oil using a whisk, immersion blender, or blender. Pour the mixture into a small sauce pan and add coconut oil. Heat on low-medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature. Don’t forget to add the homemade marshmallows!
4.)Cinnamon Spice Latte: Cinnamon is known as a warming and cozy spice, so of course it is the perfect option on a cold fall or winter day.
- 1 cup of milk of choice
- 1/4 cup of coffee
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- pinch of freshly grated or ground ginger
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch cloves
- pinch of salt
- Instructions: Pour the milk into a small sauce pan and heat to desired temperature. Add the rest of the ingredients to a mug and use a whisk or immersion blender to combine. Pour the warmed milk over the mixture and enjoy!
5.)Mocha Latte: Coffee and chocolate. Is there a better pair?
- 1/2 cup coffee
- 1 cup of milk of choice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- pinch of salt
- Instructions: Pour the milk into a small sauce pan and heat to desired temperature. Add the rest of the ingredients to a mug and use a whisk or immersion blender to combine. Pour the warmed milk over the mixture and enjoy!
**Raw milk is my favorite type of milk to use in these drinks since it is creamy and filling but any kind of milk will work great!
Other Warm Winter Drinks To Love
While the above recipes are delicious and nutrient dense, a warm winter drink doesn’t always have to be full of nutrients. Here are some other less complicated hot beverages that I love.
- Lemon Water: This is my go-to morning drink. Just add a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon to hot water and you have a hydrating and warming drink any time of day. Lemon water is also known for its detoxifying properties. Add a bit of honey for sweetness or if you’re battling a scratchy throat or cough.
- Tea: Any kind of tea is great but my favorites are peppermint and camomile. Add a little milk or honey to spruce it up if you like.
- Bone Broth: This is a nourishing yet light beverage. This one is great for upset stomachs or just to sip on something savory and warm.
- Coffee: The original hot beverage in my world. Still tried and true although not as hydrating as the other options. I’m guessing can figure out by now how to dress up your coffee if you want.
Common Questions
What can I add to make the drinks even more nutrient dense?
While things like egg yolks or coconut oil are only in certain drinks above, they can actually be added to just about any one of them to make them more filling and nutrient dense. I also like adding collagen powder to my drinks to give them a little boost of protein. Plus, I love the earthy taste of the collagen. Don’t forget to add a homemade marshmallow to top it off!
Do you have to use coffee?
Nope, the coffee can be left out of any of the above drinks. You can substitute with water or omit it entirely to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also add coffee to any of them to add a depth of flavor.
What if it’s too sweet or not sweet enough?
A tablespoon will provide a delightfully medium sweetness drink, but if you find this to be too sweet or not sweet enough, just adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your preference.
Other Nourishing Recipes You Might Enjoy…
Fresh Milled Flour Shortbread Cookie Recipe
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