Winter Immune Boosting Beverages
Our herbal teas and dried botanicals are some of our best sellers, and for good reason! Herbs are packed full of phytonutrients, vitamins and more components that are really good for us and are helpful for a variety of ailments.
Since it's winter and the sniffles and coughs are going around, we thought we’d share some great immune boosting beverages that are perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Herbal Hot Toddy
Hot toddies are typically made using alcohol, but it’s not mandatory. We have many customers who don’t drink so we thought we’d make an alcohol-free version of a hot toddy that is just as good!
1.5 cups water
Teabag or loose leaf tea of choice such as Darjeeling, black tea, rooibos, other herbal tea etc. We love astragalus for immune support.
1 lemon wedge, or if you want it extra lemon-y, add more
1 tablespoon honey
Pinch of cinnamon powder
Small pinch of clove powder
Slice of fresh ginger
Gently simmer everything in a saucepan for 5 minutes to infuse then pour through a strainer and enjoy while steaming hot.
Homemade Chai Drink
Try this absolutely delicious spicy milk-based drink:
Teabag or loose leaf tea of choice such as Darjeeling, black tea, rooibos etc. Typically the tea is more neutral so as to let the spices shine through, but you can use any tea.
Pinch of cardamom powder
Pinch of cinnamon powder
Pinch of crushed black pepper
Small pinch of clove powder
Pinch of ginger powder for a kick (optional)
1 cup milk of choice
Honey to taste
Gently heat the milk, tea and all the spices in a low simmer. Do not allow the milk to overheat or burn. Add in the ginger and continue to simmer on a low heat for about 7 minutes to allow all the spices to infuse into the milk. When it has infused to a strength you like, pour the mixture through a strainer into a big mug, add honey to sweeten and enjoy!
Spiced Hot Chocolate
1 teaspoon cacao/ cocoa powder
Small pinch of chili powder/ cayenne pepper
Pinch of cinnamon powder
1 cup milk of choice
Sugar or honey to sweeten
Gently bring the milk, cocoa and all the spices to a low simmer. Do not allow the milk to overheat or burn. Once the milk mixture has properly heated though, pour it into a big mug and sweeten with sugar or honey as desired. You can also throw in a few mini marshmallows or a spoon of cream if you like.
Mulled Grape Juice
Mulled grape juice is an alcohol-free version of mulled wine, and is great for kids or anyone who doesn’t want the alcohol component, but still wants a delicious, warm, spicy sweet drink.
1 litre red grape juice
Pinch of clove powder
A few pieces cinnamon bark
1 orange, sliced up
1-2 slices of ginger
1 tablespoon honey
2 slices of lemon
Optional: you can add in extra berries such as elderberries, rosehips or others if you like.
Add everything to a saucepan and simmer gently for 30 minutes to infuse. Strain and ladle into mugs to enjoy while it's hot.
Juliette’s Body Booster Drink
Citrus peels are not often eaten when we enjoy the fresh fruit, but they are actually little powerhouses of nutrients. As are rosehips, which are full of Vitamin C. This drink uses both for a real immune boosting effect!
1 tablespoon dried rosehips
1 teaspoon dried grapefruit peel
1 teaspoon dried orange peel
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder or 2 pieces cinnamon bark
Slice of lemon or splash of lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey, or however much you like
1 cup water
Add everything except the honey to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Allow to infuse for 10 minutes then strain out and enjoy with a spoon of honey to sweeten
