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!
Ingredients:
- 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
Method: 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.
Ingredients:
- 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
Method:
- 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
Ingredients
- 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
Method:
- 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.
