Warming Mocktails to Keep You Healthy All Season Long

Let’s face it. Sometimes drinking the same green juice over and over again can become a little monotonous, especially in the winter when you just feel like cozying up with something warm. Next time a cold spell comes over you and you can’t possibly think about adding another cold drink to your body, consider these warming drinks, that will not only warm your insides but provide health benefits too.

1.)    Apple Toddy
Adapted from Sarah Lohman’s blog.

Ingredients:
3 apples, chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup (60 g) coconut sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
2 oz apple brandy (optional)
1 cup (250 ml) hot water (if enjoying a virgin cocktail, add hot apple cider instead of water)
3-4 dashes of bitters (orange, Angostura or apple spice)

Directions
1. Sauté apples in coconut oil with coconut sugar and cinnamon until apples are soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Place one scoop of apples into the bottom of a mug.
3. Add two ounces apple brandy, then fill the mug to the top with hot water and stir gently.
4. Add bitters and stir. Add extra cinnamon on top if you like.

2.)    Cold & Flu Elixir
One way you know you are getting run down this season is when you start to feel tired, get a sore throat, or even a little sniffly. Try this elixir to boost yourself back to health.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup (60 ml) raw honey (great antiseptic and good for sore throat)
1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon or lime juice (full of vitamins and antioxidants)
1/4 cup (60 ml) water (hydrating and helps flush out the system)
1 tsp grated ginger (to help stimulate circulation)
1 tsp turmeric (helps clear infection and inflammation in the body)
1/4 cup (60 ml) spiced rum, optional (warming, relaxing and natural cough suppressant)

Directions:
Blend all ingredients and add to hot tea or water.