With winter here, it’s time to start ensuring that you’re stocked up with cold and flu-fighting remedies. One of the best ways to recover from any kind of illness is rest and keeping your body full of immune-boosting goodies. When the temperature drops, all we want is something warming and comforting, so we’re looking at some of our best hot drinks that are delish and good for you.

Hot Drinks for Winter

Warm up with these healthy and soothing drinks.

Hot Water, Lemon and Ginger

Where would we be if we didn’t start with the most iconic of hot drinks for winter? As we know, hot lemon water is something we should all be drinking in the morning, regardless of the season, because of its immune-boosting qualities. The addition of ginger makes the drink that much tastier and healthier too.

We’re big fans of ginger, and we love it for it’s immune-boosting qualities. So, put the kettle on, fill up your favourite mug and add a couple slices of lemon and ginger. If you’re suffering from a scratchy throat, a drizzle of honey will help too. Sip this magical elixir and feel instantly cured.

Classic Hot Toddy

Yes, your lush aunt was right, hot toddies are a great way to warm your bones this winter. They mix two wonderful concepts, warm drinks and booze. If your best method of fighting a cold is sleeping, a toddy will help get you there. Simply pour a shot of your favourite brown liquor (we like rum, brandy or bourbon) into a mug, top it off with boiling water, add your spice of choice (cinnamon, lemon or ginger are all great here) and then sweeten with a bit of honey. Couldn’t be an easier way to get toasty and a little tipsy.

Turmeric Latte

The turmeric latte is a go-to for many, and for good reason. Turmeric really is one of the best ingredients for you and is something you should be incorporating into your diet for winter. If you’re keen to make your own, simply infuse your favourite non-dairy milk (we like ours with coconut) with some turmeric (preferably using the root itself and not just the powder) and add a pinch of cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg. After giving that a minute to infuse, you can add maple syrup for sweetness and coconut oil for some richness.

Fresh Mint Tea

Mint tea is a wonderful digestive and can really help settle an upset stomach and nausea. A bonus is that it is also really delicious. To make your own, wash a few fresh leaves – spearmint, peppermint, or even chocolate mint (yum!) will do. Use a metal tea ball, a teapot fitted with a loose leaf holder or even a French press to brew your tea. Add boiling water and allow to steep before you get to sipping.

Chai

Chai has been a popular drink in India for centuries. It is packed with aromatic spices that help boost the immune system, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help settle the stomach. Besides all that, it is insanely delicious. Try this recipe for a non-dairy, vegan-friendly Coconut Milk Chai.

Almond Milk Hot Chocolate

If you’re feeling a little under the weather, nothing will warm you up faster or make you feel better than a hot chocolate. However, there are healthier ways to enjoy it and homemade almond milk is one of those ways. If you’re feeling flu-ish or chesty, then laying off dairy is a good idea too, so almond milk is a great alternative. You can buy almond milk, but if you’re up to it, making your own can be very rewarding and, of course, delicious. Try this recipe for a homemade Almond Milk Hot Chocolate. Almond milk is lower in calories, lactose-free and free of saturated fat.

Read more about these 10 essential oils and their benefits.