Hydrate for the Holidays: 6 Festive Drink Recipes for a Happy Gut
Need some festive non-alcoholic drink inspiration for the holidays? You have to try these holiday-inspired drinks! Whether you’re looking for something warm to sip fireside on cold a December evening or a refreshing pick-me-up, these 6 recipes have got you covered!
Mulled cider
Cranberry orange mocktail
Warm citrus, maple & ginger tonic
Sparkling pomegranate limeade
Salted caramel latte
Golden turmeric hot chocolate
The Importance of Staying Hydrated through the Holidays:
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to forget to hydrate adequately. But if you want to keep your bowels running smoothly over the winter season, staying hydrated is key! Here are a few reasons you’ll want to keep on top of your fluid intake:
Better Bowel Movements: Adequate hydration helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, preventing constipation and promoting regular, comfortable bowel movements.
Nutrient Absorption: Hydration supports the absorption of essential nutrients, ensuring your body can make the most of the nourishment you provide it.
Energy Boost: Staying hydrated contributes to overall energy levels, helping you stay vibrant and engaged throughout the holiday festivities.
Prevents Bloat: Water helps break down food, facilitating the digestive process. When you're well-hydrated, your digestive system functions more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of bloating.
As you move through December, let these gut-friendly, non-alcoholic bevies be the gift of hydration that you give your gut.
Mulled Cider:
Embrace the season with a cup of warm mulled cider, rich in comforting spices that not only tantalize your taste buds but also lend their digestive benefits.
12 servings, 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2.8 liters apple cider
2 tbsp star anise, whole
5 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup frozen cranberries
½ navel orange, sliced
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients into a large pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Drop the heat to low once the pot is simmering and continue to simmer for 30 minutes. Pour into glasses or mugs and enjoy!
Suggestions: Keep the pot simmering on low while you host a holiday get together. Add cranberry juice for more flavour. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.
Cranberry Orange Mocktail:
A burst of festive flavors awaits in this vibrant mocktail, combining the tangy essence of cranberries with the citrusy zing of oranges—a delightful treat that supports your gut health.
2 servings, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
4 large ice cubes
½ cup cranberry juice
¼ cup orange juice
2 tsp maple syrup
1 cup sparkling water
½ cup frozen cranberries
¼ navel orange, cut into wedges
Directions:
Divide the ice cubes, cranberry juice, orange juice, and maple syrup into glasses. Stir to combine. Top each with sparkling water and cranberries. Garnish with orange slices. Enjoy!
Suggestions: Add cinnamon sticks when ready to serve.
Warm Citrus, Maple & Ginger Tonic:
Infused with the invigorating duo of citrus and ginger, this tonic not only warms you from the inside out but also aids digestion with its soothing and revitalizing properties.
1 serving, 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups water
1 ½ tbsp sliced ginger
1 clementine, peeled
1 tbsp maple syrup
Directions:
Add the water and ginger slices to a small pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or longer if you prefer a spicier drink.
Use the end of a wooden spoon to mash the clementine in a mug. Add the hot ginger water and maple syrup to the mug. Stir until dissolved. Enjoy!
Suggestions: Use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar instead of clementine. Refrigerate for up to 7 days and reheat on the stovetop. Swap raw honey for maple syrup.
Sparkling Pomegranate Limeade:
Elevate your holiday spirit with this sparkling concoction, where pomegranate and lime come together to create a refreshing drink that's as good for your digestion as it is for your taste buds.
8 servings, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
4 cups water
2 ½ cups sparkling water
½ cup lime juice
¼ cup maple syrup, to start
½ cup pomegranate seeds
4 thyme sprigs for garnish, optional
Directions:
Combine the water, sparkling water, lime juice, maple syrup and pomegranate seeds in a jug.
Serve into glasses and garnish with a sprig of thyme. Enjoy!
Suggestions: Best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to four days. For best results, add sparkling water just before serving. One serving equals approximately one cup. Add maple syrup as needed to reach desired level of sweetness.
Salted Caramel Latte:
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of a salted caramel latte. Perfect for Christmas morning to satisfy your sweet cravings.
1 serving, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
¾ cup brewed coffee
½ cup canned coconut milk, light
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple syrup
1/8 tsp sea salt
2 scoops collagen powder
Directions:
Warm coconut milk on the stove until just below simmering.
Pour all ingredients into a blender along with the rest of the ingredients and blend until frothy, being sure to properly vent to allow heat to escape.
Taste and add more sweetener if desired. Pour into a mug and enjoy!
Suggestions: Substitute cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for the butter.
Golden Turmeric Hot Chocolate:
A decadent twist on a classic, this golden-hued hot chocolate combines the antioxidant properties of turmeric with the comforting sweetness of chocolate, offering a treat that supports your well-being.
1 serving, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tbsp cacao powder
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp cashew butter
1/2 tsp honey
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Directions:
Add the cacao powder, turmeric, cinnamon, cashew butter, honey, hot water and almond milk to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a mug and enjoy!
Suggestions:
Substitute cocoa powder for the cacao, stevia or maple syrup for the honey, and your favourite dairy-free milk instead of almond.
