But alas, winter will pass and soon spring will have sprung. In the meantime, I'm trying to beat the winter blues with these delicious and easy drink recipes. Check them out and I hope you feel inspired!
Chocolate Chia Smoothie
Want to start your day off right? Try a rich chocolate smoothie that tastes great and is good for you! It is simple to make and calls for only basic ingredients you may already have on hand, with the exception of the chia seeds and they are easy to come by.
You'll need:
- 1 peeled banana
- A cup of fresh spinach
- 3-5 ice cubes
- A cup of milk
- 3 T chia seeds
- 2 T cocoa powder (the unsweetened kind used for baking)
Blend everything together and enjoy!
Golden Turmeric Latte
Want something warm and soothing that isn't coffee? Try a turmeric latte (also called a turmeric tea).
Turmeric touts many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
Incorporate this rock star ingredient into your next warm drink!
Turmeric Latte Recipe:
- 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- black pepper (just a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon of nut butter (almond, cashew nut or hazelnut)
- 1 ½ cups water (or milk, for a creamier drink)
- ½ - ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. This drink can be enjoyed warmed up or cold. Add cinnamon to your liking and enjoy!
Wintry Coconut Mocktail
For this drink, I was inspired by Batida de coco, which is a Brazilian coconut cocktail. What better to help us get through winter in Tennessee than thoughts of Brazil?
Batida (which means 'shaken' in Portugese) is a Brazilian cocktail recipe typically made with fruit juice and sweetened condensed milk. The version that inspired me substituted coconut milk for the fruit juice. It also calls for vodka (and you can find the original here) but mine is a mocktail for all ages!
To make your coconut mocktail, you'll need:
- 1 can of Coconut Milk (you won't need the entire thing, maybe just a cup)
- 1 tsp sweetened condensed milk (or honey)
- 1 can of LaCroix coconut flavored fizzy water
Mix the first two ingredients well. I prefer to shake them in a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes. Pour into a glass and top with some chilled coconut fizzy water. Delicious and refreshing. Can't you taste summer now?
