As the days of summer start to wind down and the leaves start tumbling down, you can still stay healthy and avoid high-sugar coffee drinks. Instead of falling victim to the lures of pumpkin-spice lattes, we’ll spice you up with a few healthy drinks to sip on while you throw on a hoodie and snuggle up with your favorite book.
- Low-Calorie Hot Chocolate
We wanted to start simple, so we went with a low-calorie version of an all-time classic. To make your own, you can add about a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder mixed in with a warm glass of nonfat milk or almond milk. Nothing beats coming home to your apartment in North Charleston on a fall night and warming up with a hot chocolate. Feel free to add a little spice with cayenne pepper.
- Organic Apple Cider
The smell of homemade apple cider with cinnamon and nutmeg will turn your apartment into a sanctuary. It’s easy to make, just add apples, oranges, and spices to a pot and then simmer. Heat over a low flame for a couple of hours or until the apples are soft, then mash them inside the pot to create the mixture of flavors. Once that’s done, strain out the solids, sweeten, and enjoy!
- Chamomile Tea
This classic herbal tea is great for a pre-bed drink as it doesn’t contain any caffeine. It’s one of the healthiest teas as it contains plenty of antioxidants that can help prevent cancer. If chamomile tea isn’t your cup, go ahead and warm up a little green tea for similar health benefits.
- Skinny Hot Toddy
Whiskey in itself can keep you warm, but you can make a liquor-free version if that’s your preference. Just add about 4 ounces of thinly-sliced ginger root to boiling water. Add in a cinnamon stick and stir, and you’ve got yourself a warm drink with a little kick.
- Skinny Eggnog
Eggnog is one of those drinks that are hit or miss, but for those who love it, they can’t get enough. By following this recipe, you don’t have to feel guilty about drinking up. Use roughly 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and bring it to a boil. Throw in a dash of nutmeg, ground ginger, cinnamon, and your choice of sweetener. Follow up with 1 teaspoon of vanilla and enjoy.
- Hot Buttered Lemonade
For a light, soothing drink that’s big on flavor and easy to put together, we’ve got you covered. Simmer 4 cups water, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup lemon juice and peel, and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Pour into cups and then add butter and a cinnamon stick for an extra silky-smooth flavor that everyone will enjoy.