Chilly mornings are hard to wake up to. The bed is just so cozy and the sheets so warm. A nice warm shower can wake you up, but then you have to get out of the shower, and that is my absolute least favorite part. Your warm body once again hits that just frigid air and the process to get warm begins all over again.
This is where warm beverages save the day. They warm you from the inside out. Not only that, but if the right ingredients are combined, they can even give your immune system a little boost before it goes off to fight all those germs that may come your way as temperatures drop.
I love the taste of coffee and its aroma is magical, but I always get a bit jittery and feel a bit off if I drink a full cup. I usually drink tea- green or herbal most often- or drink half of a cup of coffee and save the rest for later. But are coffee and tea really are only options for hot drinks? Not at all!
This little recipe is a request from my younger sister who wanted something warm to drink to keep her warm on the way to work and throughout the morning- something she could put in her thermos. I wanted to make something warm and nourishing, so I combined some warming spices and energizing citrus for this drink.
It is zippy with ginger, bright with orange zest, warming and a touch sweet with cinnamon and cardamom, and turmeric tames it all with the slightest hint of bitterness. I included the turmeric in here because of its anti-inflammatory properties and because it gives the drink a lovely hue. I do not think the photo justifies it, but it looks like a lovely autumn sunrise.
I made a big batch of this at the beginning of the week and stored it in a covered jar in the fridge. You can enjoy it cool, or warm a little bit each morning to drink after breakfast. The fresh ginger and spices are a nice digestive aid and soothing on the stomach.
Autumn Sunrise Tonic
4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (use more as you would like but it can get strong)
4 cardamom pods, gently crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
zest of 1/2 orange
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon honey, preferably local
Heat the water to boiling. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients, stirring until honey dissolves. Allow to steep for 5-8 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week. Heat as needed. Enjoy! Makes 4 cups.
