Learn / 8 of the Best Winter Drinks That Are Non-Alcoholic
September 8th, 2023
Learn why many people have been turning to functional alcohol alternatives
The arrival of winter, with its delicate embrace of cold and silvered landscapes, heralds a time of festivity and shared warmth. Nature, adorned in its snowy evenings, seems to invite the world indoors, where heartbeats resonate in tandem with the crackle of fires, and stories old and new are shared.
The joy of the holiday season is an iridescent bubble of happiness, full of days where breath turns to mist, nights where stars seem just a touch more luminous, and moments where the company of loved ones becomes the warmth we seek against the winter chill.
Such precious moments of togetherness deserve to be celebrated with the finest. And when it comes to beverages that echo the luxury and sophistication of the season, the choices we make become an integral part of our celebrations.
Our drinks are not mere accompaniments; they encapsulate the spirit of the season, the ambiance of our gatherings, and the ethos of our choices. And so, on cold mornings and darkened evenings — when your body craves a touch of warmth, of light, of soothing wellness — what drinks can answer your call? Let us explore the twinkling realm of winter cocktails.
In the deep contemplation that winter often brings, there's a chance to reflect upon our choices, to understand the weight and essence of each decision we make. Philosophically, every drink we raise is not just a taste but a statement of our presence, our desire to remember and be remembered in the tapestry of moments that define our lives.
There’s a unique familiarity in the allure of alcohol, with its promises of transient warmth and fleeting highs. Yet, as dawn breaks, casting long shadows and unveiling the crisp clarity of winter mornings, the ephemeral pleasures of the previous night often leave a lingering trace of regret embodied in the woes of the dreaded hangover.
From the feeling of heaviness in your limbs to the dehydration-laden headache and the grogginess that has you feeling cloudy throughout the day, a night of drinking can seep unpleasantly into the following morning, with tendrils that can have far-reaching consequences.
Yet, what if the enchantment of the evening didn't have to come with a price? What if we could bask in the joy of the moment, feel the depth of every laughter, the warmth of every hug, and the resonance of every spoken word, and still wake up to winter's pristine beauty with unclouded eyes?
This is where the magic of functional cocktails shines. Infused with the essence of botanicals like soothing hemp or invigorating adaptogens, these non-alcoholic drinks are not just about taste; they are about an experience — one that celebrates the spirit of the season while honoring our commitment to wellness.
To drink with intention is to choose a path where celebrations and well-being aren’t at odds but in harmony. It’s to ensure that as we embrace the sensory delights of winter days, the soft hush of snowfall, the sweet scent of pine and cinnamon, and the vibrant colors of holiday decorations, we also embrace the pure essence of the moment, unmarred by the haze of alcohol.
With winter comes an atmosphere that envelopes us, transforming our surroundings into a haven of tranquil beauty. As snow blankets the world, there is a special kind of magic in the ingredients that nature chooses to flourish. These elements are not just seasonally available but resonate deeply with the spirit of winter.
Embracing seasonal ingredients helps us align with the rhythms of nature, a decision that celebrates sustainability. These ingredients, nurtured by the cold and the unique challenges of the season, present themselves to us full of vigor, bursting with flavors and aromas.
There's an undeniable charm in these cozy ingredients, offering aromatic wafts of comfort and the heartwarming hues of winter. Think of the crisp tang of cranberries, the earthy allure of cardamom, the sweet comfort of maple syrup, or the invigorating splash of citrus on a frosty day. Incorporating these into our drinks not only enhances the sensory experience but also nourishes our souls as we revel in nature's curated palette for the season.
As winter's grasp takes hold, each drink is a beacon, a warm embrace promising solace and rejuvenation. Let these non-alcoholic Christmas drink recipes be your guiding stars through the frosty nights.
Embodying the embrace of winter, the Aplós Ski captures that delightful moment where twilight meets the onset of night. The icy tingle of the world outside contrasted against the warmth of a well-made drink.
Ingredients:
In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Once ready, pour the hot water into a mug, followed by Aplós, honey, and lemon juice.
Gently stir, allowing the honey to seamlessly meld with the hot water. Adjust with more honey or lemon juice based on personal taste. Finally, garnish with anise or a cinnamon stick. Allow the drink to wrap around you, bringing warmth and tranquility.
For those seeking an immersive sensory journey, the Aplós & Cacao Honey beckons. Whether you enjoy it as-is or decide to play on the flavors by adding vanilla extract or substituting the chocolate for pumpkin spice, it promises a rich, transformative experience.
Ingredients:
Blend and strain the ingredients, ensuring a smooth mixture, and pour into a snifter glass. The dense, enveloping flavors will surely take you on a winter’s voyage.
To make the chocolate honey simple syrup, combine 3 oz cacao nibs and 1 oz local honey with sugar and water. Stir over heat until it reaches a harmonious blend, and then strain.
A drink that pays homage to the exotic, this cocktail is a blend of flavors that whispers tales of far-off lands while celebrating the winter season.
Ingredients:
Vigorously shake and strain the ingredients, presenting them elegantly in a flute. Garnish with the gentle touch of rosebuds. The Java plum mix is a sweet symphony of muddled plums and sugar. If needed, a hint of grenadine can replace the mix, lending its own sweet notes.
A stunning mélange of warmth and tropical zest, Aplós & Chili Honey brings a touch of the tropical to the backdrop of winter’s chill.
Ingredients:
Begin by making the chili honey syrup. Combine honey, water, and a dash of cayenne pepper in a blender. Blend until the mixture achieves a seamless consistency. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Once ready, mix Aplós, the chili honey syrup, and lemon juice, stirring to achieve a harmonious blend of flavors.
The Moro blood orange, a jewel from the Hawaiian lands, graces this drink with its vibrant color and tantalizing flavor. Both a visual and gustatory treat, this cocktail is a celebration of the citrus that has enamored many.
Ingredients:
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In a shaker filled with ice, blend Aplós Arise, soda water, and tantalizing blood orange juice. Shake until chilled, and pour into your chosen vessel. As a final touch, garnish with a slice of blood orange, watching as the hue deepens, painting a winter sunset in your glass.
Fresh apple cider and the gentle embrace of hemp-infused Calme weave together to replace red wine in this transcendent reimagination of mulled wine. This beguiling brew not only kindles warmth within but also stirs the soul's deepest memories.
Whether you add cranberry juice and use this hot drink as a Christmas punch recipe or save it for whispered conversations by the fireside, let its comforting fragrance guide you through nostalgia-tinged nights.
Ingredients:
In a pot or slow cooker, combine all ingredients and let simmer on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes. The aroma will fill your abode, offering a fragrant preview of the delightful concoction. Once ready, strain into mugs and serve hot, perhaps beside a roaring fire.
In the deepest embrace of winter months, a toasty cup of hot cocoa fills the air with warmth. The addition of invigorating peppermint beckons the senses, crafting a luxurious and ethereal experience reminiscent of winter's silent magic and the gentle touch of nature's embrace.
Ingredients:
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Heat the milk in a saucepan until it’s warm but not boiling. Add the chocolate chunks, stirring continuously until they melt completely. Once smooth, add the peppermint extract. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
In the hushed stillness of winter, this latte weaves the spirited sensation of gingerbread spices with the smooth touch of espresso, evoking comforting memories of snow-draped mornings.
Ingredients:
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Steam the milk until frothy. In a large mug, pour the brewed espresso and gingerbread syrup. Gently add the steamed milk, ensuring a creamy consistency. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. To add a subtle flavor twist, replace the espresso with brewed black tea for a gingerbread chai tea latte.
For the gingerbread syrup, combine water, sugar, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Cool and strain.
With these recipes, winter's embrace is not just felt but tasted, an experience that lingers, warming the heart and soul.
In the quiet hush of winter, when the world drapes itself in a blanket of white and hearths become the heart of homes, there lies a secret to elevating these serene moments. Aplós functional cocktails, whispers of nature's finest botanicals, weave seamlessly into the tapestry of our winter soirees.
As the New Year beckons with promises and holiday parties glow with cherished moments, let every sip of Aplós bring stories to life, weaving warmth into cold winter nights. The gentle lull of Calme and the invigorating spirit of Arise serve as the essences that elevate every moment, guiding us toward richer, deeper connections.
And so, as snowflakes dance upon your windowpane and laughter fills the air, we invite you to delve deeper, immerse yourself in our curated non-alcoholic drink recipes, and let every sip fill you with warmth as you embrace the season.
Sources:
Mechanism of Dehydration Following Alcohol Ingestion | JAMA Internal Medicine
Alcohol's Effects on the Body | NIAAA