For most of us, as soon as the winter season arrives, our water intake goes down.
We swap out cold glasses of water for drinks like hot coffee and ceylon tea, which can have a dehydrating effect on our bodies. Because of the temperature drop, the air around us tends to become dryer. This means that our bodies require an extra boost of moisture during these months.
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront’s Mixologist, Melrick Harrison says that ‘With our thirst not being as high as in the hotter months, we’ll have to be creative with new and enticing ways to keep hydrated.’ In winter, we’re also looking for foods and drinks that supply us with nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin D to boost immunity. Oranges, nutrient-rich rooibos and butternut, pumpkin and carrots which can be used in winter soups are great sources of these vitamins.
A touch of orange
In winter, nature has supplied us with seasonal fruits and vegetables that are hydrating and are rich in nutrients. Red and orange produce like grapefruit, papaya, pumpkin, beetroot and pineapples are all seasonal winter produce. Red and orange fruits and vegetables get their colour from a pigment called beta carotene. Foods that contain beta carotene are said to have antioxidant effects that help to cleanse the lungs and boost skin health. Carrots have a water content of around 86 – 95% and only 10% carbohydrates, so be mindful that sneaking in fruits and vegetables will actually be boosting your body’s hydration levels.
All-in-one remedies
Fats, proteins and other nutrients help to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Meals and drinks that include as many of these nutrients as possible are all-in-one remedies for the added boost we require in the colder months. Melrick recommends adding beans, carrots, butternut and water to soups and for a fruity drink add avocado, oats, protein powder and fruits to smoothies.
Drinks with a nutritious twist
“Getting creative with supplementing water intake with nutritious drinks is easy if you know what to look out for.” says Harrison. “Keep your intake of caffeine-rich drinks to two to three per day and opt for hot drinks like antioxidant rich rooibos and cocoa, an excellent source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper.”
Supplements like collagen can be added to hot or cold beverages. Collagen helps boost the suppleness of our skin and promotes water storage in our cells and as a plus, it won’t alter the taste of your drink.
Here is Melrick’s hydrating winter drink recipe with antioxidant-rich ingredients like rooibos, ginger, vanilla and spice.
Melrick’s Winter Warmer
- 150ml boiling water
- 1 Rooibos tea bag or any other favorite tea
- 60ml Dry sherry
- 15ml Winters spice agave syrup
- 3 -4 dashes of Aromatic bitters
- Lastly add tsp vanilla bean butter
Method:
- In a large mug add the tea bag and boiling water, allow it to steep for 5 minutes, remove the tea bag and add in all the ingredients with the Vanilla bean butter being the last ingredient. Add as desired with winter spices and drink while warm.
Winter spice agave syrup
- 250ml water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 slices of ginger
- 3 star anise
- 3 cloves
- 3 whole allspices
- 250ml Agave nectar
Method:
- In a small saucepan add the cinnamon stick, whole allspice, ginger, Star anise and cloves and water. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Once it hits a boil, take off the heat. Stir in the Agave Nectar. Allow it to cool, strain and decant into a bottle to refrigerate.
- When making the syrup you can substitute the chosen winter spices with any other.
- If Agave Nectar is hard to find then use honey instead.
Vanilla Bean Butter
- 250g unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla paste
- ¼ tsp fine salt
Method:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl using an electric mixer until consistent. Store in the fridge to use when ready.
- The idea of this winter warmer is to batch your ingredients to be used when you need it, instead of standing in front of a stove for some time, this drink is made to be convenient for when you need it.
