Coffee is a hugely popular beverage with more than 2.25 billion cups consumed globally every day.
But despite the popularity of coffee – and the fact that there are branded coffee chains in every direction you look – not everyone likes a cup of joe with their breakfast. Some dislike the bitter taste of coffee and others react badly to caffeine. If you are one of these people, here are some other hot drinks you may wish to try.
Black Tea
Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but there are dozens of different varieties to try. Black tea is the most popular, and this is what many of us drink with or without milk and sugar. Caffeine-free varieties are available.
Green Tea
Green tea is also popular. It is fragrant and fresh and is also high in anti-oxidants and vitamins. If you are on a health kick, green tea is a good choice, but bear in mind it contains caffeine.
Fruit and Herbal Tea
There are numerous varieties of fruit and herbal teas; from raspberry, blackcurrant, ginger and lemon tea to jasmine, echinacea, and licorice tea. Look for fruit and herbal teas made from fresh ingredients, as these have the most benefits to your health. Different teas have different properties. For example, chamomile tea is well-known for its calming properties whereas ginger tea can help to calm a queasy stomach. Mix and match to find the varieties you like best.
Matcha Tea
Matcha tea was first enjoyed by Chinese Buddhists in the 12th-Century. Today, Matcha tea comes in powder form and is super easy to make. Simply add hot water and enjoy. It is also a big part of Japanese culture. Like many of the teas on this list, it is naturally caffeine-free.
Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba Mate is derived from a rainforest plant found in South America and is a very popular drink in Uruguay and Paraguay. It is caffeine-free and full of powerful antioxidants. For more information on the differences between Matcha tea and Yerba Mate, and why the two are commonly mistaken as the same thing, check out the article from Vitamonk.
Hot Chocolate
Anyone with a sweet tooth can’t fail to be enchanted by a mug of steaming hot chocolate. Hot chocolate is a very popular beverage in winter, as it is warming and comforting all at the same time. And if you are a skiing fan, there isn’t much that beats a mug of cocoa after a day on the slopes.
If you want to enhance your hot chocolate experience, add a dollop of fresh cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkling of grated chocolate, but be warned, this drink is high in calories and should only be enjoyed in moderation.
Mulled Wine
For a real treat, try a glass of mulled wine. It is very easy to make mulled wine at home, although you can also buy bottles of ready-prepared mulled wine for parties and after-work aperitifs. To make your own, pour a bottle of cheap red wine into a pan, add a selection of spices, including cinnamon, star of anise, and cloves, throw in some chopped fruit, and simmer away. For best results, use a fruity, light red wine.
Hot Water with Lemon
For the ultimate in simplicity, add a slice of lemon to a cup of boiling water and when it has cooled down, sip slowly. This hot drink is perfect for anyone trying to detox but be warned, drinking too much of it can strip the enamel from your teeth, as lemon is very acidic.
There are plenty of alternatives for those who are not big coffee drinkers, use this list for some inspiration!
