A healthy twist on holiday favorites
Sweet and spicy, minty or mulled, these festive drink recipes are sure to delight! Our delicious drink recipes have all the flavors you enjoy with the added bonus of ingredients that benefit your oral health. The hardest part will be deciding which one to try first, so go ahead and enjoy a cup of cheer.
Peppermint hot chocolate
Add a hint of peppermint to your next mug of hot chocolate for a refreshing take on the traditional.
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Dark chocolate fights bacteria and diseases in your mouth.
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Almond milk provides vitamin E to reduce your risk of oral cancer.
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Heavy cream contains riboflavin, which can help you avoid mouth sores.
Ingredients (for one serving):
1 cup almond milk
⅓ cup heavy cream
1.5 ounces dark chocolate
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Directions:
1. Combine almond milk, cream, chocolate and peppermint extract in a small saucepan.
2. Heat on low, stirring occasionally until mixture reaches a gentle boil.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a mug.
Eggnog
Curl up with this cozy, creamy concoction with a dash of sweet spices.
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Eggs are rich in phosphorus that can protect and rebuild tooth enamel.
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Honey contains antioxidants that can shield your body from diseases.
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Nutmeg limits bacteria that can cause cavities and gum inflammation.
Ingredients (for two servings):
2 cups almond milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
2. Place mixture in a saucepan and heat over medium low. Cook 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn heat off just before mixture starts to boil.
3. Strain through a mesh strainer before pouring into mugs.
Hot buttered rum
Wind down the day with a toasty cup of hot buttered rum.
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Butter has calcium and vitamin D for strong teeth and bones.
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Cloves are rich in manganese, another essential mineral for bone strength.
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Allspice can prevent infections and provide pain relief from toothaches.
Ingredients (for two servings):
1 cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sugar substitute
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt
3 ounces dark rum
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of ground allspice
Directions:
1. Combine water, butter, sugar substitute, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt in a small saucepan.
2. Heat saucepan over medium heat until ingredients start to simmer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in rum and vanilla.
4. Top with a pinch of allspice.
Gingerbread latte
A little sweet and little spice makes this gingerbread latte a whole lotta festive.
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Espresso could reduce your risk of dementia.
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Cinnamon can help your body fight off infections.
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Ginger keeps your mouth healthy by preventing bacteria growth.
Ingredients (for one serving):
1½ cups almond milk
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
Sprinkle of ground nutmeg
2 ounces espresso
Directions:
1. Warm almond milk in microwave or on stovetop until desired temperature.
2. Combine almond milk with spices. Whisk for 30 seconds.
3. Pour into a mug and top with espresso.
Mulled wine
Warm up any wintry occasion with mulled wine that’s infused with oranges, whole cloves and spices.
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Red wine can reduce the risk of several diseases.
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Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy gums.
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Anise has the potential to prevent infections and bone loss.
Ingredients (for five servings):
1 bottle merlot
10 cloves
1 orange
2 sticks cinnamon
1-2 star anise
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup brandy
Directions:
1. Pour red wine into slow cooker.
2. Push cloves into the skin of the orange.
3. Place whole orange in slow cooker with cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg and brandy.
4. Heat on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Leave slow cooker on warm and serve. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise and orange slices.
Take some time away from the hustle and bustle and create one of these cozy concoctions to enjoy at home. Sink into the wintry flavors you crave and the healthy ingredients your smile loves.
