4 Winter Mocktails to Kick off the New Year

Maybe you’ve gotten in the habit of filling this role with alcoholic festive beverages and are now ready to try and cut down in the new year. We are here to share with you how you can keep the fun flavors and the warmth, while decreasing the booze with these 4 Winter Jun Mocktails.

You may be wondering since we tell you to keep your Jun cold, can you drink it hot. The short answer is yes you can! Heating Jun tea is likely to kill off many of the living yeasts and bacteria, which will limit some of the live microbes that provide added benefits. However, the nutritional benefit the Jun tea provides will largely remain the same when heated. We recommend warming to just under 115 degrees.

1. Hot Toddy

Looking for an enjoyable way to help with that winter time sniffle or sore throat? This Hot Toddy substitute is just the thing. Warm and soothing and alcohol free, it is a perfect way to start your year off healthy.

Ingredients

• 4 oz Lemon Lavender Jun
• 4 oz water
• Sprinkle of cinnamon (to taste)
• Drizzle of honey (to taste)
• Lemon slice and/or cinnamon stick (for decoration)
• Put all ingredients in a pot and stir as it heats. Pour into a mug when everything is married together and warm. Do not bring to a boil.

2. Mulled Jun

This is our take on the fruity, sweet, universal drink of mulled wine.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz Grape Jun
• 3 orange slices
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves

Put all ingredients in a small pot and heat on low until raisins have expanded. Then either filter out the fruit and spices or drink as is.

3. Buttered Jun

This tasty and hardy warm beverage is perfect for a cozy evening in.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz Chai Jun
• 1 tbsp butter or coconut butter
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• ⅛ tsp cinnamon
• Sprinkle of nutmeg
• Sprinkle of ground cloves

Put butter, sugar, and spices in a small pot and heat on low until butter is melted and spices are thoroughly blended. Then add the Chai Jun and let heat until warm.

4. Spiced Hot Chocolate Chaga

Feeling nostalgic for the times you’d drink hot chocolate by the woodstove after sledding as a kid? Try this spicy spin on the childhood classic.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz Chocolate Chaga Jun
• 2 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Sprinkle of cayenne
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• Whip Cream topping (optional)

Put all ingredients in a pot and heat on low, mixing thoroughly.

Bonus:

If you want to make your own whip cream, simply put heavy whipping cream in a jar and shake (or whip with a mixer) until it becomes fluffy. Add a bit of maple syrup, honey, or vanilla for sweetening if desired.

You can also make a dairy free version with coconut cream!

*All of these recipes are best consumed once they are left to cool to only a bit warmer than room temperature.

~ By Bella Wells-Fried, Labeling Bee