Darker evenings and (a tiny bit) cooler days have nudged me to try some new drinks inspired by the fall season.
Here’s what I’m making:
Tart Cherry Fizz
My new healthy-ish go-to mocktail is incredibly simple: ½ can of lime-flavored seltzer water topped off with about ⅓ cup of tart cherry juice.
Serve it over ice in a stemmed wine glass and voila! I’m treating myself.
And the tart taste is oh, so good.
You know.
Almost like Chardonnay. 😉
This drink has no added sugar, and tart cherry juice is often touted for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and possible benefits for sleep. I can’t speak to either of those claims, but I can tell you that I love this little treat in the early evening.
And it feels a whole lot more festive than drinking another glass of water.
Golden Milk
“Golden” is a very generous word for the title of this drink.
Because it’s really orange.
And, by the way, it can turn everything from your fingernails to your dish towel bright orange—so be careful.
Being honest here, I would not call this the most delicious drink in my arsenal.
But it isn’t BAD.
And I like that it contains turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties, along with ginger and black pepper.
The key (and super messy) ingredient is turmeric. I like combining it with coconut milk for the creamy taste and fat, plus black pepper and ginger for a little extra zing.
Just one tiny teaspoon of maple syrup was enough to sweeten it and turn it into a cozy after-dinner drink.
And…do you spy my new trendy ribbed glass mug?
Isn’t it the prettiest—and just the right size?
Guess where I got it?
Yep.
Better Homes & Gardens from Walmart.
They are so good lately!
I have a weakness for pretty glassware, and this Walmart mug makes me feel extra special. And, by the way, they come in a pack of two, so when you come over for a cup o’ somethin’ there will be one for you too.
Oh, and that candle? It’s the Farm Apple Pumpkin Scented we picked up at Walmart here. And I have since ordered three more. They are burning constantly in our home!
Golden Milk
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp. maple syrup
- Sprinkle the top with cinnamon (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and heat until hot, but not boiling. Whisking as it heats will help the powdered turmeric incorporate nicely into the drink.
Pro tip: This really is a mess.
I am all for preserving the environment, but using a paper towel as a placemat in the prep area—and another as a dish cloth—will go a long way toward saving you from a very orange cleanup.
You’re welcome.
Pumpkin Spice Chai
We got so much rain recently, and the sky turned so dark that I was inspired to try a new-to-me tea drink.
I love tea and drink it by the gallon most days, but I wanted a little something special to celebrate the rain.
Spoiler alert: This drink is delicious and therefore I consider it dangerous. Proceed at your own risk!
Pumpkin Spice Chai
- 1 chai tea bag
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (I make my own and shared the recipe here.)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1½ cups milk (I used coconut milk)
- Whipped topping (optional)
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla.
Over medium heat, warm the milk until hot, but not boiling.
Place the tea bag in the milk and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and squeeze out the excess liquid.
Pour the hot milk into the pumpkin mixture and mix well.
Serve in your beautiful new glass mug, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Yes, this is exactly why I bought this mug.
And then go sit somewhere cozy.
You earned it.
Wrap Up
None of these recipes will win any contest for originality, but I hope this inspires you to try a few new treats for the season in your own home—without the fancy coffee shop prices and all the added sugar.
These drinks made ordinary days feel special and that might work for you too!
Thank you for spending a bit of your Saturday with me.
May God bless you and yours.
