‘Tis the season to indulge in delicious food and drink alike. We took some classic festive favourites and gave them an herbal twist that add both flavour and health benefits.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A family favorite with a fresh kick!
Serves 2
- 2 cups milk or milk alternative of your choice (dairy, nut, oat, etc.)
- 2 Tablespoons organic cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 10mL (scant teaspoon) Peppermint Tincture
Whisk milk, cocoa and maple together over low heat in a saucepan until desired level of hotness is reached. Remove from heat and add peppermint tincture. Pour equal amounts into 2 mugs.
Optional: top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh mint or a sprinkle of crushed candy cane!
Not only does peppermint add a fresh and festive touch to your basic hot chocolate, it’s also a traditional digestive aid that can sooth the stomach and help to relieve indigestion from gas.
Pro tip: Short on time? Keep it simple with your favorite hot chocolate mix, simply add peppermint tincture once made!
Maple Apple Apéritif (or digestif)
Traditional and versatile!
Serves 1
Apéritifs are beverages served before meals that whet the appetite and prepare the digestive system, where digestifs are served after a meal to help settle the stomach.
Cider is a classic seasonal beverage, any time of day or night – and the simple addition of bitters gives it the benefits of digestive support.
- ½ tsp of Canadian Bitters® Maple
- 1 cup (250 mL) Apple Cider
Combine in a glass (or mug if serving hot). Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange wedge.
Optional: Add a tsp of maple syrup for an additional touch of sweet.
This versatile beverage can be served hot or cold over ice with a splash of sparking water!
Honey Chamomile Spritz
An elegant, soothing mocktail!
Wanting to indulge, but without alcohol? This chamomile spritzer recipe makes the perfect mocktail for the toasting season!
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 3 teaspoons honey
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 1 teaspoon Chamomile Tincture
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon and mint (optional)
Stir honey into warm water until fully dissolved, then add chamomile tincture. Pour over ice and top off with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon and a fresh mint sprig for garnish.
Pro tip: This spritzer also makes a great nightcap, as an alternative to an herbal tea.
In this post:
Peppermint – St. Francis Herb Farm
