Don’t let the cold get you down! Chilly days can be dreary and maybe a little depressing sometimes but this doesn’t mean you should give in. You can brighten your day instantly and energize your body with the right winter drinks.

What’s so awesome about drinks

For one thing, sipping on something warm can be soothing especially when you’re feeling cold. And there’s also the fact that it puts you in a better mood. Sounds crazy? Well, one study did find that people who held a cup of hot coffee were more likely to be considered friendlier than those who didn’t.

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We can kind of see the theory behind it. In general, when people feel comfortable, which tasty drinks tend to do, they are more likely to strike up conversations and even help others.

In addition, drinks, in general, can be pleasurable. Slate made an example of a person who drinks coffee. Even if you don’t realize it, you don’t just love it because it fills your stomach or wakes you up. Over time, it has become something you associate with pleasure and satisfaction, otherwise, drinking it will be dull indeed.

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So basically, the right drink will not only make you nicer but happier too. How amazing! Now that we’ve got you craving for a drink, let’s offer you some great recipes to try.

Winter drinks recipes – Vegan peppermint hot chocolate

This recipe only requires a couple of minutes to prepare and it’s extremely worth it.

Ingredients

• Boiling water: 2 cups
• Almond milk: 2 cups
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
• Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
• Cacao powder: 3 tablespoons
• Peppermint extract: 314 teaspoons.

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Process

1. Combine all your ingredients together in a high-powered blender.
2. Blend until it’s smooth and you can drink it immediately.

You can also make this on a stove by adding all the ingredients into a saucepan and whisk on medium heat until it’s well-combined.

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Vegan eggnog with cashew milk

Courtesy of SimplyOrganic, this is a nice drink too.

Ingredients

• Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground cloves: 1/8 teaspoon
• Raw unsalted cashews: 1 cup
• Water: 2 cups
• Coconut milk: 1 13.5-ounce can
• Dates (pitted): 3

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Process

1. Blend the cashews, water, and coconut milk together for about a minute.
2. Use a mesh sieve to strain the mixture then pour the liquid back into the blender. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend for another minute or so. You want a smooth consistency.
3. Pour your eggnog mix into a jar for storage and refrigerate it until it’s cold and thick. This may take up to a week.
4. Serve cold.

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Chai tea latte

This is another great drink recipe to try.

• Organic five-spice powder, 1/2 teaspoon.
• Cardamom: 1/8 teaspoon.
• Cinnamon: 1/8 teaspoon.
• Water: 1 cup.
• Loose-leaf black tea: 2 teaspoons.
• Almond milk: 1 cup
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon.

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Process

1. Pour your water, loose leaf tea, five-spice powder, cinnamon and cardamom into a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Then add the milk.
2. Turn the heat off and let the mix seat for about 5 minutes after which you’ll pour it through a mesh strainer.
3. Add some sugar and your drink is ready.

Other ways to stay warm and happy during the winter

Apart from these drinks, there are some other options for staying comfortable during the chilly winter nights.

• Have a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
• Bake some treats.
• Watch a good holiday movie.
• Do some light stretching.
• Cozy up in your bed with a good book.
• Snuggle up with a partner.

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The winter months can be pretty tough sometimes. Some of the fun activities like going swimming, taking a long stroll and generally being out and about aren’t always an option. So at times like this, it pays to get creative. If you’re going to be indoors for most of it, be sure to do things that make you happy. And if you love good treats, these ones we provided for you should put a big smile on your face.