It’s January and like everyone else I’m on that “new year, new me” kick. It was going pretty well until I attended a friends bachelorette party in Nashville and threw any healthy routine I had going out the window for a few days (which was totally worth it btw). I’ve been getting back on track this week and that has really started with my morning routine. So I wanted to share a few of my go-to AM drinks that kickstart my day and get me going in the right direction.
Apple cider Vinegar Lemon Tonic
I’ve talked about apple cider vinegar before and all of it benefits. Since then I’ve gotten better at taking a tablespoon of the good stuff in the morning mixed water – but it can be tough to get down. This ACV tonic is the total opposite. The lemon and maple syrup cut the taste and the warm water gives you the illusion your drinking tea.
ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Add all ingredients to a mason jar and give it a good shake. I like to drink this tonic right out of the mason jar. The ground ginger will settle so keeping it in the jar allows you to shake it up between sips. My fave products for this drink are pictured above, you can shop them here and here. Also, if you haven’t discovered them already, Thrive Market is the bomb for your go-to organic pantry staples. (Not an ad just a happy customer!)
iced matcha green tea latte
New favorite drink right here! I’m in love with matcha. On days I want to sub out my usual coffee I make this iced matcha green tea latte. Among loads of good for you benefits; matcha powder is full of antioxidants, is known to boost your metabolism and improves cholesterol. Plus, it contains caffeine so you’ll still get your morning jolt.
ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 teaspoon matcha (plus 1/3 cup of water)
- 2 teaspoons honey (to taste)
In a small bowl whisk together the matcha and water. This step is optional, I just like to make sure the powdered matcha is fully mixed. Pour everything into a blender and blend on low until frothy. Serve over ice. You can shop the powdered matcha I’m using here.
Skinny vanilla iced coffee
Those two drinks I just told you about are really great, but sometimes you just need an old favorite – a skinny homemade vanilla iced coffee. Sticking with my health kick I’m doing my best to cut out splenda and other artificial sweeteners. So for this recipe I made a simple syrup with agave and vanilla extract to sweeten my iced coffee.
ingredients
- 8 ounces strong coffee (brewed/refrigerated)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup agave
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
This drink has a few items you’ll need to make and chill ahead of time, but the good news is you can make them in a large batch and store in the fridge. First is the coffee. I almost always have brewed coffee in the fridge – mainly because I’ve made the decision to marry a man who doesn’t drink coffee (um, what?) and continue to make too much in the mornings. Once you have your chilled coffee, you’ll also need to make your vanilla agave simple syrup. In a small sauce pan add your agave and water. Heat and stir until dissolved then add in the vanilla extract. Let cool then transfer to a jar with a lid. You can store this in the fridge for about a month.
Once you have your coffee and simple syrup prepped you can quickly build your iced coffee. Pour 8 oz of chilled coffee over iced, mix in your almond milk and simple syrup to taste. Serving with a straw is a must!
Enjoy!
Meghan
