I’m feeling particularly nostalgic at the end of this year, mainly because it was our first full year of parenting. This year Adriana blossomed from a 3 month old baby in January into a 15 month old hilarious, chatty, and very strong-willed toddler by December. The change!!! We witnessed first words, first crawls, first teeth, and first steps in 2015. My iphone filled capacity countless times (breathe…), but I still worried that I wasn’t capturing enough. The sheer amount of development, growth, and experiences that we’ve shared together in 2015 are enough to make my eyes well up with tears. Even though I know there were tough times in every area of life, right now I’m reflecting through rose coloured glasses. I hope the memories will stay a part of me in one way or another, even if I wasn’t so great at documenting everything like I did in the early months.
Like every year, I consumed more than my fair share of treats this month. After we got home from visiting family, I found myself at the grocery store stuffing my cart with produce galore and planning homemade plant-heavy meals in an effort to bring back the balance. The great thing about plant-based eating is that it only takes a day or two to get back on track and feel energized once again. I’m not someone who shuns sweets entirely at the start of a year (I love my dark chocolate way too much), but instead prefer to focus on what I’m adding to my diet. Celebrate that stuff!
I love, love, love experimenting with homemade hot tonics, and I’ve been tweaking my favourite concoctions for a few years now. I know anything detox is so cliche this time of the year, but this drink really does make me feel amazing after weeks of indulgences so I don’t even care. In the past, I’ve often used fresh turmeric, fresh ginger, cayenne, and sliced lemon (see my “Healing rooibos tea” on page 69 of The Oh She Glows Cookbook), which is awesome, but it requires a trip to the grocery store, and finding fresh turmeric can be hit or miss. Recipes need to be accessible so I came up with this delicious “pantry” version for those times when I want it now. It’s fast, there’s no grating/peeling involved (unless you opt for the fresh ginger version), and you can keep the ingredients on hand in your pantry (aside from the lemon, but I usually have those miracle workers on hand!) to enjoy any time the craving strikes. Yes, you will crave this drink…it’s that good. I know this is going to be my reset button drink all winter long.
Hot Detox Tonic
Yield
2 cups (500 mL)
Soak time
7-8 minutes
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Get ready to feel warm, energized, and ready to tackle the day! This is my new go-to hot beverage of choice when I want to hit the reset button, amp up my metabolism, and boost circulation. It comes together fast with ingredients that I tend to keep on hand. I love to drink this throughout the day, but it’s especially effective when consumed on an empty stomach after waking. I use a ginger tea bag for a quick option, but I provide a fresh ginger option below too. Also, if you ever have some kicking around, fresh mint is an invigorating, tummy-soothing addition.
Ingredients
- 1 ginger tea bag or 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger*
- 2 cups (500 mL) boiling water
- Few dashes cinnamon, to taste**
- Few dashes ground turmeric, to taste
- Few dashes cayenne pepper, to taste (use less if you don’t like heat)
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) apple cider vinegar
- 1 small lemon slice
- Pure maple syrup, to taste (I use 1 teaspoon/5 mL)
Directions
- Grab an extra large mug or a small teapot (3-cup capacity). Place ginger tea bag inside.
- Boil 2 cups of water and pour all the water into the mug/teapot. Cover and steep the ginger tea for 7 to 8 minutes.
- Remove tea bag. Set aside the tea bag to cool. Once the tea bag has cooled a bit you can gently squeeze it into the pot to infuse the tea with even more ginger flavour.
- Add the cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne. Whisk until combined.
- Add the vinegar and drop in the lemon wedge. Whisk to infuse the lemon.
- Add maple syrup to taste, and whisk to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tip:
- * For the fresh ginger version: Pop the fresh grated ginger into a tea ball or mesh tea steeper, and steep tea for about 6 to 7 minutes. Proceed as usual.
- ** The spices tend to settle at the bottom of the mug/pot. Simply whisk it now and then to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
I’d like to wish you all a New Year filled with happiness, health, love, and your wildest dreams becoming reality! Thank you for all your support, comments, love, and encouragement in 2015. I can’t wait to share the fun things we have coming up in 2016.
Angela
This looks deliciously warm! Can’t wait to try it out!!
-Brittney
Hi Angela,
I love hot tonics especially during this cold time of the year. In fact I am struggling with a sore throat at the moment and as I am writing this I am drinking a mixture of ginger and turmeric tea, but your recipe sounds like it will leave me feeling better in no time. Thank you for the recipe Angela, and have a great start into the new year. I look forward to following your exciting journey in 2016.
All the best,
Lynn
I hope you feel better soon Lynn! All the best in 2016 and thanks for your kind words. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Can’t wait to try this!!! Love your glassware :) Where do you get those cute glasses/tea pot? Best to you in 2016! ~mia
Thanks Mia! The glass is from Crate and Barrel :)
The teapot was a gift years ago from my bestie so I’m not sure where it’s from but the brand is “teaposy” Hope this helps!
I actually had the same question about the teapot! So cute!
Thanks for asking the exact question I was thinking too! I will going online to Crate and Barrel. So cute! I love anything with the word Detox in it that will brighten my mood, energize me and generally “get me through” but it’s interesting that you drink this tea on an empty stomach. Not to get all graphic on you, but anytime I drink tea on an empty stomach, well, let’s just say the stomach flu sets in. Yet I’m not sick. I hope I’m not sacrificing any health benefits by eating with this tea. Was really excited about the mint too ~ it’s an intrusive plant and has taken over my side yard!!~ I have literally buckets full. If anyone wants any, pop over or send me your address for shipping purposes hehe =) I hate to see waste =)
Laura, I don’t think you are sacrificing any health benefits from drinking this tea with a meal vs. on an empty stomach. In fact, ginger and cayenne pepper are excellent digestive stimulants so you are actually assisting your digestive system by drinking this with your food. (Ginger and cayenne stimulate digestive circulation and turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, along with many other health positives.) I have studied naturopathic nutrition and have recently received my certification; these are all excellent health-boosting ingredients to consume. I am so pleased to see so many great recipes on this site that incorporate the use of whole foods and natural spices and herbs!
I can’t wait to try this tonic! Thanks Angela!
As for the mint… that is best contained in a pot on a sunny patio; they are very intrusive, as you know. Basil has a tendency to do the same thing ;)
Hi Ruby,
Thanks so much, I appreciate you weighing in.
So, is the point (or one of them) of this drink TO MAKE the contents of the intestine move out faster? Like a laxative effect? “Detox” and “speed up Metabolism” always make me think, “Laxative.” Thanks, I’d love to try this if it doesn’t stimulate bowel movements! BTW, this kind of tea stains teeth more than regular tea or coffee. Just a head’s up!
thanks for sharing this! Definitely going to try it out! pinned :)
stop by and chat with me ♥ http://storybookapothecary.com
What ever happened to your tea shoppe?
Hi Heidi, We decided to focus on other business endeavours for 2016 and are not running it currently. I’m sorry for any inconvenience!
Sounds great! I often do fresh ginger, apple cider vinegar, and lemon, so now I’m excited to try it with these spices. Hope you’re having a great holiday season. Happy New Year!
This looks so refreshing! I want to go make a big pot right now – thanks for using normal, household ingredients! I loved using your cookbook this year and I can’t wait to see everything you’ll do in 2016!
This looks very comforting right now. Did you drink this when you were pregnant? I’m 22 weeks pregnant, and although I wouldn’t expect you to say definitively whether pregnant ladies can drink this or not, I’m just curious if you used it during pregnancy too.
Congrats on your pregnancy Chelsea!
I didn’t drink this specific drink while pregnant. I would check with your obgyn to be sure!
I wish I had everything with me right now at work so that I could make this! Looks amazing!! Will have to wait until tonight or tomorrow (or both!) to try it out :)
Also, I have a 2 year old son (about 11 months older than your little girl), and the changes don’t stop! It’s incredible the rate which they develop and grow. This past year with him, from 14 months to now 26 months, has been SO fun! And don’t worry, you will keep those memories of the first year+ forever; more memories will just pile up on them!
We have a 16 week old, and I know what you mean! It has been a whirlwind! And full of indulgences. I can’t wait to give this tea a try!
It’s been an exciting year indeed! Love the pictures, and happy holidays to everyone!
The photography would be nothing without your hand modeling :p
This tea looks so good! What are your thoughts on drinking ACV or the Traditional Medicinals Ginger tea while breastfeeding? Thanks–I aways appreciate your insight.
Angela, would this work with some ginger lemon teabags? I have some in my cupboard from when I was pregnant, but don’t love it just to sip on (I’ve got heaps of green tea and mother’s milk tea for that :) ). However I would drink it if it was first thing in the morning and combined with the other ingredients. A nice change from my hot lemon water.
Phew! I can definitely use a detox…I was ill over Christmas and my tummy needed some TLC. I used fresh gibger…wow…what a zinger! I love the cookbook recipe, too, and can reliably find fresh turmeric at Goodbness Me, luckily.
Thank you for this pre-New Year celebrating detox!
I love the teapot, too…your “bestie” has terrific taste!
*ginger :)
This tonic looks amazing. I can’t wait to try it. I always have a stash of fresh turmeric and ginger in the freezer.
Happy New Year!
I didn’t know you could freeze ginger and turmeric! Thanks for the tip!
FYI – You can also freeze citrus whole, and then grate the peels as needed. So handy!
I think I am going to swear by this ‘one drink!’ It has everything required to detoxify your body. also I feel the hunger cravings reduced, maybe because of cinnamon. Thanks for sharing. love from www.wintersnuggle.com http://goo.gl/I0qjVt
Hey Angela,
I wonder if there are any plans for a Dutch translation of your cookbook?
Have a wonderfull New Year!
Sara
Hey Angela,
I can’t wait to make this. Also, please tell me where I can find that beautiful teapot and cup…I love it!!
Thanks,
Kristi
I want that beautiful teapot…….it would motivate me to make my tea in such a lovely vessel!
Absolutely amazing drink! I just tried it out my it’s delicious! I’m hoping it will help my circulation. Thanks for string it!
How amazing to watch your daughter grow :) I’m 5 months pregnant and I just can’t wait to watch my little one grow and learn and become their own person! As for the tonic, it looks so lovely and warming! I’ll be trying it :)
Hi,
Can you tell me what the detox tea is go for. Would like to try it
I’m allergic to ginger – fresh is out and I wouldn’t chance the tea bag. But it’s in sooo many recipes like this – and I understand why, it is really good for you. But for me and others like me; what are good alternatives? Something with close to the same benefits that could be subbed. I was thinking maybe cinnamon tea and leave out the fresh cinnamon but maybe there are other things out there that are also beneficial and would work just as well.
Perhaps try some fresh apple. You will still get a kick from the cayenne and apple cider vinegar but the apple will complement these flavors well xx
Just tried this tea for the first time and love it. I will be drinking this regularly, I didn’t have any fresh lemons, so I took some lemon juice I have frozen and just dunked it in the hot tea for a few seconds and it worked great.
I LOVE Ginger tee. This looks wonderful (also, that tea pot is adorable).
*tea :)
Yum! Thank you. Looking forward to it!
Nice! I have a jar of turmeric that is destined for this, and just bought a huge hunk of fresh ginger from Whole Paycheck last night! Thanks for the lovely idea…Happy New Year!!
I was so glad I had all the ingredients when I saw your recipe. It’s very flavourful, complex and refreshing. Reminiscent of an early summer morning. Thank you!!
Oh I swear that combo of lemon, ginger and cayenne is addictive! I had a very similar but cool and refreshing version yesterday morning with breakfast. So good to start the day with!
I sooo need this. love it when I find a recipe and have everything on hand. will be waking up to this in the morning and starting 2016 off right. thank you for the recipie and thank you for sharing your “gift” with us. I prepare a lot of your recipies for my family and friends. they are always big hits and asked for again and again. happy 2016 ❤️
That looks fantastic. It’s currently summer where I am (and scorching hot) – would it contain the same goodness, if I made it as ice tea?
Mmm this sounds so good Ange! I love ginger and turmeric, so this has my name written all over it. Wishing you and the family a super Happy New Year! xo
Looks great! How much is a dash? Would that be a couple of pinches? 1/8 tsp? Thanks! Happy New Year!
Dear Angela, Happy New Year! thank you for your excellent article on My Favourite Hot Detox Tonic. By the way, I wish you could add video in this article but the images were awesome. Keep the great writing skill up. Thanks again for giving me a good resource. Waiting for your reply!
Hi there! Happy New Year!
I stumbled upon your blog recently and have tried a few of your recipes (Endurance crackers, cherry energy bites, chick pea salad… all excellent!). And I just tried this hot drink this afternoon with a full tablespoon of fresh ginger. Warm, spicy and soothing! My kind of post-Holidays drink! :)
I’m not vegan but I appreciate plant-based recipes. Thank you for all the ideas!
Kathy
Your nostalgia over Adriana’s growth this year is too precious. They grow up so quickly, don’t they? I bet you can’t wait to see what this year has in store for your little one!
This tonic was just what I needed! I’m getting over a cold at the moment, and this, coupled with your tomato soup, warmed me right to the bone. I only had fresh ginger and not ginger tea, which I think I preferred as I could make it as spicy as I wanted! ;)
This is so fantastic! I rarely drink these kinds of detox tonics, but all the ingredients in here resonated with me so much that I wanted to give it a try. And I’m so glad I did! I definitely foresee this becoming a winter staple for me, so thank you!
I love hot tonics like this, and this combination sounds just perfect! I feel like my body is almost craving turmeric this time of year… The best thing for feeling energised during the colder months! Wishing you a healthy and happy 2016 :)
Just made a small teapot full. Loved it. Thanks for the recipe!
I am new here and loving what i see. Will start with the tea. Sounds good! How do i get the book?
Love these ingredients and want to make the tea this weekend. Can any ledtover be safety stored in the fridge to drink cold? Thanks! Love your cookbooks and meal ideas.
Hi Angela, happy New Year! Enjoy those sweet moments with your toddler…it all goes by too fast and then you open your eyes and you have teenagers in the house!
This hot tonic sounds interesting. I don’t have any ginger tea in the house but I have some minced fresh ginger in a jar …I will give it swirl and a whirl! Thank you for sharing. We are cell rating New Years at an all-inclusive in Mexico (much like being on a cruise) and I am more than ready for some detoxing. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
I’m freaking out over your adorable tea pot. Happy New Year to you!!!
The ginger teabag you used is it pure ginger? I tried to find some in the health food store today and they were all blends with other herbs etc. So I just went ahead and bought fresh ginger, but wondered if a I should use a green team bag wine other ingredients.
Yogi Tea makes a pure ginger tea. I get mine at Trader Joes but other retailers carry it as well.
Sipping on this right now and I love it. As someone else has mentioned, I really do appreciate you posting a recipe that calls for ground spices in combination with the tea bags. Love the blog-thank you and happy new year.
I’d love to be able to make a big batch of this to drink all week and pack into work. Any suggestions on any ingredients that really should be added last minute/how long it will stay effective for? Does this drink need to be made the day of?
I was wondering the same thing. To be able to grab it and go on my way out to work each morning would be the best.
I am so glad I found this recipe. I am sipping away at a cup as we speak and I do enjoy it!
I tried a name brand “teatox” in November and although I was thinking about trying it again I think that I will now just stick with this recipe! Thanks!!!
This was loaded with good flavor. Thank you for another great recipe. I absolutely love your blog and cookbook!
This tea is loaded with delicious flavors. Thank you for another great recipe. I absolutely love your blog and cookbook!
I haven’t been able to stop drinking this tonic! It’s become my go-to each morning before breakfast. I make a big batch and reheat it on the stove over 2 days – not sure what the does to the nutritional value though…
Thanks Angela!!! :)