Spice Up Your Allergy-Friendly Cold Weather Drinks

Sure, maybe Punxsutawney Phil isn’t a fail-proof prognosticator. Whether or not you put much stock into what a rodent and his shadow predict, you can’t argue with the fact that the vernal equinox is more than six weeks away. During that span of time, we’ll likely have our fair share of bone-chilling days — the sort of days that make you want to reach for a mug filled with a steaming hot beverage that can warm you from the inside out. If you’re looking for the perfect cup that strikes a balance between comfort and allergy-friendly, the following recipes are worth sipping.

Spicy Hot Chocolate

You can skip the milk and still indulge a creamy cup of chocolatey goodness with a spicy kick. This recipe for Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate from The Endless Meal adds a bit of chili pepper kick to your traditional cup of hot cocoa. The recipe starts with ½ cup of dark chocolate. While traditional dark chocolate does not contain milk, some of the more popular commercial brands do contain dairy. Check your labels carefully and find a bar that’s free of milk if you’re allergic. Likewise, this recipe uses 2 cups of milk or a milk substitute. (The author uses almond milk, which could work if you’re not cooking for someone with tree nut allergies.) The milk-sub you use may influence the taste of your drink, so have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Dairy-Free Chai Tea

Many hot drinks add a layer of flavor and creaminess thanks to milk, but maintaining a dairy-free diet doesn’t mean you need to forgo those beverages. As noted above, getting creative with your milk substitutes can add a new layer of flavor, so don’t be afraid to put your own allergy-safe spin on something like this Indian Chai from The Conscientious Eater. Chai is a cup full of flavor regardless of what milk you use to sweeten and smooth it out. By making your own spice mix, you can play around with the layers of flavor to create your own unique cup. You can also exclude ingredients that may or may not be safe for your allergic family.

Cinnamon Stick Coffee

Whether you like your coffee black or some degree of “light,” you’re going to love this spicy twist to your faithful cup of joe. Skip the plastic stirring stick or spoon…