Photo: Silvio Hesse
Winter Warm-up: My favorite drink for the cold season
If you don't want to miss out on your wingfoil sessions in winter, you'll know this feeling: The wind is fresh, the water is icy – and after an extended session, you urgently need something to warm you up from the inside. That's exactly what my favorite hot drink is for – simple, spicy, and warming!
It consists of exactly four ingredients: fresh ginger, a dried chili, a pinch of turmeric, and water. That's all it takes.
Photo: Silvio Hesse
Why these ingredients?
I've been drinking the turmeric-chili-ginger drink for years – especially in winter and after extensive cold water sessions, because it reliably brings me back to temperature. And because I simply love the taste of turmeric. Additionally, the ingredients are said to have some interesting properties:
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Ginger – Fresh, slightly spicy and often celebrated as a "miracle tuber." It is said to promote blood circulation, support the immune system, and possess antioxidant properties.
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Chili – Capsaicin, the active compound in chili that provides its heat, can stimulate circulation and create a pleasant inner warmth. It is also attributed with anti-inflammatory properties.
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Turmeric – The yellow root contains curcumin, which is said to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-promoting effects. Especially in combination with chili, its effects are believed to intensify.
Photo: Silvio Hesse
Notes on tolerability
Even though the ingredients have many positive properties – not everyone tolerates them equally well. Chili can irritate the stomach – so it's better to use it sparingly or omit it entirely if you have a sensitive stomach. Turmeric is generally considered well-tolerated, but in larger quantities, it can also lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Small disclaimer: I am not a doctor or nutritionist, but merely sharing what helps me enjoy foiling through the cold season.
The recipe – simple, quick, and enjoyable on the go
You will need:
✔ 3 thin slices of fresh ginger
✔ 1 dried chili (amount depending on your tolerance for spiciness)
✔ A pinch of turmeric (dried and ground)
✔ Boiling water
Here's how:
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Cut 3 slices of ginger, peel them, and place them in a cup or bottle
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Add chili
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Add turmeric
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Pour boiling water over it
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Let it steep for about 5-10 minutes. (For a more intense flavor, steep longer and stir again before drinking, as some of the turmeric powder settles at the bottom of the cup.)
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Enjoy directly – or take it to your spot in a thermos
Photo: Silvio Hesse
Even more variations for your taste
Not a fan of chili or turmeric? Hot ginger water alone is also wonderfully warming after a session.
🐝 Fancy some sweetness? A spoonful of honey rounds off the taste and takes away some of the drink's spiciness. If you generally don't like the strong flavor of the drink, just omit the honey, as well as the other ingredients, and swap the drink for a hot chocolate :)
♻️ Infuse multiple times! I simply leave the ginger and chili in the cup – and if I fancy another cup later, I just add a pinch of turmeric and pour hot water over it again.
The drink is robustly spicy, thoroughly warming, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you've just come out of the water or are getting cozy on the couch – give it a try!
Still looking for a new mug? Take a look at our Home Collection or Beach Collection – you might find your new favorite item there.
Photo: Silvio Hesse
