Warmup for wing foilers: My favorite drink for the cold season
If you don’t want to miss out on your wingfoil sessions in winter, you probably know the feeling: the wind is crisp, the water icy – and after a long session, you seriously need something to warm you up from the inside. That’s exactly what my favorite hot drink is for – simple, spicy, and warming!
It’s made with just four ingredients: fresh ginger, a dried chili, a pinch of turmeric, and water. That’s all you need.
Why these ingredients?
I’ve been drinking this turmeric-chili-ginger mix for years – especially in winter and after long cold-water sessions, because it reliably warms me back up. Plus, I just love the taste of turmeric. On top of that, each ingredient is said to have some pretty interesting benefits:
Ginger – Fresh, slightly spicy, and often hailed as a “miracle root.” It’s said to support circulation, boost the immune system, and have antioxidant properties.
Chili – Capsaicin, the spicy compound in chili, can get your blood flowing and gives you that cozy inner warmth. It’s also said to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Turmeric – The golden root contains curcumin, which is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestion-supporting effects. Combined with chili, its effects are believed to be even stronger.
A note on tolerance
Even though these ingredients have a lot of great qualities, not everyone tolerates them the same way. Chili can irritate the stomach – so it’s best to use it sparingly or skip it altogether if you’ve got a sensitive stomach. Turmeric is generally well-tolerated, but in larger amounts, it can also cause digestive discomfort.
Quick disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or nutritionist – just sharing what helps me get through the cold season and keep on foiling.
The recipe – simple, quick and a treat even on the go
You need:
✔ 3 thin slices of fresh ginger
✔ 1 dried chili (amount depending on your tolerance to heat)
✔ A pinch of turmeric (dried and ground)
✔ Boiling water
Here's how:
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Cut 3 slices of ginger, peel and put into 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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Steep for about 5-10 minutes. (For a more intense flavor, steep longer and stir again before drinking, as some of the turmeric powder will settle to the bottom of the cup.)
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Enjoy directly – or take it with you to the spot in a thermos flask
Even more variations to suit your taste
Not a fan of chili or turmeric? Hot ginger water on its own is also a wonderful way to warm up after a session.
🐝 Fancy something sweet? A spoonful of honey rounds out the flavor and takes some of the spiciness out of the drink. If you don't like the spice of the drink in general, simply omit the honey and the other ingredients and swap it for a hot chocolate ;)
♻️ Pour over the tea several times! I simply leave the ginger and chili in the cup – and if I'd like to have another cup later, I just add a pinch of turmeric and pour over the tea again.
The drink is bold and spicy, warming, and super easy to make. Whether you're just out of the water or cozying up on the couch – give it a try!
Stay warm and celebrate cold water foiling!
