How to Make a Warming Herbal Cocktail with Tinctures

Rachelle for Mountain Rose Herbs.

I notice winter first when the leaves begin to dry, fade, and fall. I imagine the life force of the tree receding back into its trunk and underground roots. I feel a bit melancholic at first—not wanting to have to follow nature’s lead in hunkering down and going in. But I’ve come to love Fall as a season as full as any other, with its own flavors, rhythms, and herbal remedies.

When the weather changes, we can embrace both the change and the newness it ushers in. Seasonal transitions are a natural time to refresh habits, start new routines, and cleanse if that’s part of your flow. I personally (and professionally!) love any opportunity to reshape a habit or revisit a dependency, so these times of the year often find me spending a weekend revisiting my health practices and doing a bit of lifestyle house-cleaning. I employ the same approach with clients, and in groups during classes or events. Together, we might all consider what we’re eating and drinking, how much we’re moving and when, what time we’re sleeping and how well, and, of course, which herbs are in our current rotation.

For Fall and Winter, my favorite plants to frequent include immune supports like astragalus and elderberry; carminatives like ginger and cinnamon for digestion and internal heat; circulation increasers such as cayenne, ginseng and prickly ash for keeping warm.* I also encourage mucilants or demulcents like marshmallow root and mullein for hydrating throats and lungs; as well as herbal oils used topically for dry skin (consider jojoba or sacha inchi—such a special find!).

Of all the ways to use herbs, one of the most enjoyable might be herbal cocktails. Not only is it an easy way to reduce alcohol consumption, but herbal drinks are delicious functional sips we can imbibe all day long if we like. Day drinking, boozy brunch, or nightcaps are now good for you too!

I’ve created this Warming Herbal Spritz recipe as a template that can be made hot or cold. Served heated, it’s reminiscent of a hot toddy: citrusy sweet with a bit of bite. Cold, it’s sparkling and refreshing while still being energetically warming. I’ve included a variety of citrus, spice, and optional sweetness — most of which also happen to be the colors of the season — and herbal bitters, which can be excellent for digestion and immunity.

May this seasonal spritz bring warmth, peace, and wellness to you and yours!

Warming Herbal Spritz Recipe: Cold

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup organic orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred) + zest (about 1/2 tsp)

• 1/4 tsp. organic turmeric juice or organic turmeric powder

• 1 serving (1/2 - 1 tsp) herbal bitters of choice

• 1 serving* organic tinctures such as Kava, Prickly Ash, Damiana, or Ginseng (optional) *Serving sizes vary so you’ll want to check the product labels. Often, tincture servings are 1 - 2 droppers-full.

• Ice

• Organic sparkling cider (apple or fruit of choice—spiced if possible!)

• Optional garnishes: Dried or candied orange peel, candied ginger, a cinnamon stick, preserved cherries, cayenne powder, honey.

Directions

1. In a prep cup, combine orange juice, turmeric juice or powder, herbal bitters, and optional tincture of choice. Whisk until very well blended.

2. In serving glass, combine ice with sparkling cider. Stir in herbal-orange blend until combined.

3. Top with orange zest and garnish with any of the optional garnishes you fancy.

4. Add a dash of cayenne for additional spice or a spin of honey for more sweetness.

Warming Herbal Spritz Recipe: Hot

Ingredients

• 6-8 oz. filtered water

• 1/3 cup organic orange juice

• 1/4 tsp. organic turmeric juice or organic turmeric powder

• 1 serving (1/2 - 1 tsp) herbal bitters of choice

• 1 serving* organic tinctures such as Kava, Prickly Ash, Damiana, or Ginseng (optional) *Serving sizes vary so you’ll want to check the product labels. Often, tincture servings are 1 - 2 droppers-full.

Directions

1. Heat filtered water in a tea kettle or stovetop pot.

2. Meanwhile, in a prep cup, combine orange juice, turmeric juice or powder, herbal bitters, and optional tincture of choice. Whisk until very well blended.

3. In serving mug, add 6-8 oz. hot water. Stir in herbal-orange blend to combine.

4. Top with orange zest and garnish with any of the optional garnishes you fancy.

5. Add a dash of cayenne for additional spice or a spin of honey for more sweetness.

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